To De-Claw or not

[Dean Dwyer]

This an "interesting" article on whether or not to declaw your cat.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23467802/from/ET/

My cat is not declawed. I realize there are various schools of thought but I would rather take the time to train my cat then put him through such an awful experience. I personally provide appropriate toys for my cat so he won't attack my furniture.

I have provided a link to one such tactic/product I use to manipulate (or should I say catipulate) my critter. It works wonders.

Blitz TurboScratcher Cat Toy

[Jill]

I would never declaw our "girls". They are actually very well-behaved and know where they are supposed to scratch although every once in a while our little non-conformist Midnight will scratch the base of the sofa. She knows better but just likes to show who really is the boss (the residence is just on loan to us, you see--she actually owns it and everything in it LOL). The other three keep their shredding to the well-loved cat tower.

[Joey]

All 3 of my cats only always scratch on their scratching post. They look forward to a good stretch and scratch and use it everyday I know they like a tall post so they can stretch out, then they take turns sitting on top of it.
my only question is.... Why are scratching post so ugly? I wish I knew someone who could help me design a good looking fashionable one.....help

[Jill]

I've seen some decent looking ones in, let me think, I believe it was Drs. Foster and Smith. I don't know if you are familiar with them but they are two vets with a mail-order business and a website and it seems to me their catalog featured some good-sized scratching posts, among other things. Or, if you don't mind the thought of wood splinters getting all over, one book I have suggested getting a split log for the purpose of letting them scratch it. The "kitty condos" were very cool but a bit pricey at around $200 each.

[Joey]

Thanks Jill I will check it out drs. foster....

[Klevftorp's Katteri]

Absolutely cruelty to do such a thing to a cat.. and for sure not allowed in Sweden. If you got a cat, make your home for the cat too.. They are not so expensive the claw furnitures, and worth every penny. Dont go for the small ones. Buy a big durable one. Your cat will love it, and you, your cats behaviour

[Susan]

Sparky has always attacked my sofas and no matter what temptations I give him instead seems to prefer them, I have often threatened to declaw him but could never go through with it ..... I just but new sofas every few years although I no longer buy very expensive or leather ones. Would be great if there were some cat bootees that would stop this but I dont think I could stand the sight of him wearing boots. As Klevftorps Katteri has said you have to build your home around your cat !!!

[Joey]

1. You can throw some white sheets on the couch for a beach look.
2. or you can lay tinfoil on the couch, they don't like the noise so it keeps them away.
3.Try to put a scratching post near the couch- eventually you can just inch it away. good luck

[Joey]

The "declawing" question The first question I always ask someone who is considering having their cat declawed is “why”? The usual reply is, “So my cat won’t scratch the furniture”. Many people are unaware that in most cases, scratching problems can be eliminated without declawing. Scratching is an essential part of normal cat behavior and providing a scratching surface that is more appealing than furniture is usually all that is needed to solve the problem.

How to solve the problem If you are bringing a new cat into your home, having an appropriate scratching post from the very first day is essential. It will become the focus for all scratching activity and prevent problems from developing. If you already have a cat that has started scratching your furniture, simply placing a scratching post close to the spot where it scratches will most likely solve the problem. For aggressive scratchers, you may need more than one post. Purchasing a couple of scratching posts is less expensive than declawing and far more “cat friendly”.

Trim your cats claws every two weeks. If you haven't done this before it may seem a little intimidating but with a pair of cat nail clippers, it is not very difficult. It is much easier if you do the nail trimming in a small room such as a half bath. Your cat will realize that escape is not an option and will be more cooperative.

Cover the areas where your cat scratches the furniture with a towel, a sheet or double sided tape. This is a temporary measure and should be necessary for only a few weeks.

If your cat spends a good part of the day alone, boredom may be a factor. This often leads to excessive scratching since scratching is a stress reliever. Fifteen minutes of serious play activity on a daily basis (preferably with a string toy to encourage jumping and running) will reduce aggressive scratching.

Contrary to what many cat related web sites recommend, DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FORCE YOUR CAT TO SCRATCH BY FORCIBLY PLACING THEIR PAWS ON THE POST. This is a stressful situation for your cat and often will create real dislike for the scratching post. Instead, use a string toy to lead your cat to the post. Move the toy up the sides of the post and bounce it on top. This will encourage your cat to climb and scratch.

[Jill]

Just an additional thought here. I believe I previously stated that none of our "girls" are declawed. One of the conditions for adoption was that we would not declaw them. Having said that, we "encouraged" them to use the scratching post (and later the "kitty tower") by dangling a piece of string where we wanted them to go and gave them kitty treats when they used the scratching post/kitty tower. Occasionally Midnight *will* scratch on the sofa but she knows better and is doing it just to get attention.

[Joey]

I agree, I too made the mistake a of declawing one of my cats 18 years ago. I would NEVER do this again. Rocky went outside, never to return . I still hurt and miss rocky 17 years later.
I have 3 cats right now- and they NEVER scratch the couches, they always use the scratching post. YOU can train a cat- you must be consistant and you MUST PROVIDE for them an alternative place to scratch since this is natural for them to do, so introduce them when you get them to, scratch boxes or a scratching post It works!!!!!!!!

[Maxmillion&Jughead Mommy Genny]

I WOULD NEVER EVER DECLAW MY BABY

[Annie]

What do you do with an ingrown claw? My 1 cat even though we have been trimming her nails since she was a kitten and give her treats and love right after she fights. Now i think she has an ingrown nail and she won't let anyone look at it anymore she fights HARD. She always had attitude problems now i can't even touch her anymore let alone get her to a vet. (we tried several times )