Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just found out the kitten I've been waiting to adopt cannot be declawed. This will cause some major issues with my husband. I currently have 3 declawed males. Honeybunny, the kitten who deserves a loving home, is a female 6 mos old who is recuperating from surgery on both her hind legs. One has a pin in the hip for it to heal and the other leg bone had to be shaved down because she was previously hit by a car on the other side and it was not treated, it healed badly. It appears seh will not be able to jump, but I've never had a cat who had all it's claws and am afraid the hubby will make me give her up if she scratches any furniture. Need some guidance on what I can do to make sure she doesn't scratch inappropriately. Thanks!
Colleen
current human of Chopper Boogotti, Claude LeMeiux and Yokogary

When you bring her to the vet for the first time have them teach you how to trim her nails. If you do it often it will keep them short. This will lead to less scratching. Also maybe pick up some of those cardboard scratches, or the cat stratching posts.
If none of this works. They do make little plastic (softPaws) things you can glue onto your cats nails so they can't dig. I have never used them so not sure how they work.
I also know of a spray. Here is a link to it.
No Scratch

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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker

First off, bless you for adopting this kitten. All of Jaime's suggestions are good ones. As for not being able to jump, you may want to make the kit some ramps so she can get up to places that the other cats go such as furniture and window sills cause she is going to want to be up there too. Good luck and let us know how she is doing.
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PHWildCat/Tessa and 18 cats, 1 dog and even a hamster
Cat Board Monitor and Chat Host
Pet Hobbyist
A house without cats is like a garden without flowers

I have not told my husband yet that this kitten cannot be declawed, it would render her unable to walk. My other three male cat are declawed (indoor cats)and he will be livid when he finds out. But I love this little one who has been through so much. I also want what's best for her. The Soft claws I've used before, but they are hard to get on and hard to keep on for more than 5 hours. I'm hoping that she truns out to be a non-scratcher. Have you ever come across a cat that doesn't usually scratch? I'm hoping to train and deter her quickly so that he will allow me to keep her. It may be since she has never had to opportunity to scratch in the last 3 months due to her disability, that she may end up not needingscrathing things. I love her so much I'm willing to give it a go despite the wrath and for sure blow out that will happen (even before she ever scratches anything), but am also realistic enough to know that I may have to give her to another home in her best interest. Is it selfish of me to try? I am friends with the president of the Michigan Cat Rescue who is fostering the kitten right now.

I don't know. It may be selfish of you to try if there is a chance you would have to find her another home. If your friend is able to place her in a loving home that would be her home for the rest of her life it may be best. I know you would love her dearly and do anything for her. But do you want to risk an upset in your marriage for a cat that could find another loving home?
There are hundreds of cats out there needing home. Maybe this one just isn't the right one for you. I don't want to sound mean. It isn't fair to your husband or the cat. Both you and your husband need to agree on this. You should not bring the cat into your home with out telling your husband it can't be declawed.
Glows to you and the kitty.
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker

I have to agree with Jaime. This needs to be decided between your husband and you. Not fair to the kitten to be in a home where her daddy doesn't like her or want her. She needs to be in a home that accepts her disability and all the problems that come with it. Perhaps it would be best if they could find her a forever home where she would be able to settle in and stay forever.
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PHWildCat/Tessa and 18 cats, 1 dog and even a hamster
Cat Board Monitor and Chat Host
Pet Hobbyist
A house without cats is like a garden without flowers

Try these... I haven't tried them, but I bet they would work....

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=2975&N=2002 113036
Link