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We have a female cat that is 4-6 years old. The wife has decided she wants to have the cat declawed because she's scratching the new hardwood floors while walking and running around the house, not to mention scratches on the couch or chairs where she may sleep.

It was my belief you could declaw a young kitten up to a certain age and after that it wasn't advised.

Can anybody quote me some material that I can present to the better half to change her mind? She called the Vet and I was surprised to hear that they said they would declaw this cat.

Edited on March 20, 2009 at 16:47:15 by freymann.

Hi There,

Declawing isn't a good thing to do at any age. It's painful, unnecessary, and can cause life-long health and behavioral problems. The surgery involves amputating the first digit of each toe. Many vets, mine included, no longer perform this surgery as they consider it inhumane.

A much better option is using a product known as Soft Paws. These are plastic caps that are glued over the cat's claws and they last at least a month. Similar nail caps are sold in pet stores under different names and I'm sure they work just as well.

If you like, I'll be happy to look up some sites with information on why declawing should not be done. My own cats do well with having their nails trimmed on a regular basis and having lots of their own things they are welcome to scratch.

Regards,
PHKitkat

She is a very cute cat. Declawing is something to be taken very seriously. It is not just removing a fingernail but is amputation of the first digit of the pets toes. It is painful and I imagine would be hard for an older cat to adjust too. It should only be done when all other options have been tried and have failed and the choice is either declaw or give the pet up...well, I would rather a pet have a home and no claws than no home and claws but again remember it will cause the cat pain and you can try trimming the claws or putting the soft paws on her.
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Thank you for the feedback. We had our other cat declawed when he was a kitten and he is doing fine but I'm not happy about the thoughts of declawing the older cat at the present time.

I will urge her to consider nail trimming and even the caps.

Thanks again!