How do we persuade people not to declaw cats?
Friday, January 13th, 2012 at
7:00 pm
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The only way to get these people from doing such a barbaric thing, is to make it illegal. You can show all the declawing videos you want to these people, but if they have got the mentality and the shallowness and selfishness to want to do this horrible thing, it wont stop them. They dont give a crap about the cat or the cats welfare, so outlawing it would be the only deterrent.
I actually think that if it WAS made illegal, then these excuses for human beings wouldnt actually keep cats.
It is illegal in my country.
Persuade Cats to stop scratching the s*** out of people.
Tell them why it is important not to declaw their cats and teach them about the different scratch toys and how to teach their cat to use them. The Humane Society has great info on this.
Someone posted some good videos on utube of what was done – I would just do a search.
I have a good website that I post the link too about declawing and have also printed it for friends to stop them from ruining there cat.
I just posted almost this same question.
Well, I know of a TON of websites!!
Here:
- http://www.declawing.com
- http://community-2.webtv.net/zuzu22/stopdeclawtemporary/
- http://www.de-clawing.com/
(^ This website states, "The most effective antidote to declawing is information." And I couldn’t agree more!!!)
- http://maxshouse.com/Truth%20About%20Declawing.htm
(^This one outlines the anatomy of a cat’s actual paw, and each claw, showing how completely detrimental it is…)
- http://amby.com/cat_site/declaw.html
(^Outlines the issues, and alternatives!!)
I won’t go into the Youtube videos, because as a logical, moral, and ethical human being, I just can’t watch them. It makes me sick to my stomach. =(
Hope those help!! I’ll star this, I’d like to come back to it for whenever I come across another crazy declaw question.
Thanks!
(P.S. I just did a google search- Hmm…Funny how I couldn’t find any PRO-declaw websites….interesting, isn’t it.)
EDIT: To the guy who says he’s all for declawing- You’re a top contributor in FISH! What would you know? That information you posted is total bull. You write that yourself?
Hi there,
This is one of the most informative videos on this subject. It thoroughly explains the entire procedure.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok_soDjH2UM&feature=related
It is rather graphic as it shows the procedure, but it really gets the point across extremely well.
I found another short and to the point video that I think is very well done.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vg6geujETCU&feature=related
Hope this helps,
Troublesniffer
Owned by cats for over 40 years
Strong anti-declaw advocate
well I show them real fact and studys froms non-bisa sources…..such as Universities…and not the misinformation that PEDA and the ASPA shows…
O yeah i all for owners rights to declaw….
published 200: World Congress
In numerous studies to date, declawing has been shown to cause no increase in behavior problems. Declawed cats were no more likely to bite than clawed cats (12) and no more likely to soil (10,11,14). In a study of 276 cat owners, declawing successfully met or surpassed the owner’s expectations in all cases.(4) There was 96% owner satisfaction and over 70% of cat owners indicated that there was an improvement in the cat-owner relationship.(4) This is consistent with studies that showed that behavior problems (including scratching) were a major reason for surrender (10), while being declawed decreased the risk of relinquishment.
published 2001: World Congress
A survey of approximately 250 veterinarians found that declawed cats tended to hunt, climb (with front paws only declawed), and defend themselves (i.e. with their teeth) at rates similar to those before the operation and were no more likely to bite or eliminate inappropriately than they were before surgery. The survey also reported that 90% of owners were satisfied with the operation and that 40% would no longer own the cat had it not been declawed.
2001: World Congress
A declawed cat will still exhibit scratching behavior to deposit it’s scent mark and to attempt to exercise her claws naturally, but no destruction occurs. Declawing appears to have no adverse psychological effects on cats. A Cornell University study concluded that complications from declawing were minimal, and occurred in less than 10% of cases. The study also found that cats did not engage in new destructive behaviors and that previous positive behaviors were not deterred. Normal scratching behavior was not suppressed and cats remained active and psychologically healthy.
J Am Vet Med Assoc 2001
owners whose cats underwent elective onychectomy or tendonectomy were contacted two months to five years (median 11.5 months) after surgery. (44%) of declawed cats returned to normal within three days, (90%) within two weeks. (80%) had more than one medical complication. (33%) developed at least one behavior problem. (15.4%) would not use the litter box and (17.9%) had an increase in biting habits or intensity. (87%) owners had a positive attitude and (5.1%) had a negative attitude towards declawing.
J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996
1313 (21.8%) of cats sterilized were simultaneously declawed. Complications detected for 2/146 (1.4%) cats that underwent elective onychectomy alone during prior eight yrs. Specific complications were not reported.
Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet 1987
Clients were asked to fill out a survey on the incidence of aggressive behaviors in their cats. Similar proportions (60/252, 23.8%) of declawed vs. (168/613, 27.4%) intact cats bit family members; 2.3% of each seriously enough for medical attention
Comp Anim Pract 1988
Retrospective survey of a sample of 25 intact and 25 declawed cats in private practice and a medical record review of 24 cats from a behavior referral service in a teaching hospital. Similar proportions of intact and declawed cats were reported biting and house soiling. Reported that 1 (4%) cat began to defecate out of box and 3 (12%) began to bite after onychectomy. 60/217 (27.6%) private practice cats were simultaneously declawed. A larger proportion (55%) of cats in the referral population were declawed.
Retrospective mail survey of veterinarians
Out of an estimated total of 120,000 cats declawed, this was extrapolated to a complication rate of 1/6,000 cats.
published 2001
In numerous studies to date, declawing has been shown to cause no increase in behavior problems. Declawed cats were no more likely to bite than clawed cats (12) and no more likely to soil (10,11,14). In a study of 276 cat owners, declawing successfully met or surpassed the owner’s expectations in all cases.(4) There was 96% owner satisfaction and over 70% of cat owners indicated that there was an improvement in the cat-owner relationship.(4) This is consistent with studies that showed that behavior problems (including scratching) were a major reason for surrender (10), while being declawed decreased the risk of relinquishment.
published 2001 World Congress
When household scratching cannot be managed or resolved, it can be a major source of owner anxiety and one of the primary reasons for relinquishment.(1) In a German study (where declawing is illegal) of 1177 cats, the second most common owner behavioral complaint, second only to states of anxiety, was scratching (15.2% of cats). For 125 cats, the owners had attempted to correct the problem; 60% had partial success with environmental management or aversion conditioning, but only 10% were able to completely resolve the problem.(2) Similarly, in a study of U.S. veterinarians, it has been estimated that in about one of every 20 office visits, owners of both kittens and adult cats indicate problems with destructive behavior.(3)
If you look at what people said and what is in research you will find that it conflicts greatly….such as complication rate of spaying long and short is much higher then declawing…
1)the rate of complications of declawing is under 10% by several studies already stated (I have more if you like)
2)to the contrary the complication rate of spaying is between 17% to 22% according to the "textbook of small animals 2008" and A study of Canadian veterinary private practitioners, respectively….
so knowing the real facts about it, if I can’t declaw my cat then i can’t in good conscience spay my cat as the risks are much higher…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQccz9H02wI
There are several other on YouTube.
However, I think some people who want to declaw their cats are set in their ways and can’t be persuaded otherwise.
The only way we’ll ever see an end here in the US is for it to become illegal and for vets to refuse to perform the procedure.
Once people (who are so ignorant) decide to declaw their cats, I don’t think any amount of information will make them change their minds. They are usually very selfish people who want a cat for a fashion accessory and not a companion. These are the same people who like to dress their dogs in clothes and carry them around in a purse.
There are several very gruesome narratives on the net written by vet techs which describe this brutal procedure. They will turn your stomach. I guess we can only look forward to the day when this practice is made illegal, like it is in much of Europe…The feline is one of God’s most perfectly designed creatures and it’s just wrong to alter them in this way for your personal convenience.
I once took my cat to the vet and asked him if he would declaw him. He said, "sure". That’s when I went and got another vet.
how would you like it if somebody came and ripped all your fingernails out.. bitch
thats what i would say
I would never do that to any animal. It is choice and it should be a informed choice. I would advise anyone who asked me to search their hearts and do it only if the life of the animal depended on it. There are so many animals out there who never get a chance at a forever home and as a cat rescuer I know I only save about 20% of the kittens in out little town. We have about 1800 residents and two full time city employees. I estimate that every kitten season I save 15 to 20 and the other 60 don’t make it. The rest of the year is worse. Just a estimate of 150 to 200 cats a year don’t survive. If a cat has to be declawed to keep it’s home then I think it is a necessary evil. I know people will argue this but death is permanent and if declawing avoids that then so be it. I watch the animal Planet and animal cops. Feral cats have no choice or chance they are just put down. Adult cats are more likely to be put down and a problem cat has less of a chance. So it is a personal decision and I hope a informed one that each owner has to make with out pressure from well intentioned outsiders. I would not do it and I would provide a home for the ill fated cat. If every person who argued against declawing would offer the ill fated cat a home we would never have this discussion again. Its a put your money where your mouth is kind of a thing. Otherwise just keep your opinions ,that you don’t live, to your self.
Why wouldn’t you get them declawed? It hurts like a bitch to get scratched by them.
I know this is not a direct answer to the question, but I have a cat who has been my best friend for 14, almost 15 years now. If she had not been declawed, she would have been left to waste way on the side of the road where nobody cared that she was the only one left from a litter thrown out in a garbage bag. She is very happy, healthy cat who I love with all my heart, and while I think people who commit acts of cruelty to animals deserve the same treatment… I know there is no way my pet would be alive or would have been with me as long as she has without being declawed! So when it’s death or declawing… I think declawing is perfectly acceptable, because I think I could manage without a finger or two or even all ten if it meant being fed, loved, and provided for!
awwwww poor cats. i think you should definitely persuade people not to declaw cats. how about make a touching video about the life of a cat and a cat declawed, and why it can hurt them. have training tips for owners on how to train a cat without it’s claw declawed, and for the video make people cry. good luck, and shoot for the stars!
Making A Difference One Step at A Time
Choosing Best Answer tip- choose best answer with the most ideas or best ideas that you like, but don’t let you limit youself to just that. because maybe there is 10 great ideas in one, and in another there is 1 different great idea. you can use the other great one too! use all the good ideas that you can, even if they all are not in the best answer.
some already exist … any search will provide numerous options.
unfortunately, in the good o’le usa, until the law changes, it’s not likely opinions will change much, either. if it’s gonna change at all, humans need to be removed of the ‘option’ to de-claw, plain and simple.
As long as it is an offered option, someone will take advantage of it … good or bad, that is human nature … perhaps it’s time to outlaw "inside only" cats and there would be less need or desire for declaws.
Other countries have, why not us ??? Cats were once worshipped as gods, human have never been … who are we to decide for them ?? … they were doing just fine until we humans came along and took away everything from their freedom to their body parts … who gave us the right ??
just wondering. granny mouse
idk of any ivdeo, but you can take a video of a declawed cat, if you know of one, and that will show people how there personality is not as friendly as it used to be. ps. maybe take a video of her before she was declawed, that will really make a difference.
You can’t persuade me any differently. I have had 4 cats done at 2 months all on separate occasions. They came home and didn’t even notice! Seriously! They ate and played and didn’t even care!!! They are all now between the ages of 2 and 8 and NEVER had any litterbox or behaivor issues at all. NOT ONCE. So in my experience I don’t get why people hate declawing but are okay with docking dogs. I dunno.
I do know that when I had my females spayed they were in EXTREEM pain when they got home and hated me for a long time after that suregery. So you tell me which was worse.
GO on thumbs down me. I don’t care. My cats are very happy and healthy.
*And yes I saw the videos, but with my positive experiences with it I can’t say I’m against it. Now if I had it done and my cat came home and didn’t play and was in alot of pain and was miserable, I would never had done it to my other cats. But they all played and had fun as soon as I got them home! I can’t complain about it.
**Wow my cats are VERY freindly and playful. They are my babies and I love them all dearly. They even love strangers to. They are very sweet.
Educate as much as possible. Also, a picture is worth a thousand words… http://community-2.webtv.net/stopdeclaw/declawpics/
The surgery is basically an American trend, and is considered inhumane and is illegal in many countries, (England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Portugal, Belgium, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Yugoslavia and Japan). If that doesn’t impact your opinion about declawing, make a point to view the link provided above.
Cats that have been declawed…
… Can resort to biting, because that is their only means of defense.
… Can develop aversions to the litter box, and refuse to use it because their paws are sensitive and sore.
… Have to learn how to walk all over again. Cats walk on their toes, so when you amputate the entire last joint of each toe, walking will be very painful for quite a while.
… Will be less able to defend themselves if they should ever get loose.
… Can become less playful and less active.
… Will never be able to stretch their back muscles like they used to. Cats use their claws as an anchor as they stretch; when you take their claws away, they don’t have this ability anymore.
… Often get dumped at shelters to be euthanized because of these problems that the owner actually caused.
… Could have been taught to use a scratching post.
I believe that most people who have their cats declawed are uneducated about the procedure, its effects and the alternatives. It is not very difficult to train your cat to use a scratching post. The surgery is not simply a trimming of the claws, it’s an amputation of the distal phalanx, including bones, ligaments, and tendons! To remove the claw, the bone, nerve, joint capsule, collateral ligaments, and the extensor and flexor tendons must all be amputated. If you were to make a comparison, it would be like having the last joint of each of our fingers chopped off. So of course it is a painful surgery, with a painful recovery. There are often many complications in the healing process, including infection often from litter box use, resulting in a life-long aversion to the litter box. Other declawed cats that can no longer mark with their claws, will mark with urine instead, resulting in inappropriate elimination problems.
Many cats that have been declawed are traumatized and become withdrawn, nervous, fearful and/or aggressive. Cats that went through the painful surgery are more prone to resort to biting when they feel threatened. Since cats have emotional feelings, (just like we do) they can resent you if you decided to get them declawed. All of these things can cause depression and ultimately lead to a lazy, overweight cat.
If a cat that has been declawed accidentally escapes, he/she would be in great danger. A cat needs its claws to defend itself, as well as to escape by climbing. The constant state of stress, caused by a feeling of defenselessness may make some declawed cats more prone to disease. Also they cannot stretch their back and shoulder muscles like they do naturally when they dig their claws into a scratching post.
One popular alternative is Soft Paws. They are lightweight vinyl nail caps that you glue on the cat’s front claws. They’re great for households with small children and are extremely useful for people who are away from home all day and can’t exercise the watchfulness necessary to train a cat to use a scratching post. Soft Paws are easy to apply and last about four to six weeks. They come in clear or colors–which are really fun.
Q: So, how do I get my cat to stop scratching the furniture?
A: The idea isn’t to make your cat stop scratching, but to give her a place she can scratch. Cats need to scratch to keep their claws in good shape, to mark their territory with scent glands in their feet, and to stretch their muscles. It is natural behavior that shouldn’t be punished at all! If you give her a nice tall (at least two feet high) scratching post she will most likely use it, happily. Posts covered in sisal rope are great, but my cats like the kind covered in carpet. A tall cat tree near a window would be even better.
You can try sprinkling it with catnip to attract her to it. If that doesn’t work, use your own nails to scratch at the post while your cat is watching. It may sound silly, but it works. Any time you catch her scratching the “wrong” thing, don’t get mad and yell, just gently carry her to the post. If she still doesn’t seem to catch on, you can gently pick up her paws and rub them along the post. You should not force her; the point is to show her. Doing so will deposit her scent on the post, which should make her want to scratch it later on.
Cats that have been yelled at each time they are caught scratching will be more reluctant to use the post in front of you, at first. This is why it’s important to praise her immediately. You could also try spraying a cat repellant, (you can find at just about any pet store) on the furniture or carpet where she scratches. When you observe her using the post, give her lots of verbal praise and attention. Speak in a tone of voice that you would use to praise a child; she will understand. If she still refuses to use the scratching post you have provided, then you need to try a different kind. Try something taller, like a cat tree. The kinds with several different textures are great because each cat is different.
Q: How do I trim my cat’s claws?
A: Trimming your cat’s claws can benefit both of you. If your cat ever snuggles up to you and starts kneading on your leg, then you probably know that this can actually be a painful experience! A regular trimming will end your pain. Cats with sharp claws can also accidentally hurt you while playing. So, learning how to trim your cat’s claws can be very helpful.
If your cat has never had a "pedicure," then you’re going to need to get her used to having her feet touched, first. Many cats dislike having their toes messed with, but if you start when your cat is young it will be easier on both of you. While petting your cat, casually glide your hand down her legs and feet. Once she is tolerant of that, use your fingers to gently squeeze her paw until the claws are exposed. Feel around every toe gently. When she will let you do this without a struggle, then you’re ready! Be sure that each step of the way you are reassuring and praising her for being such a good kitty.
I’ve heard people say that wrapping their cat in a towel is helpful to maintain control and avoid getting scratched. It’s a good idea if you are a first-time-trimmer, and your cat’s claws are razor sharp. When preparing your cat, try to be as calm as possible. Feeding your cat a nice hearty meal beforehand should help. Kitties with full bellies are a lot less likely to put up a fight.
Be aware that if you are nervous, your cat will most certainly pick up on that, and become nervous, herself. Take it slow, and realize that even if you only manage clipping one nail, you have made progress! Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few days to get to all of them. Always reward her with treats and lots of affection.
Use cat claw trimmers and only take off a tiny bit at the end of the nail. Some people say to do it every other week. I think it‘s safer to cut off less than you are told, and to do it more often, (like once a week). Never use trimmers that are made for humans or dogs, because you are more likely to hurt her that way. Remember to always praise her and give her treats afterwards. You can ask your vet or groomer to show you the proper way to do it. Here’s a website that shows you how: http://www.catscratching.com/htmls/article.htm
Q: How do I make my cat stop scratching and biting me?
A: Don’t assume automatically that cats that bite are vicious creatures. You must distinct between play-biting and real aggressive biting. Kittens for example like to play, and sometimes pretty rough. They use their claws and teeth to wrestle with each other. This is how they learn to hunt and catch prey, so that’s normal. They usually go unharmed because their fur protects them from serious wounds. However, human skin is a different story, but kittens don’t know that.
Make sure you never encourage your cat to play with your hands. Use a toy, instead that she can bite and claw at. Never, ever punish or yell at her. Cats don’t understand punishment, and the only thing they learn from it is to fear you. Also keep in mind that kittens between the ages of three weeks old and eight months old will be teething off and on, and will have very strong needs to bite. It is important to know that you shouldn’t prevent her from biting, but instead give her something that she can chew on, like a stuffed animal.
Any time she bites or scratches you, (whether she’s playing or she’s mad) say "OUCH!" really loud, then walk away from her. If you’ve ever heard a cat howl when you accidentally stepped on its tail, mimicking that noise or hissing will also get the point across in a way that she may understand better. Walking away from her helps her learn that when she hurts you, she gets no more attention.
Good luck!
I don’t see why people declaw cats. Claws are a cats weapon, they hunt, fight and climb trees to get away from opponents.
Just say that its there defense tool and declawing your feline is a great amount of pain.
I think it should be illegal unless under medical conditions or dangerous conditions.
Some people are only concerned with their own self gratification.
Nothing will persuade some people,even seeing the horrific outcome of declawing to many cats : http://clawsforever.ning.com/group/thehorribletruth/forum
The people who think declawing is acceptable should first have the equivelant operation performed on them:
http://clawsforever.ning.com/group/advicebureau/forum/topics/this-is-what-a-declawed-human
That would soon change their minds.The same ones come on time after time,like Graham R and his out of date biased rubbish and those who say their cats are fine.They really don’t know (or care)how much a cat suffers do they !
I can hardly wait for declawing to be banned, we’ll see only the true cat lovers with cats then,those of us who love cats, claws and all. The ones who only want them as possessions to be adapted for their own selfish ends won’t have the power to cripple cats any more.
Tell them that they’ll get hurt when they’re scratched.
Both my cats are declawed what are you talking about!!
Outdoor cats I agree whole heatedly, otherwise my response is try to traumatize less experienced pet owners!
Unless you are a vet I wouldn’t take any advice from you end of, though obviously I am one of the few on here.
I have an indoor cat which I decided to get declawed after he keep clawing at my lil step daughters arm, he was only rough housing I guess but it still looked as if she was a cutter when we were out in public. I have no plans on abandoning my cat or turning him into in out door cat and I think he knows how good he has it inside so I don’t see him running away, he likes to jump outside when we open the door but he just sits there and sniffs the ground then looks back at us until we pick him up and put him back inside the house.