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Post by nlwilkins on Aug 5, 2016 8:05:37 GMT
We lost our two precious furr babies within three months of each other and were devastated. I was wanting another cat and my daughter kept telling me to just wait that one would show up and not to push it. Well, she was right this little bundle needed a home as bad as we needed a kitten and from the first she stole my heart. We have had her now for two weeks and I can't imagine life without her already. She is just as cute as can be, follows me around like a shadow and races down the hall in order to get ahead and be able to pounce when I come around the corner. She has the halloween kitty sideways bounce down pat and is an expert at the wigglebutt pounce. My only concern now is hubby is insisting she have her front claws declawed when she is "fixed". I know that people say this is cruel and inhumane, but she can't stay without it, possibly going to a very bad situation if she does not stay. In my mind, I rationalize it by thinking of the alternative. Better alive and a long healthy life with front claws removed than a very short unhappy life elsewhere. Am I being cruel?
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Post by scrappintoee on Aug 5, 2016 8:08:27 GMT
Very cute! (and so sorry you lost your other two within such a short time!)
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craftykitten
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,304
Jun 26, 2014 7:39:32 GMT
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Post by craftykitten on Aug 5, 2016 8:34:29 GMT
First, I'm sorry you lost your other cats. Second, she is very cute. Third...why can't she stay if she is not declawed? It just isn't done to cats in the UK and we all manage perfectly well.
I know there are people on here who defend it, but honestly..you already know it's cruel. I don't see why it is such an either/or choice. If you absolutely can't keep her with class, why does she have to live a short and horrible life somewhere else? Why can't you find someone who will adopt her?
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Post by nlwilkins on Aug 5, 2016 8:55:02 GMT
First, I'm sorry you lost your other cats. Second, she is very cute. Third...why can't she stay if she is not declawed? It just isn't done to cats in the UK and we all manage perfectly well. I know there are people on here who defend it, but honestly..you already know it's cruel. I don't see why it is such an either/or choice. If you absolutely can't keep her with class, why does she have to live a short and horrible life somewhere else? Why can't you find someone who will adopt her? She has already tore up my arm with her claws even though I have trimmed them. Plus she is tearing up the furniture and curtains. I know this will pass and we can teach her not to do these things, but hubby is adamant. (He is not a "cat person" even though he cried almost as much as I did over losing the older two.) So it is not really my decision but my husband's to declaw her. It is my decision to keep her that is meaning she has to be declawed. We have always declawed our cats (front paws ony) and only in the last few years have I questioned that. There are other things we do that are unatural for cats yet we don't question that. Such as keeping them inside since they get hit by cars, attacked by dogs, and pick up illnesses outside. We spay and neuter them, we feed them dry food that causes kidney issues, we groom them, litter box instead of outside sand, and other things. But, its all a trade off - longer life, healthier life, less stress and lots of love and a family to own in return for the unatural things we do to them. Finding another home for her is not easy. There are a lot of kittens out there needing homes. Our local shelter is swamped and is having to put some down. The people who had her were on the verge of taking her there as they could not find anyone to take her AND they had more contacts than I do. I personally know of about 20 kittens from various homes and places who are not in the shelter that need a home. So her options are limited. Save
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Post by miominmio on Aug 5, 2016 9:28:05 GMT
I'm against declawing cats, but then, all our cats spend at least half their day outdoors (and I'm not even sure if it's legal to declawing cats here). If declawing her is the only way to have your DH agree to keep her, and if you do it, you will keep her indoors for the rest of her life, then you have my consent . But perhaps try to persuade your DH to wait a bit? Some cats outgrow the "I must use my claws on EVERYTHING" phase pretty quick, while others never do. If she is in the latter category, I can understand declawing her unless you want your home turned into confetti, but if she's in the former category, maybe he will agree to let her keep her claws.
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craftykitten
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,304
Jun 26, 2014 7:39:32 GMT
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Post by craftykitten on Aug 5, 2016 9:38:13 GMT
First, I'm sorry you lost your other cats. Second, she is very cute. Third...why can't she stay if she is not declawed? It just isn't done to cats in the UK and we all manage perfectly well. I know there are people on here who defend it, but honestly..you already know it's cruel. I don't see why it is such an either/or choice. If you absolutely can't keep her with class, why does she have to live a short and horrible life somewhere else? Why can't you find someone who will adopt her? She has already tore up my arm with her claws even though I have trimmed them. Plus she is tearing up the furniture and curtains. I know this will pass and we can teach her not to do these things, but hubby is adamant. (He is not a "cat person" even though he cried almost as much as I did over losing the older two.) So it is not really my decision but my husband's to declaw her. It is my decision to keep her that is meaning she has to be declawed. We have always declawed our cats (front paws ony) and only in the last few years have I questioned that. There are other things we do that are unatural for cats yet we don't question that. Such as keeping them inside since they get hit by cars, attacked by dogs, and pick up illnesses outside. We spay and neuter them, we feed them dry food that causes kidney issues, we groom them, litter box instead of outside sand, and other things. But, its all a trade off - longer life, healthier life, less stress and lots of love and a family to own in return for the unatural things we do to them. Finding another home for her is not easy. There are a lot of kittens out there needing homes. Our local shelter is swamped and is having to put some down. The people who had her were on the verge of taking her there as they could not find anyone to take her AND they had more contacts than I do. I personally know of about 20 kittens from various homes and places who are not in the shelter that need a home. So her options are limited. SaveAll those other things that we do (spaying, keeping them indoors) have actual health benefits for cats. The food you use is a choice so that's not really the same thing. Declawing is only for humans to benefit. And as you say yourself, the problems caused by her claws are temporary. I think your husband is wrong, and I can't agree with your justifications. You need to tell your husband how cruel declawing is, or find somewhere else for Skittles to live. You're looking for validation but I can't give it to you, sorry.
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tuesdaysgone
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,832
Jun 26, 2014 18:26:03 GMT
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Post by tuesdaysgone on Aug 5, 2016 9:50:04 GMT
So precious! Good luck with your difficult decision.
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Post by mollycoddle on Aug 5, 2016 10:01:07 GMT
No advice, but she is adorable!
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Post by gailoh on Aug 5, 2016 10:26:50 GMT
Dry food ...yes but also at least a spoon of moist to help with the kidneys...that is what my daughters vet told her and if she is declawed keep her in , they live a longer healthier life...
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momto4kiddos
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,151
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:15 GMT
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Post by momto4kiddos on Aug 5, 2016 11:22:10 GMT
She is adorable! Not sure if they still make them, but they used to have some sort of nail covers you could put over their claws...no idea how well they worked.
Like everything else, everyone will have an opinion. Do what is best for your family! I've had conversations with people who think it's unfair/mean to keep a cat indoors only...that they need to be allowed out. I can't say that I agree, but people do what they believe and that is their choice. I've seen declawed cats and they always seem happy with no lasting issues. Talk to your vet and then do what you feel is right for your family.
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scrappert
Prolific Pea
RefuPea #2956
Posts: 7,760
Location: Milwaukee, WI area
Jul 11, 2014 21:20:09 GMT
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Post by scrappert on Aug 5, 2016 12:32:28 GMT
Oh the cuteness!!
I have not input on the declawing. But I think Skittles wants to stay. Hoping you can train her to use a scratching post.
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Post by destined2bmom on Aug 5, 2016 12:48:04 GMT
She is beautiful!
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,626
Jun 27, 2014 2:21:22 GMT
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Post by valincal on Aug 5, 2016 12:59:09 GMT
She is adorable! Not sure if they still make them, but they used to have some sort of nail covers you could put over their claws...no idea how well they worked. Like everything else, everyone will have an opinion. Do what is best for your family! I've had conversations with people who think it's unfair/mean to keep a cat indoors only...that they need to be allowed out. It's illegal in our city to let your cat roam. I'm against declawing OP but if you do, please don't let your kitty play outdoors. She's a sweetheart!
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anniebeth24
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,544
Jun 26, 2014 14:12:17 GMT
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Post by anniebeth24 on Aug 5, 2016 13:05:08 GMT
I agree with the previous poster that said you should do what's best for your family. While not an easy choice, it's definitely better to have her declawed than sent to a shelter. Talk with your vet about the procedure and see if they can alleviate some of your fears and questions.
In the interest of full disclosure, I have two couches, one recliner, and a section of my carpet ruined by my two cats and their claws. Don't want to replace them because I know it'll just happen again. I see your DH's point of view, along with your concerns!
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~Lauren~
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,876
Jun 26, 2014 3:33:18 GMT
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Post by ~Lauren~ on Aug 5, 2016 13:07:24 GMT
What a sweetie. She looks like my "Lucy".
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purplebee
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,728
Jun 27, 2014 20:37:34 GMT
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Post by purplebee on Aug 5, 2016 13:27:11 GMT
Oh she is adorable. You seem like a very loving, responsible kitty Mama, and I'm sure Skittles will be loved and well-cared-for whichever way you decide re declawing.
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Post by gillyp on Aug 5, 2016 13:30:33 GMT
I would get rid of my husband, not the cat, if he suggested declawing!
I've had cats all my life and it's only one of the current two that scratches despite being allowed to roam and having scratching posts. He has spoilt most of the carpets by the doors when we have shut him, unknowingly, in a room and he's tried to get out. But that is our fault for not checking the room first, not his for wanting out. I'm not happy about the carpets but I can live with it. I could not live with declawing a cat.
Skittles is adorable!
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Deleted
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May 4, 2024 2:22:58 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2016 13:58:49 GMT
But please no to the declawing!!! It's so cruel. There are little claw cap things and all kinds of other helps/fixes. Please do some research on declawing and make your husband watch/look at what you find. I'm with whoever said the husband would go before the kitten if he gave me an ultimatum like that
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eastcoastpea
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Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
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Post by eastcoastpea on Aug 5, 2016 16:42:12 GMT
What a cutie.
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Deleted
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May 4, 2024 2:22:58 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 5, 2016 16:50:11 GMT
YES, I have no words for how angry declawing makes me. If you can't handle the fact that a cat has and needs claws then don't get a cat. It's really that simple. Declawing is inhumane, painful and can cause serious behavioural issues. You would be amputating a body part of an animal you claim to love for no good reason.
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Post by BeckyTech on Aug 5, 2016 20:53:59 GMT
SOFT PAWS!!!!! Seriously, it's a "sheath" or nail cap for kitty cat claws and I put them on my cat for a couple of years. The first time when you are doing all of them is kind of a bear, but after that, you just replace one or two when they need it. My cat was fairly cooperative, but you can always do the burrito wrap. Just a spot of glue inside the nail cap and slip it right over the claw. Bingo, zingo, no more claw problem! www.softpaws.com/
It was a vet who first told me about the soft paws. I bet they would even help you do the first application.
Skittles is adorable!!! I'm so glad you found each other!
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Post by vjlau on Aug 5, 2016 21:50:08 GMT
Aww! What a cutie!
I have a cat named Skittles too! She's 100% black, and my son named her. Her official name is "Black Cat Skittles" LOL We call her "Skitty" most of the time now.
My parents always had our cats declawed. When I grew up to have my own, I never did. There's no reason for it. Keep their claws short by trimming often. If you touch the paws often as a kitten, they don't mind it at all as they get bigger. Get lots of toys they can scratch. We've never had a problem.
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Post by birukitty on Aug 6, 2016 22:14:51 GMT
YES, I have no words for how angry declawing makes me. If you can't handle the fact that a cat has and needs claws then don't get a cat. It's really that simple. Declawing is inhumane, painful and can cause serious behavioural issues. You would be amputating a body part of an animal you claim to love for no good reason. I totally agree. I've worked as a vet tech in the distant past and had to witness one of these operations. It is horrific. Look at your hands. See that part where the first joint is? That is where they make the cut. How would you like it if someone butchered you and cut off all of the ends of your fingers and you had no say in it? And let's say you had to walk on those hands too? Ouch! What innocent adorable kitten deserve this? That's right-none! None!!! The following 8 countries have made declawing a cat either illegal, or considered extremely inhumane and only preformed under extreme circumstances-England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden. Cats who have been declawed can have all kinds of problems afterwards including problems in the litterbox. You've been lucky so far it seems, but that doesn't mean it won't happen. People say it is cruel and inhumane because it is just that-cruel and inhumane. Please try to make your husband understand and compromise on this issue. There are other options rather than declawing. There are the Soft Paws product that another Pea mentioned. I'm sure your vet will help you apply them the first time. Keeping your kittens claws trimmed also helps. We have a new kitten that is 5 1/2 months old. We trim his claws regularly by my holding him like a baby with his feet in the air while my husband takes a cat claw trimmer in his hands and trims his claws one by one. Your vet can show you how to do this too. It's actually very easy and the best time to do this is now while she is tiny so she'll get used to it. Providing a scratching post is mandatory-cats need a safe place to scratch. Some cats love the cardboard posts but they should be high and vertical, although some kitties prefer them to be flat and horizontal. A lot of cats also love the sisal vertical posts. Our Jesse loves his. A great place to order pet products is chewy.com If you don't provide these things for your cat than in my opinion you only have yourself to blame if your cat scratches your things. A cat must scratch by instinct-it is ingrained in their brain. Chopping off part of their feet instead is cruel, brutal and inhumane. I am so sorry for the loss of your two sweet fur babies within 3 months of each other. I know how much agony that must have been for you. My family and I lost our 18 year old James (cat) in October of 2014 and our 17 year old Biru (cat) in December of 2014.
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Post by PNWMom on Aug 6, 2016 22:30:52 GMT
I second the Soft Paws/Soft Claws option. Little rubber tips you glue on over their existing nails (after trimming). They come in all sizes (kitten to Maine Coone), and tons of fun colors. The first time you put them on, you don't know where the claws are in their shed cycle, but when you keep it up and replace them as they fall off, they end up lasting several weeks at a time. We are currently big slackers, but have used them off and on over the past 10 years or so on all of our inside-only cats.
Amputating a body part is never an acceptable thing to do when done purely for human convenience. We have friends with a ~10 year old cat who hobbles as she walks unless she is on soft carpet. She was declawed by a previous owner when she was young and is still in pain on a daily basis years later. Not cool at all. Cats have claws. If you don't want an animal with claws, don't get a cat. Also--kittens are pretty adoptable, and there are no-kill shelters everywhere. The kitty would have a really good chance of finding another home if you take her back to the shelter while she is still little.
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Post by Zee on Aug 6, 2016 22:49:14 GMT
OMG she's adorable!
But I don't believe in declawing cats. Spaying/neutering has health benefits and prevents unwanted litters if your indoor kitty gets out, removing claws does not.
I've had cats all my life and have never had any of them declawed. I'm lucky I guess that they all prefer a nice tall sisal-covered scratching post to my leather couches.
Sometimes I clip the oldest one's claws because his balance is a bit off sometimes and he tends to use them when walking across my lap, and he's sharp.
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Post by anniefb on Aug 6, 2016 22:49:43 GMT
She's a cutie. Please don't declaw her I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I do think it's cruel. It's outlawed in many places, including New Zealand. IMO there is no need to declaw any cat, including inside ones. Give her a scratching pole. ETA if your husband insists only a declawed cat will do, then please adopt one that is already declawed. I'm sure that's possible. Please don't put another one through this horrible process SaveSave
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Post by Lexica on Aug 6, 2016 23:10:01 GMT
I can't bear to think you are going to mutilate that adorable little sweetie. Do some research or have your husband talk to a good vet and let them explain how horrible this is for the animal. Please consider soft paws instead of surgery.
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marianne
Pearl Clutcher
Not my circus, not my monkeys. . . My monkeys fly!
Posts: 4,176
Location: right smack dab in the middle of SC
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Jun 25, 2014 21:08:26 GMT
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Post by marianne on Aug 6, 2016 23:18:23 GMT
Like everything else, everyone will have an opinion. Do what is best for your family! I couldn't agree more. Please, do not be guilted into anything by anyone. Do, what in your heart, you know is best for you, your family... and your cat. A well-loved, homed kitty is much better off than a homeless or sheltered kitty, declawed or not. Cats who have been declawed can have all kinds of problems afterwards including problems in the litterbox. You've been lucky so far it seems, but that doesn't mean it won't happen. Without getting into a heated debate about the claw issue, that statement is simply not correct. You can't generalize like that. Yes, I suppose some can have issues, but it doesn't mean that all will. I have owned long-lived (16-17+ yrs) declawed cats my entire adult life. None of them... not one... ever had "all kinds of problems," including the litterbox. They've lived long, healthy, indoor lives bouncing off the walls, running through the house, playing with their toys, eating like little piggies, and perfectly well-mannered in their bathroom habits. They've been well-loved and well taken care of. The only issues we've ever had have been when they get old and their little bodies start giving out on them, which has absolutely nothing to do with being declawed... or being lucky. OP, your kitty is totally adorable!
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Post by lisae on Aug 6, 2016 23:22:16 GMT
She is adorable!!!
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Deleted
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May 4, 2024 2:22:58 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 6, 2016 23:41:02 GMT
Like everything else, everyone will have an opinion. Do what is best for your family! I couldn't agree more. Please, do not be guilted into anything by anyone. Do, what in your heart, you know is best for you, your family... and your cat. A well-loved, homed kitty is much better off than a homeless or sheltered kitty, declawed or not. Cats who have been declawed can have all kinds of problems afterwards including problems in the litterbox. You've been lucky so far it seems, but that doesn't mean it won't happen. Without getting into a heated debate about the claw issue, that statement is simply not correct. You can't generalize like that. Yes, I suppose some can have issues, but it doesn't mean that all will. I have owned long-lived (16-17+ yrs) declawed cats my entire adult life. None of them... not one... ever had "all kinds of problems," including the litterbox. They've lived long, healthy, indoor lives bouncing off the walls, running through the house, playing with their toys, eating like little piggies, and perfectly well-mannered in their bathroom habits. They've been well-loved and well taken care of. The only issues we've ever had have been when they get old and their little bodies start giving out on them, which has absolutely nothing to do with being declawed... or being lucky. OP, your kitty is totally adorable! Mutilation is not 'best' for the cat, what a load of fucking bullshit. People who torture animals do not deserve to own them and declawing is illegal in many countries because it's seen for what it is, barbaric and unnecessary. Keep kidding yourself that it's perfectly fine to cut off a cats body parts for your own convenience and for the sake of your furniture. It's absolutely vile. OP your kitty is adorable, the thought that you are considering putting her through unnecessary suffering makes me feel physically sick.
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