It was announced this week that New York looks to be well on its’ way to becoming the first to issue a state-wide ban on onychectomy–the amputation of the final segment of toe bone as well as the attached claw–for domestic, exotic, and wild cats. The only other state that’s taken such a strong stance on what many believe to be a barbaric and unnecessary surgery is California, where eight cities have outlawed the procedure–surprising, considering most other pet-friendly nations put an end to declawing years ago.
Long considered an acceptable solution to “undesirable behavior,” in recent years the facts of onychectomy have come to light thanks in large part to the considerable efforts of one California-based veterinarian. Jennifer Conrad, DVM, has spent much of her career working with exotic animals where she’s borne witness to the aftermath of the procedure, which in layman’s terms “can have numerous long-term complications, including chronic pain, bleeding, lameness, arthritis, aggressiveness and nail regrowth.” –Houston Press, The Cruelest Cut: How Cat Declawing Became the Next Battleground for Animal Rights
It was one such case, a 550 pound Siberian mix tiger named Drifter, who first spurred Conrad into action on behalf of the millions of cats worldwide who live with chronic pain from the procedure. After being declawed, Drifter suffered from a pronounced limp and debilitating pain. In a five-hour long surgery to reattach tendons, it was discovered that Drifter’s paws contained several sizeable nuggets of nail fragments, some several centimeters in length. The difference in Drifter’s demeanor and overall physical health post-operation was nothing less than dramatic:
“After surgery he was standing up like a normal cat and walking like a normal cat,” Conrad recalls. “He never fell back down onto his wrists. Then we knew we were on to something.” –Houston Press, The Cruelest Cut: How Cat Declawing Became the Next Battleground for Animal Rights
Conrad decided to record her efforts on behalf of exotics, focusing on the stark contrast between the animal’s overall health and quality of life pre-reconstructive surgery and post. The project grew, until Conrad discovered she had a thought-provoking and scientifically sound documentary that could quite possibly galvanize the movement to end declawing that she’d begun with Drifter and strengthened through the formation of the nonprofit organization, The Paw Project. The final product, entitled The Paw Project, looks to be doing just that, garnering enthusiastic reviews from respected sources such as The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and The Village Voice.
What can you do to help end millions of cats needless suffering? Watch Conrad’s documentary, featured in the video below, then visit The Paw Project’s website where you’ll find resources and helpful tips on how you can make a difference today.
Post by mrsdewinter on Jan 30, 2015 17:08:32 GMT -5
The zoo where I used to work had two pumas that were permanently disabled from being declawed when they had been someone's pets. It was so sad to see them hobbling around.
This is such great news! Our cat is declawed but it wasn't our choice. She came that way since she was older and her previous owners did it. It makes me sad/mad that people think it is acceptable practice. When H's parents got a new kitten they got her declawed and I seriously judged them for it. I know this would be huge in changing the perception that this is a remotely OK practice.
Gonna throw this out there (as a kitty lover but not in a weird way). Is there any fear among rescue groups that cats needing homes will surge if this goes through?
Gonna throw this out there (as a kitty lover but not in a weird way). Is there any fear among rescue groups that cats needing homes will surge if this goes through?
I don't work with any rescue groups but follow lots on FB, and my vet..and it *seems* like the trend is for everyone involved in cats (vets to rescues) to educate on why it's bad, the consequences AND really be involved in ways to prevent the need. It *seems* like it's on a downward trend anyways. I think a larger reason why people turn cats into shelters is actually litter box issues.
Anecdote--but I've had three cats, one was declawed and she never had any of the behavioral problems associated with declawing at all. Our other two cats had/have their claws and it's never occurred to me to get them declawed. Teaching them to use scratching posts was the easiest thing ever.
Gonna throw this out there (as a kitty lover but not in a weird way). Is there any fear among rescue groups that cats needing homes will surge if this goes through?
Sadly, I'd bet my ass they just take them over the state-line. But, I *think* most people realize how horrific this practice is.
I also didn't realize until reading this article that there are cities in CA that have banned the practice.
I think I saw a documentary on Netflix about the woman in the article that helped big cats after declaw. I think she had to cut tendons or something. I can't remember (I shouldn't bring it up if I can't remember, I know.) I'm about to head to the salon, but I will look it up later. It was interesting.
I don't work with any rescue groups but follow lots on FB, and my vet..and it *seems* like the trend is for everyone involved in cats (vets to rescues) to educate on why it's bad, the consequences AND really be involved in ways to prevent the need. It *seems* like it's on a downward trend anyways. I think a larger reason why people turn cats into shelters is actually litter box issues.
Anecdote--but I've had three cats, one was declawed and she never had any of the behavioral problems associated with declawing at all. Our other two cats had/have their claws and it's never occurred to me to get them declawed. Teaching them to use scratching posts was the easiest thing ever.
And people might even be creating their own issues here, since declawing can cause litterbox issues.
H wanted to declaw our cat because she scratches everything. I explained how awful it is too him but he doesn't get it. I now give my cat pedicures with soft caps. They are actually pretty great, and she doesn't hate them. They squeak when she scratches the litter box.
One cat I adopted as an adult was declawed. I think it might have contributed to his arthritis later in life.
My mom routinely gets her cats declawed, so I'm hopeful that this will go through (she lives in NY) and educate her, although probably she'll just bitch about Cuomo and her husband will make reference to the nanny state.
I will say that we just got a new living room rug and the new cat, who is 1, likes to scratch it. Well, all three have a little. I'm just working on redirecting. Otherwise I have never had a "problem" with cats with claws. My older female cat NEVER puts her claws out while playing or even swatting, only when using the scratching post.
Yeah, even though my mama's mean-ass cat ruined my hands over the past few weeks biting and scratching me I think it is cruel and inhumane to declaw cats.
I'm glad for the sake of exotic cats since those are usually done under crappy circumstances. I've known dozens of declawed domestics who didn't ever have a problem, so to be perfectly flammable I'm pretty neutral on it for domestic cats. I think homes for cats is more important but I dunno how much that would truly impact adoption numbers.
I think New York should ban owning big cats at all if they really GAF about helping exotic cats like they say they do.
Post by sugarglider on Jan 31, 2015 8:03:02 GMT -5
I don't blame most individual pet owners because they usually don't know any better. The big problem is that it's a bread & butter procedure for veterinarians, so they almost always offer it and sometimes advertise it. Veterinarians have been the big group opposing these laws.
I also think it should be illegal for leases to require pets be declawed. My cat pet addendum in Ohio had that. I just didn't adhere to it.
I'm admittedly pretty naive on this issue (bad vegan!). I've always known it's bad for big and otherwise wild cats, but I've grown up with domestic cats and they were always declawed. Until recently, I didn't know just how bad of a practice it was since our kitties never had the associated problems (as far as I could tell). I'm glad there's more awareness now and that people are taking a stand against it.
H and I don't have any pets now (my parents still have my cat since I went off to college and they are all too attached at this point for me to take him back). I would love to adopt a cat some time in the near future, but obviously don't know much about caring for the claws. How do you all prevent them from destroying everything? Scratching posts seem to be a major solution, but what else should I know?
Post by foundmylazybum on Jan 31, 2015 8:43:24 GMT -5
We have a few kinds of scratching posts. Vertical and horizontal and different mediums: sisal rope, carpet, cardboard etc. so our cat can have a variety of places to scratch. I also clip our cats nails. You have to learn to do this obviously and get comfortable doing it but once you do it's not hard and our cat associates it with positive reinforcement.
If you don't want them to scratch hands you basically teach good manners. We never use our hands as toys, and honestly I pay attention to his body language. Cats don't always like people looming over them and if you go try to pick them up from certain positions it's threatening to them and they will scratch you. It's their behavior.
Our cat was born to a feral mom and lived outside for the first part of his life. I thought he was going to be a scratching lunatic but as soon as we showed him his scratching places he never scratched furniture. I try to respect his space and he doesn't ever scratch or bite me.
Long time lurker, first time poster. This is an issue that is not so simple. As a veterinarian in NY I think taking choices away from clients drives them away and limits our ability to educate them. I do not do de-claws and have probably talked about a dozen people out of them over the years but if you make it illegal, they will cross state boarders or fine an unscrupulous way to get it done, maybe at a place that is not up to speed on behavioral or pain management medicine. Removing choice is almost never a way to convince someone that you are right. I like the ACE method, Acknowledge, Complement, Educate. Euthanasia and shelter relinquishment will rise without a doubt. Sadly, better de-clawed and in a home than abandoned, abused, relinquished to "outdoor kitty" or dead.
I don't blame most individual pet owners because they usually don't know any better. The big problem is that it's a bread & butter procedure for veterinarians, so they almost always offer it and sometimes advertise it. Veterinarians have been the big group opposing these laws.
I also think it should be illegal for leases to require pets be declawed. My cat pet addendum in Ohio had that. I just didn't adhere to it.
Here is where I will respectfully disagree. De-claws are not a profit center in any practice. Additionally, all vets have seen enough back alley tail docks and ear crops to be rightfully scared of folks taking matters into their own hands. Also, there are a few legit reasons for de-claws (hint: none of them have anything to do with saving furniture). For example, an immunosuppresed patient may have their doctor require the cat to be either be re-homed or de-clawed. I have seen this in the case of young cancer patients, babies with collegen disorders, AIDS patients and the elderly. Its not a great option but sometimes life presents not great options. We all try to do our best. Bottom line: Education, education education.
Post by whiskeyandwine on Feb 1, 2015 17:38:33 GMT -5
My dad is convinced we will de-claw our cat once the baby is born and gets scratched. He is so wrong.
Our kitty really doesn't scratch (except my couch, which is all our fault for not teaching her better....), so I am not worried.
But cohmom - as long as you're here...any advice on newborn and kitty? She is almost 5, awesome, playful, super social and very sweet and lovey. She is the only pet we have, and this is the first baby. It will be fine, right?
My dad is convinced we will de-claw our cat once the baby is born and gets scratched. He is so wrong.
Our kitty really doesn't scratch (except my couch, which is all our fault for not teaching her better....), so I am not worried.
But cohmom - as long as you're here...any advice on newborn and kitty? She is almost 5, awesome, playful, super social and very sweet and lovey. She is the only pet we have, and this is the first baby. It will be fine, right?
This will be totally fine. A 5 year old cat is not likely to have any interest in a newborn. There will be a period of adjustment for all parties which may or may not present some behavior challenges. The toddler years are where things can get a little rocky. Kids need to be taught to respect kitty. And kitty needs to learn to either cope with or avoid the toddler. Often, there are a few corrections that happen. It is almost always fine. Tell your dad he should worry about the babies 529 and let you deal with your beloved kitty. Get a scratching post and some cat nip it'll all work out.
Gonna throw this out there (as a kitty lover but not in a weird way). Is there any fear among rescue groups that cats needing homes will surge if this goes through?
I don't work with any rescue groups but follow lots on FB, and my vet..and it *seems* like the trend is for everyone involved in cats (vets to rescues) to educate on why it's bad, the consequences AND really be involved in ways to prevent the need. It *seems* like it's on a downward trend anyways. I think a larger reason why people turn cats into shelters is actually litter box issues.
Anecdote--but I've had three cats, one was declawed and she never had any of the behavioral problems associated with declawing at all. Our other two cats had/have their claws and it's never occurred to me to get them declawed. Teaching them to use scratching posts was the easiest thing ever.
And trimming their claws is so easy! I feel like cat claws are a lot less destructive than dog teeth, too. My cats really have to work on something to destroy it. I've seen dogs rip things to shreds in seconds. Kitty claws really get a bad rap for no reason.
Post by StrawberryBlondie on Feb 1, 2015 19:25:02 GMT -5
Our cats are declawed in front. I didn't have a choice in the matter since they were premarital cats. I think DH said his apartment when he got them required it. They haven't had any issues either, but now that we own a house, we definitely wouldn't declaw.
I think my only big fear with this is that landlords are going to be twisting pets more and more. As someone who is looking to move to a new city, I've been shopping out apartments a lot lately. It's extremely tough to find a place that allows cays at all, and the ones that do, require them to be declawed.
We had two cats when I was growing up who were declawed. My mom knew nothing about cats when we adopted our first (she was a stray who ended up at our house) and just trusted the vet whe they said this is what should be done. When we got the second one, we couldn't have one with claws and the other without. Later on when she learned more about it, she felt horribly guilty.
Both cats had issues with biting, and we later learned that this was likely a result of them not having claws.
But cohmom - as long as you're here...any advice on newborn and kitty? She is almost 5, awesome, playful, super social and very sweet and lovey. She is the only pet we have, and this is the first baby. It will be fine, right?
Not a vet, but our vet recommended messing with our cat's ears in advance. Not hurting them, but gentle tugs and taps because that's what little guys go for and cats tend to hate. Also gentle tugging on the tip of his tail.
Well I have no doubt it helped acclimate him, but we also discovered our little weirdo looooves having his ears petted. Like he'll flop over, purring up a storm. Never seen a cat do that before.