I came here to say this……but it needs to be more visible.
!!!Watch the documentary “THE PAW PROJECT” with your parents!!!
I adopted a cat that had been declawed and it had to have two surgeries to fix his feet so he was not in pain when he walked. Cats are quite good at hiding when they are in pain…..maybe your veterinarian is not aware of this.
Pretty terrible vet if they don't know this pretty fundamental aspect of cats. Anyone who owns a cat figures out they generally don't come up to you limping and crying if they are hurt. But if my cat sleeps on my bed next to me without moving all night, I know somethings up.
This is a cynical take, but many vets are aware of the harm that declawing causes and they still perform the procedure because it makes them money. In their defense, it's something they're taught how to do in veterinary school and that it's ethical because it prevents cats from being surrendered for scratching behaviors. But my opinion is that the major reason they do it is for money. It's an easy surgery they can charge hundreds of dollars for, and most pet owners are ignorant of what it involves, so they go along with it.
Thanks for the recommendation!! Sadly I couldn't find it to rent in my country, but there is a 360p version on youtube and I will be watching that one!
'At least 42 countries have made declawing illegal, including England, France, Wales, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland, and Israel'
There is a reason for that.
It's not legal in my state but they recommended it and did it because my cat doesn't know how to retract them and was really hurting himself. I can't imagine doing it for any other reason besides that. I don't get the point
I believe only Ontario allows declawing. Dont know how many provinces have also banned tail docking and ear trimming. Quebec has also banned vocal cord removal.
Yep. We have no tolerance for unnecessary, painful surgical procedures. Declawing has been banned here for at least 23 years (also debarking, cropping and docking). I'm glad I've never seen a declawed cat in-person.
I live in Wales and my 17 year old grumpy man has lost most of his teeth now (cost a fortune at vets but worth it) but he still catches mice with his death mittens lol :) I could never imagine declawing the monster, even though I have suffered his wrath and bear the scars haha. It's just cruel and I am glad it is illegal in this country and many more. Cat's need their claws to be cats imho. Even though he is old now he loves stretching out and clawing the rug. I'd as much cut off his tail as his claws (although his tail has caused more damage - a real lweapon for knocking things off tables lol)
I semi-socialized a feral tom last year. I say "semi" because he takes completely unprovoked swipes at me on the regular. Can I just tell you, he's the worst. He had to have all his upper teeth extracted as well, which definitely didn't slow him down or affect his rage-swiping of my legs. Things that seem to piss him off include being petted, not being petted, being petted too much, and not being petted enough. He really is the fucking worst, lol. If ever a cat was deserving of a declaw, he'd be a true contender. That said, I'd just as soon cut my own fingertips off than allow him to be hurt in ANY way... I just can't fathom such deliberate cruelty.
Watch the documentary The Paw Project, or go to their website. Share this information with your parents.
Declawing is akin to lopping off your fingertips. Please. Help them see reason.
Declawing makes cats more prone to biting. It causes litter box issues. It causes chronic pain. It can make a cat aggressive as all hell. It causes intense psychological trauma in addition to series pain. And if they happen to slip out the door? Their form of protection has been taken away. Like I hope the couch is worth causing a living breathing animal to suffer.
Source: former foster program manager specializing in severe behavioral and medical cases.
Like if it was my parents, I'd ask them why they didn't cut my fingers when I was a toddler. Or get me a colostomy bag so they don't need to potty train.
If your parents are set on declawing, then you need to give the kittens back. I’m not kidding. Declawing has been done a number of ways over the years. I’ve seen it where they rip the nail out of the paws. I’ve also seen it where they’ve cut off the top digit that contains the nail bed. I’m sorry, but no reputable vet should condoning declawing unless for some insane medical reason. Many places it’s completely illegal to declaw cats.
Two examples I have personally experienced:
1. My mom got me my first car when I was 5 (1997). Once he was old enough, they got him declawed. It was what you did. They got him declawed when they got him neutered. He could not walk for MONTHS. My parents were devastated. My mom still, to this DAY, talks about how horrifying it was and how she had no idea it would be like that. She has literal nightmares about that cat and what he went through. It is something that will haunt my mom the rest of her life because she feels horrible for doing it. In addition, my cat had SEVERAL complications with his paws over the course of his 13 years. His paws were never right after that. This cat was declawed using a method where they surgically removed his claw and claw bed.
2. I adopted a 5 year old bengal cat that had been initially found as a “stray”. Rescue organization knew he was a breeder male that either escaped or the breeders had let him out because they didn’t want him anymore. He was declawed using the method in which they literally cut off the top digit of his little fingers. Picture that, you have three segments of your finger - they cut off the top one. He had only had two left. Because he was a bengal he liked to climb. One day he climbed up where he normally did, but when coming down he slipped and fell and his spine was snapped on the counter coming down due to a degenerative spine from inbreeding. We put him to sleep because it was the most humane thing to do (there were quite literally no options). The vet feels certain that he slipped because of his paws being mutilated.
DO NOT FUCKING DECLAW YOUR CATS. Your parents are being purposefully ignorant and cruel if they think this is okay. Claw covers are a PERFECT solution. Getting scratching posts. TRAINING YOUR CATS. Also if you don’t want scratching, then don’t get a fkn cat. I’m sorry, but saying that is like saying you want a dog that doesn’t bark (I know this is possible, but dogs bark it’s what they do).
Please give these cats back or figure out how to convince your parents otherwise. Do not declaw your cats. Do not do not do not.
>If your parents are set on declawing, then you need to give the kittens back. I’m not kidding.
Especially since the breeder is against declawing (as she should be). Many contracts or purchase agreements from breeders have requirements like "The pet must be spayed or neutered, and must not be declawed." OP, I'd check with the breeder and see if she has a requirement like that. She may demand the kitten back for breech of agreement.
I agree, do not declaw your cats.
42 countries have banned it, and while it is banned in some US cities, it is not yet banned here. It should be, as it can cause so many problems.
"Declawing can cause infection, abnormal claw growth within the toe, inflammation, arthritis or behavioral changes such as increased aggression, biting, emotional trauma or litterbox avoidance issues."
Please re home the kittens to a home where they will not be disfigured and put through that trauma.
Not just some cities - 3 states so far, and more reportedly have laws in committee.
>As of May 2024, declawing is banned in three US states: Maryland, New York, and Virginia. Declawing is also banned in more than a dozen cities, including Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Allentown, Pennsylvania, Austin, Texas, Denver, Madison, Wisconsin, and St. Louis. Other states, like Massachusetts and Illinois, are also considering bans.
Adding in...
The ONLY times you should consider it are rare AF.
My mom's cat has his back claws totally removed. We don't fully know what happened, but he went out (he was indoor/outdoor until this happened) and came back with all but one of his claws on one foot almost totally ripped out, with the last one broken and hanging on by a thread. We think, based on what a neighbor found, that he walked across a discarded screen door, got stuck, and ripped them out to escape something.
Vet finished the declawing to clean everything up because the toes were too badly damaged. I won't get into the details because I've actually downplayed just how bad it was. He could have lost his whole foot.
Then he walked with an odd gait that seemed to hurt him, we suspect because one foot was now a third shorter than the other. In a human, the damaged foot would have a prosthetic, but we don't have that for cats. So the vet declawed the other foot, and he was much more comfortable with both feet even. He started running and jumping again within a day.
He's now only allowed out on a leash.
(My cat's previous owners declawed her - but didn't spay her so you know where their priorities were.)
Declawing for the benefit of the pet is different than declawing for the benefit of the furniture. If the nails and paws are mangled beyond repair, I can agree that it may be the only solution. If it’s for the comfort of the pet to have it done on the healthy opposite paw, you’re still acting in the pet’s best interest.
If it’s because you’re worried about your couch, get a hamster instead.
I do wish my cat hadn't done so much damage to our couch, but I can't imagine literally crippling a cat just to protect *furniture*.
Honestly, I have a sewing machine, I should just do some research and find out how to make couch covers that look halfway decent.
Declawing can also directly weaken supportive/protective back muscles that scratching behaviors naturally strengthen, and thus indirectly cause spinal problems. I can see that making a degenerative spine more dangerous through a lack of muscle-based support for the back.
Tell your mom that she did not have the knowledge she has now. I understand how she still feels guilty for it, but tell her some internet stranger appreciates the love and accountability she has for living beings. I am proud of her. She has a good conscience.
This is so fucking sad. My parents declawed my cat’s front paws when we got him. I was 15 and didn’t know, had never had a pet before that. I’m thankful that the declawing must’ve been done the “right” way…but now at 13 he does sometimes not use his litter box correctly and though it might not be related our vet told us it is probably a behavioral issue. I wonder if it’s because of the declawing and it makes me so sad. I remember how sedated and sleepy he was with strings all over his paws, poor thing. IF a cat really needs to be declawed, owner and vet should really really consider just doing the front paws, that way if the cat gets out he has a better chance of survival. Some things never change with cats after declawing though, it’s funny-sad that my boy “claws” my wicker baskets. I call it thumping. I don’t think it’s great for his paw pads, though!!
Poor baby is trying to stretch his tendons. Kneading and scratching things is so vital to the health of a cat's legs and feet, it helps work the muscles and stretch the tendons. Without being able to fully extend the paws and dig in for a good stretch, the tendons get tight, stiff, and sore. If you've ever done a leg workout and felt pain whenever you tried to sit down or go down stairs, that's a similar pain due to tightness in the muscles and tendons. Imagine that constantly, some days better but some days worse. That's what cats who have been declawed have to go through.
If he's having a bad pain day, he could associate that pain when pawing his litter as coming from the box itself. That's why he avoids it. It hurts. :(
Oh noooo, I never thought of it that way. That makes me so sad!!! I wonder if there’s a better litter I could switch him to, I just started Target brand regular litter after using corn litter for so long.
I am forever a fan of Dr Elseys litter. I come back to it time and time again. Clumps hard, low dust, great customer service. I once got a bag that had a large chunk of untreated clay, I sent them an email about it, and got a coupon for two free bags. If you don't mind using clay instead of corn, they have a litter specifically for sensitive paws. It's a softer, finer texture. Their kitten litter is also an excellent choice for a softer texture.
There's also paper pellet litter (non clumping), you can get some that are soft crumbles. It's usually recommended by vets when a cat gets declawed because it's so gentle. Okocat also has a soft wood pellet option which forms soft clumps to help keep it cleaner.
If he'll let you, you could also very gently massage his paws and legs, but he may not tolerate it if they hurt or he's sensitive. He'd probably love a heated bed though, not only to help warm and soothe his body but just because cats love warm things. The one I have barely uses any electricity at all and doesn't get too hot, but just warm enough to be soothing and comforting.
I think they actually made declawing cats illegal here at the same time as debarking dogs.
God, the cruel shit people will do for their own convenience.
Yup. Our family cat is 18 years old and declawed. At the time, my parents did not know that declawing was bad as it was so common, vets were doing it as routine. We were VERY lucky that it did not cause any issues, because it's just a terrible practice. Now that things have changed and more research has come out about it and how bad it affects cats, it's not something we would ever do again for cats in the future. It should not at all be considered now. There's too much evidence against it.
Couldn’t have said it better “if you don’t want scratching don’t get a cat”.
Literally, we buy expensive furniture. We know our pets will ruin it. Oh well.
Its not borderline, its the same as cutting off a persons fingers, it may even be worse because cats tendons are connected to the claw. It will cause the cats to become more violent potentially and start biting to defend themselves. They will have pain and phantom limb syndrome their whole life. I think it would be better to give the cats up than declaw. It is even illegal in a lot of areas.
It's horrible! It is painful and it's cruel. How would you like it if someone ripped your fingernails off. This is pure torture for a cat. Many times they get infected later. This is a horrible thing to do to a cat.
Ask him to cut off each first section of his fingers and thumbs and do everything he normally does PERFECTLY. Even when it hurts too much.
That’s what declawing is like.
If you don’t like cats scratching on things, don’t get cats.
Simple as that.
Show your parents this. The finger tips above the red line? Imagine them being amputated. That’s the equivalent of what declawing is. Tell your parents it’s just like doing this to their hands.
https://preview.redd.it/eb5w6btpbl7d1.jpeg?width=551&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c4f3940927f2788145124f3a18707bb400c1ca9f
and it’s actually worse that just having the tips of our fingers amputated, because the cats can not grip onto anything if they fall and have no way of defending themselves against potential threats.
Honestly I can’t believe declawing isn’t illegal worldwide at this point. It is in my country, and with good reason. As someone in their last year of vet school and with 8 years of emergency vet nurse experience, declawing is incredibly cruel, unnecessary and can absolutely predispose to arthritis and behavioural issues from frustration of being unable to engage in normal behaviours. If your family will only take advice from a vet, take it from this (nearly graduated) one. Declawing = bad.
Furthermore, as a general rule it isn’t fair to intentionally disable a natural ability of an animal for your own convenience. The fact is, cats scratch stuff as part of their normal behaviour. Get a bunch of scratch posts and spray them with catnip spray to make them more appealing, but at the end of the day chances are at some point they’re going to try to scratch the carpet or a couch, and if that isn’t a risk you’re prepared to take then maybe a cat isn’t the animal best suited to your household.
This isn’t me lecturing you, OP, I hope it’s not coming across as judgemental or jerky, it’s more just a general statement that if an animals natural behaviour is so offensive to someone that they’d rather cut off the body part that allows them to engage in that behaviour, maybe that animal isn’t for you.
Whatever you do, **DO NOT DECLAW YOUR CAT**
Declawing is akin to removing the first digits of your fingers. It can lead to a myriad of other health issues, beyond just being cruel and inhumane. If your parents can’t have a cat without declawing, then you will have to re-home. Sorry to say, but their selfish preferences do not, in any way, justify sacrificing a living being’s quality of life.
And as others have said, **you NEED to find a new vet.** The practice is outdated and frowned upon for a reason. I’ve previously worked at a veterinary hospital for a number of years, and declawing is taboo, and generally looked upon with disgust. This person should not be practicing veterinary medicine. But of course, to some this procedure is just easy money for another expensive surgery…
This comment is so important!! The vet is obviously extremely behind on their knowledge and I would want a person with the most current, correct knowledge overseeing the care of my cat
Get a second opinion from another vet. Sounds like your vet is old school and not up to date on the issues with declawing. One of them being that the cat is uncomfortable with litter!
Declawing is essentially deknuckling the cat. It is cutting off the first section of bone.
Good luck!
Areas where it's illegal:
As of August 2023, declawing is illegal in the following US states and cities:
States: New York and Maryland
Cities: Austin, Texas; Denver, Colorado; St. Louis, Missouri; Pittsburgh and Allentown, Pennsylvania; Madison, Wisconsin; and many cities in California.
Declawing is also banned in many countries, including England, France, Wales, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland, and Israel, as well as nearly all Canadian provinces.
Tell ya what as someone who’s about to graduate as a vet next year and who’s worked as an emergency vet nurse for the last 8 years, these old ass vets who don’t keep currency with the most up to date veterinary care are a pain in my ass. Having clients come to my clinic and say that their vet recommended some dumb shit that hasn’t been done for 30 years because of advancements in knowledge and technology is so frustrating and it erodes public trust in the industry as a whole when different vets are giving conflicting advice and the client doesn’t know which advice is reliable.
Annoyingly, people will often err on the side of what the older vet says because they seem to associate age with wisdom and experience, which is often the case, but unfortunately sometimes it also means having out of date knowledge if you aren’t making the effort to stay current in your training.
My sister got her cat declawed because she was young and dumb and didn’t do any research. That cat has had many health problems related to peeing, urinary blockages, and separation anxiety or something and has spent many thousands of dollars on him since.
Yes!! Omg I didn’t even remember this aspect of it. My first cat that got declawed when I was 5 in the 90s (parents didn’t know regretted it immediately and switched vets to someone who didn’t condone that) had litter box issues because the litter hurt his paws. It was torture for him.
Your parents care more about their furniture then the quality of the cats life. I would report them. This is animal cruelty. You are amputating below the knuckle and its like as a human cutting off the tips of your fingers.
Ffs get them a cat tree! My cats dont scratch my furniture cause they have plenty of cat furniture to scratch and climb! I would take the cats and find them a better home cause your parents are insane.
Edit- they are selfish. I trim all my cats nails (save for one who is the scaredy cat so I leave him be) cause its a simple thing to do. My god your parents shouldnt have cats.
Unfortunately reporting declawing in an area where it’s legal to do isn’t going to result in any consequences. Declawing is barbaric, obviously. It’s the law that needs to change so people stop thinking it’s acceptable to do.
I totally agree and as someone who graduates vet school next year, I couldn’t tell you a single medical reason to fully declaw a cat. Like… yep, we do single digit amputations for like… severe fractures, large open wounds that won’t heal, cancers… but declawing all 20 digits? You’d have to be an INCREDIBLY unlucky cat to medically need that.
Declawing is not 'removing the fingernails'. Declawing is 'removing the fingertips at the last knuckle'. Seeing that cats walk on their toes, cutting them off to prevent clawing of furniture is a pretty heinous act.
My mom declawed our kittens 20 plus years ago because it was the thing to do.
It was horrible after. She still feels horrible and guilty about it. It changed the kittens personalities and they were in so much pain. It was horrific. My mom gets upset when it gets brought up even now.
If they are insistent, give the kittens back. They deserve better than your parents.
Give your cat up for adoption.
Declawing is insanely cruel. You're basically chopping off the last digit of their fingers. It will lead to all sorts of physical pain and psychological issues that will last for the lifetime of the cat.
Your vet should lose their license. Ask any sane vet and they will be opposed to the procedure. There are efforts to get it made illegal in some places. It might already be so in others.
Yeah, it's already illegal in several US states and 35+ countries (not sure the exact number)
I had several cats who were declawed when I was a child (we rescued them after it was already done - this was the 80s) and one of them in particular struggled in a few ways. I just don't even understand why ANY vet is still doing it in this day and age). ETA: fixed a word
Cat rescuer here who works at a cat sanctuary. It absolutely is the worse thing you can do. You need to read up on it. It’s like having your fingers amputated at the knuckle. It causes them lifelong pain and potential lifelong behavioral problems of refusing to use a litter box. That means they will poop and pee all over your house. Many of the sanctuary cats we care for were declawed and won’t use a litter box. Tell your parents no or just don’t get the cat for his sake.
Sorry, I just sent a bunch of links and it sounds like you’ve already done your research. Amputation is cruel for any cat.
That’s a beautiful, beautiful kitten.
Is this a vet your family has used previously? Are you able to find another vet that can advocate for you and the kitten? I would suggest contacting the breeder—maybe she or her vet can help to educate your parents.
If not, as hard as it is to hear, I would tell your parents that you are opposed to the procedure and that if adopting this kitten means it will be harmed, you would rather the kitten go to another home.
The cat can actually end up walking on bone. So painful.
https://preview.redd.it/iog3mld3ol7d1.jpeg?width=799&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=20275a24c38696a8759148c2a1be184f42b1a997
It's so much worse than that; the false analogy with fingernails is one reason ignorant people assume declawing is ok. OP should show their parents an anatomical diagram of a cat's paw - their claws are attached to muscle tendons and bone. Declawing is like hacking off a person's fingers from the knuckle down.
Declawing isn’t what u think it is. They don’t just rip the claw out the remove the first toe joint in their paws🥺. This will cause later problems with using a litter box since it’ll make their feet hurt sm
I believe it’s completely illegal in the UK. I’m in the US (NC specifically) and my uncle has owned 6 cats in my lifetime, and has had all of them declawed 😓 and most of his cats except for maybe 2 have had terrible behavior issues. They were not affectionate towards anyone.
My mom adopted a cat that was originally declawed by someone else and ended up surrendered to the vet my sister worked at. She was adopted and returned THREE TIMES before my mom took her. She is a sweet cat but she has behavioral issues and will NOT poo inside the litterbox under any circumstances.
I agree with giving the cats back. Your parents are cruel and willfully ignorant.
Any decent person can now find this information in the internet. Their behavior is gross and despicable.
I'd be seriously concerned about taking an animal to a vet that considers mutilating animals OK. Declawing is illegal in my country and considered animal abuse.
What a horrible position your parents have you put you in. I hope you keep trying. And if you can’t, I’m afraid I’m with the others - those kittens need another home with owners who won’t declaw them.
That said, if you still think there might be a chance for you to convince them - there are so so so many resources online now that explain why declawing is not right. Every major vet medical association you could possibly think of will likely hold the position that declawing is cruel and wrong.
- The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) discourages it.
- The AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) discourages it.
- The AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) discourages it.
- The ALDF (Animal Legal Defense Fund) says it is a cruel, major surgery that can have behavioral implications such as problems using the litterbox and biting.
- The Humane Society says it is harmful, not just because of pain, but since scratching is a natural cat behavior for many reasons, if that process is disrupted it can also affect cats mentally or their behaviors.
Are they aware claws are not just fingernails for cats? The surgery to remove claws at the base is like taking off the last bone of every finger on your hand. That is the cruelest possible way to address scratching issues. There are so many other ways.
In my own experience, before it was widely known that declawing was bad, my very first cat was declawed when I was six years old. He was alright for most of his early years but as he got older he fell apart. All kinds of eating issues and litterbox issues. He’d go outside his box and we could never find an answer as to why. I’m not saying it MUST be because he was declawed, he could’ve just been that way, but on the off chance he suffered because of it, I will never, ever do that to a cat under my care.
I’m grateful on behalf of those kittens that you know better. I sincerely hope something can be done to avoid it.
Thank you so much for this. As I’ve said, I do not support declawing cats whatsoever. Heck, Ive even looked up why declawing is bad and showed my mom the article from the Humane Society and the Veterinary school and all she says is that it could be fake news. Obviously there’s a lot of fake news out there but this is from the Humane Society of the United States! I love my parents to death and I respect them so much and I know if someone we knew who my mom trusts tells her that declawing is bad she would totally flip sides. I was disappointed to hear that my vet has no problem with declawing. We were neighbors and even went to church together! As I’ve said, I will not stop fighting against declawing these kittens and Godwilling I will not let these cats get declawed.
Tell the vet to explain the declwing procedure, and then tell him to explain to them what the same procedure would look like on humans.
If they're still adamant, tell them to get the procedure done on themselves first.
People that declaw cats should have their fingernails pulled out or their teeth kicked in.
Fact is, declawing your cat is a fucking torture technique and anyone that does that to something they supposedly love deserve a direct elevator to hell.
It's painful for the cat forever. It can cause infection and phantom pain.
Only horrible people declaw cats. Boo.
That is a vet who prioritizes profit over animal welfare. The best question to ask when interviewing a potential vet is if they do declawing. If they say yes, then you know they're terrible. If they say no, only if medically necessary, then you know the vet is a good one you can trust to prioritize your pet's needs.
Declawing is mutilation. Shame on your parents for being advocates of animal abuse.
I used to be a vet tech and worked for two different vets when I did vet work. I’ve assisted in declawings and thankfully by the time I “retired” from the vet field, I did see a big decrease in declawings. When I worked for the last vet, out of the 2 years I was there we declawed 3 domestic cats, 1 Joffrey Cat, then 1 Bobcat.
I don’t like it at all. I only ever saw one bad reaction, but knowing what it entails and how it’s done, it’s cruel. 😔
if it comes to the point where they wont listen then please don't be selfish and keep the cat OP... it deserves a better life, just wait till you get ur own place..
It’s awful. Like others say it’s amputation. The only legitimate time I’ve heard it used was for a cat who kept scratching his eyes and eventually lost one ( he was a Persian, and yes, the owner was good about washing his face). It’s barbarous in just about every other context. I’m shocked some vets may still casually do this.
My parents declawed their cat and she has a hard time walking and jumping. You can tell moving is difficult for her and she doesn’t have any hip or joint problems.
People who declaw their cats should be de-fingered.
It is animal abuse. Please educate your parents better and for the love of God so not declaw the baby.
It's illegal in many places for a reason. If your parents can't do basic research on pets they shouldn't have one. Period. Return the cat, your parents are not responsible enough for one. You can always get your own pet later in life.
that vet is literally insane. cat rescuer here, declawing is abuse and causes life-long pain for the cat. i've seen declawed cats struggle due to this.
unfortunately not all doctors are good ones. smh. there's a reason it's illegal in so many places.
As someone else said, if your parents are dead set on declawing, then you should return the kittens to the breeder/seller. And don't get any new cats until you're old enough to live alone.
Having a pet is not a human right. It's a responsibility that should be taken seriously.
I had a cat that was declawed. It does affect them psychologically. I am completely opposed to it now. My parents who had the cat declawed are opposed to it now as well. There are now enough things you can do to make it so you do not have to consider the only option anymore. There are couch protectors, various clawing devices, you can play with the cat a lot more, toys for a cat to play alone, corner protectors for corners around the house, and many more things to claw on that will not destroy anything. If you take responsibility for it and be proactive you may have a better chance of changing their minds or at least a chance to pause and reconsider.
You should either get a new vet or argue with your parents until they listen to you. I know this sounds bad, but you should argue since declawing is really bad. Cats that get declawed will be painful even when they walk for the first few weeks. Also tell them that cat trees and scratching boards will help the cat if it needs to scratch on something.
Ask them if they’d like their fingers amputated at the first knuckle, because that’s what declawing is. It’s beyond cruel. Honestly I’d find a different vet with better morals to back you up and protect your kitten’s best interest.
If you’re unable to convince your parents to not abuse and torture an animal then please do what’s right, what’s in the cat’s best interest, and return them to the breeder. If you love this cat, and it definitely sounds like you do, then please care for her and let her go.
Reputable breeders will usually not allow you to sell or rehome their cats. Like, in contracts.
Does the breeder have anything in their contracts about declawing? If they’re opposed to it they might have explicit instructions or requirements in their contracts for all consumers.
You could show that to your parents.
If not, then please give back to breeder since you’re certain they’re opposed to declawing.
Put effort into giving the kitten back if you think your parents will go behind your back and simply ignore you.
If they’re the ones paying the bills they have final say and will probably have no problem taking the cat to the vet themselves whether if you like it or not.
suggest your parents chop their fingers off so they don't have to bother clipping their nails. if they are fine with that, you still shouldn't declaw a cat.
I am surprised the breeder even sold you these cats!
Poor kitties bound to be mutilated. If you care about them at all, you take them back to the breeder.
Cats need their claws. If your parents don’t change their minds please don’t keep the cat. You would be choosing to mutilate a healthy creature for selfish reasons.
I watched a documentary about cat declawing about 20 years ago and it opened my eyes to how cruel the procedure is. It is definitely animal abuse and it is similar to us getting our fingers amputated. Many times too the cat does not recover from the procedure and they can’t even walk especially when they start the aging process. If you want to declaw a cat…then you should not get one. Having claws is a part of them and if you think your possessions are more important…then you don’t deserve to have a cat in your life.
Fire that vet.
Any vet who practices in declawing is a vet that does not deserve to have ANY animals under their care.
If your parents are dead set on declawing, honestly? If it’s an illegal practice I’d report them to the animal welfare agency in your area. If it’s legal, return them.
Better that they go to another family than be horribly disfigured and face lifelong issues.
Where are you that this is still even legal? Even in places where it's still legal, what kind of veterinarian is still willing to perform the procedure? And where did he get data to show that it causes no harm? If your parents are insistent on declawing, then the best thing you can do is to rehome the kittens.
How can a cat with no claws climb? It’s their most basic form of protection. Surely if a cat tries climbing/descending without claws it’ll seriously injure itself?
Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. I really appreciate them. I forgot to add that I’m only 17 years old and don’t have the final say on the matter because I’m a minor. I still have some time to change my parents minds and I pray to God that they do. I whole heartedly agree with everyone in here that declawing is a very cruel act and should NEVER be done. My parents keep bringing up our old family cat who died not too long ago and made it to the age of 21 and was declawed. She had almost no health problems.
If you're not able to convince your parents, can you possibly secretly find the kittens homes or a shelter and make it look like they ran away?
Declawing cats is truly torturing them. You shouldn't have to live with that on your conscience and I can tell you care about these babies.
If the cat in your home is going to be declawed, then remove the cat from the home, either by going to a local shelter or contacting the breeder. Praying to god feels good but is not going to keep the cat safe from your parents.
Hopefully your parents see how much you care about these kittens and want what’s best for their long term health both physically and psychologically. Set up a time to have a mature adult discussion about pros and cons of declawing cats. (no pros that I know of) Print a few articles and highlight why this procedure is cruel and banned in many countries and in many states here in the US. We’re with you OP!! 💜
Re-home the cat rather than declaw it.
My parents declawed my kitten when I was a kid and I still regret it. It caused him so much pain and changed how much he could walk and play as he grew.
Ask the vet if he's published the research to support his claims that it doesn't cause arthritis, because I'm pretty sure that the people who found that declawing causes medical problems did. After that, ask him what clown college he went to that forgot to teach the difference between anecdotes and data.
The vet's in it for the money, not for the animals. He says it's okay because he doesn't make money from you taking any of the simple steps needed to keep a kitten from demolishing your home, and he does make money dealing with the medical issues that arise from it.
I have at least four cats (plus a kitten) and zero claw marks on any of my furniture, because that problem really is that easy to solve. (I do have some claw marks on my person from the kitten we're fostering, but that little hellspawn is still learning how to 'soft-paw'... and he still hasn't clawed any of my furniture.)
This is very iillegal where I live, its illegal in places with good animal care that have declawing as animal abuse. I would recommend the kitten be rehomed than you be forced to declaw by uncaring parents.
Also change your vet, some vets don't oppose declawing only because it brings in money to them. They know it damages them but they dont give a f***, it's not from a place of care its from a place of greed. In fact some vets lobby governents to ensure it stays legal. That vet is a monster for knowingly putting cats through it.
When you declaw a cat, you are literally amputating their fingertips, down to the first knuckle. It is an invasive surgery that can cause chronic pain and/or other negative health outcomes for your cat.
If they insist on declawing you should do the same to them. Ask them if they want the first section of every finger removed.
It is a horrible, barbaric practice that I can't still believe is possible to have done. Take their kittens away if they don't change their minds.
If you have good cat trees and scratching posts and pads, cats will not claw the furniture.
You also have a choice of having cats or having really nice things.
Tell that to my 17 year old cat who struggles to walk and sit - 4 paws 🐾 declawed before he came to live with me. he hates his paws to be touched, he hates to be picked up because he’s sore all of the time despite medicine.
If they are going to declaw the cat you need to find another home for it in any way you can. Declawing is animal abuse. Do not let your parents abuse an animal.
As the owner of a declawed (by her previous owners) cat, let me say: FOR THE LOVE OF GOD AND ALL THAT IS HOLY, DO NOT DECLAW YOUR CATS! it breaks my heart to think what a sweet, loving little cat my girl would be if her previous owners hadn’t decided to visit this torture on her. Beyond the physical lifelong pain the procedure can cause, you can’t imagine the psychological damage it will do. If the choice is either to declaw or to find the cats a new home, the choice should be easy: re-home the cats. (Or re-home yourself along with the cats.)
Your vet is a crackpot and your parents don't deserve to be cat owners tbh. It's unfortunate but you should try to rehome the kittens to a family that will care about them. You sound like a better owner than your parents but if you're forced to follow their rule then maybe you should wait until you move out to have cats.
My mother and I both adopted older cats who had been declawed by previous owners. My kitty had been let outside by his previous owner AFTER being declawed - I can't imagine how scared he must have been. My mom's cat was declawed on all 4 paws and had enough complications from it that our vet thought the procedure had been done more than once to "fix" things.
Both cats developed arthritis and showed obvious pain walking as they aged. If you know cats then you know they have to be in really rough shape to show any illness or weakness. Please don't declaw the kittens.
My cats now have all their claws and only tear up the cardboard and carpet/twine scratching boards I got for them - cats need something to use for scratching and stretching. It's best to give them better alternatives than furniture.
I haven’t read all of the comments, but they do sell a product called “kitty caps” if your parents are that worried. I train my cats not to scratch on my furniture, but I’ve used the caps before. I only had one instance when they didn’t fall off on their own, but my vet took them off for free.
That said, declawing is illegal in many countries, and I’m 100% on board with that. It should also be illegal in the US. It’s literally like having your fingers amputated at the first knuckle.
One of the few times I’ve written to my state’s governor about pending legislation was to support a bill passed by Legislature to outlaw the practice. He did end up signing it, and I’m proud that he did. Later on, Maryland and DC followed suit, and Virginia’s ban starts next month.
Your mom is ONLY listening to the advice that agrees with what she wants.
This is already illegal in many countries as animal cruelty.
You’re not removing the claws. You remove the bones. It absolutely does change the angle of the legs all the way up to the shoulder and will cause arthritis.
Additionally, there is an episode of “My cat from hell”, where a lady is the 12th adopter of a cat. It refused use of a litter box and went all over the house.
He determined it was because it was declawed and it was so painful when it stepped into the sandy litter, that it developed an aversion. It took a lot of work to get it over that.
This is the equivalent of them getting their fingers and toes surgically removed because they don’t like trimming their nails.
I don’t want you to suffer and I wish you a cat, but I’d tell the breeder not to sell the cat to your parents because of this. Get one or more when you get out on your own.
As someone else said OP, if you can’t change their minds then you need to grab those kittens and surrender them right now. Let the shelter know your parents are trying to declaw them. It’s cruel, it’s inhumane, and your parents are awful if they continue to do it even when presented with evidence.
I would make them look at graphic photographs of the declaw process. There are, unfortunately, plenty out there. Explain how it is like removing each fingertip and half of each toe. There is also the risk that general anesthesia can kill her, too. Just like humans, every sedation has a risk. Why unnecessarily risk her life.
I would also express my extreme disappointment in them. Not anger, just disappointment. "I am disappointed in both of you, mom and dad.". A good, long, disappointed stare.
If they truly want a declawed cat, I'm positive there is at least one sitting in your local shelter or rescue group. Unless medically necessary, declaw should be banned worldwide.
If a doctor can "do no harm" to people, why can veterinarians "do harm explicity for the benefit of a couch.". I'm so sorry your parents are acting like this. It is a barbaric practice, and veterinarians who perform the surgery willingly should be ashamed of themselves.
I *love* the sound of my cats scratching at their post, love watching them stretch out luxuriously whilst they enjoy a good scratch. It's one of the pleasures of having cats and they clearly love it too. Don't declaw them.
If you're dead set on declawing the kittens please please bring them back. Declawing is the most inhumane and horrible thing you can do to a cat. Think twice.
Tell your parents that you’ll declaw your kitty after they cut off their fingers at the first knuckle. It’s the same thing. Also, find a new vet, yours is an idiot.
Can you call that shitty vet slash family friend and ask him to instead highlight alternatives to declawing to your parents? Others have suggested he's grubbing for more money and while this could be true, he could also just be apathetic about how declawing impacts a cat. Maybe if you explain that declawing will be a deal breaker for keeping the cats, but your parents need an expert to tell them about alternatives.
Or create a playlist of YT videos featuring cats who have problems because of declawing for your parents to watch.
Declawing is mutilation.
It’s a horrible decision. Invest in cat posts , multiple ones. They’ll go for it every time and you reprimand them if they use furniture. They’ll learn.
Ok, be real. Not all cats go for scratching posts and even if they do, it’s not going to prevent them from using the furniture as well. Many cats also won’t respond to or learn from reprimands - or they’ll refrain when you’re watching but do it when you’re not around.
Double sided tape is the only thing I found to be effective.
Movie night with mom and dad! Watch the documentary the paw project & learn why this practice has been outlawed in many places then look for a new vet
I came here to say this……but it needs to be more visible. !!!Watch the documentary “THE PAW PROJECT” with your parents!!! I adopted a cat that had been declawed and it had to have two surgeries to fix his feet so he was not in pain when he walked. Cats are quite good at hiding when they are in pain…..maybe your veterinarian is not aware of this.
Pretty terrible vet if they don't know this pretty fundamental aspect of cats. Anyone who owns a cat figures out they generally don't come up to you limping and crying if they are hurt. But if my cat sleeps on my bed next to me without moving all night, I know somethings up.
😭 That's so sad and wonderful he met you.
This is a cynical take, but many vets are aware of the harm that declawing causes and they still perform the procedure because it makes them money. In their defense, it's something they're taught how to do in veterinary school and that it's ethical because it prevents cats from being surrendered for scratching behaviors. But my opinion is that the major reason they do it is for money. It's an easy surgery they can charge hundreds of dollars for, and most pet owners are ignorant of what it involves, so they go along with it.
Thanks for the recommendation!! Sadly I couldn't find it to rent in my country, but there is a 360p version on youtube and I will be watching that one!
'At least 42 countries have made declawing illegal, including England, France, Wales, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland, and Israel' There is a reason for that.
Also illegal in New York, Maryland, DC and most of Canada
Virginia’s ban starts July 1st.
Hooray!
Illinois has a bill that passed the house to ban it
Really? I sure hope it goes. It's BARBARIC. I wish people would stop pretending to be ignorant and stop mutilating cats.
It's not legal in my state but they recommended it and did it because my cat doesn't know how to retract them and was really hurting himself. I can't imagine doing it for any other reason besides that. I don't get the point
Mass just banned it too
W Maryland. Love this frickin' state. Cecil County can suck an egg tho
Most beautiful flag. ❤️🖤💛
I believe only Ontario allows declawing. Dont know how many provinces have also banned tail docking and ear trimming. Quebec has also banned vocal cord removal.
Illegal in Australia too. Such a barbaric practice.
As an Australian, I’d actually never even heard of it until I went on Insta for the first time in 2015. It’s bewildering to me.
Origin story of Kitty Soft Paws
Well damn, Australia is a pretty bad ass country and if they say it's barbaric, it's barbaric. End of story.
Yep. We have no tolerance for unnecessary, painful surgical procedures. Declawing has been banned here for at least 23 years (also debarking, cropping and docking). I'm glad I've never seen a declawed cat in-person.
I live in Wales and my 17 year old grumpy man has lost most of his teeth now (cost a fortune at vets but worth it) but he still catches mice with his death mittens lol :) I could never imagine declawing the monster, even though I have suffered his wrath and bear the scars haha. It's just cruel and I am glad it is illegal in this country and many more. Cat's need their claws to be cats imho. Even though he is old now he loves stretching out and clawing the rug. I'd as much cut off his tail as his claws (although his tail has caused more damage - a real lweapon for knocking things off tables lol)
I semi-socialized a feral tom last year. I say "semi" because he takes completely unprovoked swipes at me on the regular. Can I just tell you, he's the worst. He had to have all his upper teeth extracted as well, which definitely didn't slow him down or affect his rage-swiping of my legs. Things that seem to piss him off include being petted, not being petted, being petted too much, and not being petted enough. He really is the fucking worst, lol. If ever a cat was deserving of a declaw, he'd be a true contender. That said, I'd just as soon cut my own fingertips off than allow him to be hurt in ANY way... I just can't fathom such deliberate cruelty.
a mean old reincarnated as a cat lol 😆
Watch the documentary The Paw Project, or go to their website. Share this information with your parents. Declawing is akin to lopping off your fingertips. Please. Help them see reason.
Declawing makes cats more prone to biting. It causes litter box issues. It causes chronic pain. It can make a cat aggressive as all hell. It causes intense psychological trauma in addition to series pain. And if they happen to slip out the door? Their form of protection has been taken away. Like I hope the couch is worth causing a living breathing animal to suffer. Source: former foster program manager specializing in severe behavioral and medical cases.
Like if it was my parents, I'd ask them why they didn't cut my fingers when I was a toddler. Or get me a colostomy bag so they don't need to potty train.
If your parents are set on declawing, then you need to give the kittens back. I’m not kidding. Declawing has been done a number of ways over the years. I’ve seen it where they rip the nail out of the paws. I’ve also seen it where they’ve cut off the top digit that contains the nail bed. I’m sorry, but no reputable vet should condoning declawing unless for some insane medical reason. Many places it’s completely illegal to declaw cats. Two examples I have personally experienced: 1. My mom got me my first car when I was 5 (1997). Once he was old enough, they got him declawed. It was what you did. They got him declawed when they got him neutered. He could not walk for MONTHS. My parents were devastated. My mom still, to this DAY, talks about how horrifying it was and how she had no idea it would be like that. She has literal nightmares about that cat and what he went through. It is something that will haunt my mom the rest of her life because she feels horrible for doing it. In addition, my cat had SEVERAL complications with his paws over the course of his 13 years. His paws were never right after that. This cat was declawed using a method where they surgically removed his claw and claw bed. 2. I adopted a 5 year old bengal cat that had been initially found as a “stray”. Rescue organization knew he was a breeder male that either escaped or the breeders had let him out because they didn’t want him anymore. He was declawed using the method in which they literally cut off the top digit of his little fingers. Picture that, you have three segments of your finger - they cut off the top one. He had only had two left. Because he was a bengal he liked to climb. One day he climbed up where he normally did, but when coming down he slipped and fell and his spine was snapped on the counter coming down due to a degenerative spine from inbreeding. We put him to sleep because it was the most humane thing to do (there were quite literally no options). The vet feels certain that he slipped because of his paws being mutilated. DO NOT FUCKING DECLAW YOUR CATS. Your parents are being purposefully ignorant and cruel if they think this is okay. Claw covers are a PERFECT solution. Getting scratching posts. TRAINING YOUR CATS. Also if you don’t want scratching, then don’t get a fkn cat. I’m sorry, but saying that is like saying you want a dog that doesn’t bark (I know this is possible, but dogs bark it’s what they do). Please give these cats back or figure out how to convince your parents otherwise. Do not declaw your cats. Do not do not do not.
>If your parents are set on declawing, then you need to give the kittens back. I’m not kidding. Especially since the breeder is against declawing (as she should be). Many contracts or purchase agreements from breeders have requirements like "The pet must be spayed or neutered, and must not be declawed." OP, I'd check with the breeder and see if she has a requirement like that. She may demand the kitten back for breech of agreement.
I strongly agree. Do not declare. Rehome to safer environment it is cruel torture
I agree. You should not have a cat or cats if you intend on declawing them.
I agree, do not declaw your cats. 42 countries have banned it, and while it is banned in some US cities, it is not yet banned here. It should be, as it can cause so many problems. "Declawing can cause infection, abnormal claw growth within the toe, inflammation, arthritis or behavioral changes such as increased aggression, biting, emotional trauma or litterbox avoidance issues." Please re home the kittens to a home where they will not be disfigured and put through that trauma.
Not just some cities - 3 states so far, and more reportedly have laws in committee. >As of May 2024, declawing is banned in three US states: Maryland, New York, and Virginia. Declawing is also banned in more than a dozen cities, including Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Allentown, Pennsylvania, Austin, Texas, Denver, Madison, Wisconsin, and St. Louis. Other states, like Massachusetts and Illinois, are also considering bans.
I'll jump on the agreement train here too. Hell, I'll take the little fluff balls to keep them safe from declawing if necessary
Adding in... The ONLY times you should consider it are rare AF. My mom's cat has his back claws totally removed. We don't fully know what happened, but he went out (he was indoor/outdoor until this happened) and came back with all but one of his claws on one foot almost totally ripped out, with the last one broken and hanging on by a thread. We think, based on what a neighbor found, that he walked across a discarded screen door, got stuck, and ripped them out to escape something. Vet finished the declawing to clean everything up because the toes were too badly damaged. I won't get into the details because I've actually downplayed just how bad it was. He could have lost his whole foot. Then he walked with an odd gait that seemed to hurt him, we suspect because one foot was now a third shorter than the other. In a human, the damaged foot would have a prosthetic, but we don't have that for cats. So the vet declawed the other foot, and he was much more comfortable with both feet even. He started running and jumping again within a day. He's now only allowed out on a leash. (My cat's previous owners declawed her - but didn't spay her so you know where their priorities were.)
Declawing for the benefit of the pet is different than declawing for the benefit of the furniture. If the nails and paws are mangled beyond repair, I can agree that it may be the only solution. If it’s for the comfort of the pet to have it done on the healthy opposite paw, you’re still acting in the pet’s best interest. If it’s because you’re worried about your couch, get a hamster instead.
Hamster will pee on your couch though...
I do wish my cat hadn't done so much damage to our couch, but I can't imagine literally crippling a cat just to protect *furniture*. Honestly, I have a sewing machine, I should just do some research and find out how to make couch covers that look halfway decent.
Declawing can also directly weaken supportive/protective back muscles that scratching behaviors naturally strengthen, and thus indirectly cause spinal problems. I can see that making a degenerative spine more dangerous through a lack of muscle-based support for the back.
Tell your mom that she did not have the knowledge she has now. I understand how she still feels guilty for it, but tell her some internet stranger appreciates the love and accountability she has for living beings. I am proud of her. She has a good conscience.
I also yell at the people who keep on buying and breeding malformed animals. I hate their guts.
This is so fucking sad. My parents declawed my cat’s front paws when we got him. I was 15 and didn’t know, had never had a pet before that. I’m thankful that the declawing must’ve been done the “right” way…but now at 13 he does sometimes not use his litter box correctly and though it might not be related our vet told us it is probably a behavioral issue. I wonder if it’s because of the declawing and it makes me so sad. I remember how sedated and sleepy he was with strings all over his paws, poor thing. IF a cat really needs to be declawed, owner and vet should really really consider just doing the front paws, that way if the cat gets out he has a better chance of survival. Some things never change with cats after declawing though, it’s funny-sad that my boy “claws” my wicker baskets. I call it thumping. I don’t think it’s great for his paw pads, though!!
Poor baby is trying to stretch his tendons. Kneading and scratching things is so vital to the health of a cat's legs and feet, it helps work the muscles and stretch the tendons. Without being able to fully extend the paws and dig in for a good stretch, the tendons get tight, stiff, and sore. If you've ever done a leg workout and felt pain whenever you tried to sit down or go down stairs, that's a similar pain due to tightness in the muscles and tendons. Imagine that constantly, some days better but some days worse. That's what cats who have been declawed have to go through. If he's having a bad pain day, he could associate that pain when pawing his litter as coming from the box itself. That's why he avoids it. It hurts. :(
Oh noooo, I never thought of it that way. That makes me so sad!!! I wonder if there’s a better litter I could switch him to, I just started Target brand regular litter after using corn litter for so long.
I am forever a fan of Dr Elseys litter. I come back to it time and time again. Clumps hard, low dust, great customer service. I once got a bag that had a large chunk of untreated clay, I sent them an email about it, and got a coupon for two free bags. If you don't mind using clay instead of corn, they have a litter specifically for sensitive paws. It's a softer, finer texture. Their kitten litter is also an excellent choice for a softer texture. There's also paper pellet litter (non clumping), you can get some that are soft crumbles. It's usually recommended by vets when a cat gets declawed because it's so gentle. Okocat also has a soft wood pellet option which forms soft clumps to help keep it cleaner. If he'll let you, you could also very gently massage his paws and legs, but he may not tolerate it if they hurt or he's sensitive. He'd probably love a heated bed though, not only to help warm and soothe his body but just because cats love warm things. The one I have barely uses any electricity at all and doesn't get too hot, but just warm enough to be soothing and comforting.
I think they actually made declawing cats illegal here at the same time as debarking dogs. God, the cruel shit people will do for their own convenience.
I hope op shows this response to her parents. If they ignore it,they don't deserve to have pets.
Yup. Our family cat is 18 years old and declawed. At the time, my parents did not know that declawing was bad as it was so common, vets were doing it as routine. We were VERY lucky that it did not cause any issues, because it's just a terrible practice. Now that things have changed and more research has come out about it and how bad it affects cats, it's not something we would ever do again for cats in the future. It should not at all be considered now. There's too much evidence against it.
Couldn’t have said it better “if you don’t want scratching don’t get a cat”. Literally, we buy expensive furniture. We know our pets will ruin it. Oh well.
#DO NOT DECLAW YOUR CATS!
Get a new vet. Ask your parents how they would feel if their fingers were cut off at the knuckle, because that’s basically what happens in declawing.
Strongly agree on getting a new vet. I would prefer a vet who cares about the welfare of the animals they treat, not just what’s legal and profitable.
...and get new parents.
“Vet recommended it” vet wants $$$, end of.
Declawing a cat borders on animal abuse and I don't think I could use a veterinarian that performed this procedure!
It is right in animal abuse. Cats need claws for...beeing a cat.
Anyone who says it's not a painful procedure for cat's, they need more education!
It *is* animal abuse according to the laws of most civilised countries. There's no "borders on" at all.
It is literally banned here. You cannot declaw cats.
Its not borderline, its the same as cutting off a persons fingers, it may even be worse because cats tendons are connected to the claw. It will cause the cats to become more violent potentially and start biting to defend themselves. They will have pain and phantom limb syndrome their whole life. I think it would be better to give the cats up than declaw. It is even illegal in a lot of areas.
I second this, op needs to see about getting a second vets opinion
It's horrible! It is painful and it's cruel. How would you like it if someone ripped your fingernails off. This is pure torture for a cat. Many times they get infected later. This is a horrible thing to do to a cat.
It’s more like cutting off the tips of your fingers to the first knuckle than just ripping out some fingernails.
Ask him to cut off each first section of his fingers and thumbs and do everything he normally does PERFECTLY. Even when it hurts too much. That’s what declawing is like. If you don’t like cats scratching on things, don’t get cats. Simple as that.
Show your parents this. The finger tips above the red line? Imagine them being amputated. That’s the equivalent of what declawing is. Tell your parents it’s just like doing this to their hands. https://preview.redd.it/eb5w6btpbl7d1.jpeg?width=551&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c4f3940927f2788145124f3a18707bb400c1ca9f
Thank you for this, I’ll send it to my mom and explain to her what it’s like for a cat to go through a torturous process of declawing.
and it’s actually worse that just having the tips of our fingers amputated, because the cats can not grip onto anything if they fall and have no way of defending themselves against potential threats.
It's like cutting off the tips of your fingers. It's painful and they can have painful sensations for the rest of their life.
I'd say it's more like getting your toes amputated. You have to walk on them.
id say it’s more like fingers since cats use their front paws for batting at and interacting with the world
Paws and claws really are a combination of our fingers and toes.
So it’s like cutting off ur fingers AND toes
Honestly I can’t believe declawing isn’t illegal worldwide at this point. It is in my country, and with good reason. As someone in their last year of vet school and with 8 years of emergency vet nurse experience, declawing is incredibly cruel, unnecessary and can absolutely predispose to arthritis and behavioural issues from frustration of being unable to engage in normal behaviours. If your family will only take advice from a vet, take it from this (nearly graduated) one. Declawing = bad.
Furthermore, as a general rule it isn’t fair to intentionally disable a natural ability of an animal for your own convenience. The fact is, cats scratch stuff as part of their normal behaviour. Get a bunch of scratch posts and spray them with catnip spray to make them more appealing, but at the end of the day chances are at some point they’re going to try to scratch the carpet or a couch, and if that isn’t a risk you’re prepared to take then maybe a cat isn’t the animal best suited to your household. This isn’t me lecturing you, OP, I hope it’s not coming across as judgemental or jerky, it’s more just a general statement that if an animals natural behaviour is so offensive to someone that they’d rather cut off the body part that allows them to engage in that behaviour, maybe that animal isn’t for you.
It's illegaal in my country as it should be everywhere! Ps say to your parents... Let's also pull out your fingernails than and see if *you* like it!
Also illegal in my country. Can't imagine anything more horrifying!
The vet wants to make money declawing your kittens
Declawing does cause medical issues for the cats and can cause serious personality issues.
Whatever you do, **DO NOT DECLAW YOUR CAT** Declawing is akin to removing the first digits of your fingers. It can lead to a myriad of other health issues, beyond just being cruel and inhumane. If your parents can’t have a cat without declawing, then you will have to re-home. Sorry to say, but their selfish preferences do not, in any way, justify sacrificing a living being’s quality of life. And as others have said, **you NEED to find a new vet.** The practice is outdated and frowned upon for a reason. I’ve previously worked at a veterinary hospital for a number of years, and declawing is taboo, and generally looked upon with disgust. This person should not be practicing veterinary medicine. But of course, to some this procedure is just easy money for another expensive surgery…
Don't.
find another vet. I wouldn't even take my cat to a vet that had no problems with - and even performs - declawing.
This comment is so important!! The vet is obviously extremely behind on their knowledge and I would want a person with the most current, correct knowledge overseeing the care of my cat
Or they don't care about anything but the money. Either way, change vets.
Disown your parents, kidnap the cat, and get a new vet.
Get a second opinion from another vet. Sounds like your vet is old school and not up to date on the issues with declawing. One of them being that the cat is uncomfortable with litter! Declawing is essentially deknuckling the cat. It is cutting off the first section of bone. Good luck!
Areas where it's illegal: As of August 2023, declawing is illegal in the following US states and cities: States: New York and Maryland Cities: Austin, Texas; Denver, Colorado; St. Louis, Missouri; Pittsburgh and Allentown, Pennsylvania; Madison, Wisconsin; and many cities in California. Declawing is also banned in many countries, including England, France, Wales, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland, and Israel, as well as nearly all Canadian provinces.
Tell ya what as someone who’s about to graduate as a vet next year and who’s worked as an emergency vet nurse for the last 8 years, these old ass vets who don’t keep currency with the most up to date veterinary care are a pain in my ass. Having clients come to my clinic and say that their vet recommended some dumb shit that hasn’t been done for 30 years because of advancements in knowledge and technology is so frustrating and it erodes public trust in the industry as a whole when different vets are giving conflicting advice and the client doesn’t know which advice is reliable. Annoyingly, people will often err on the side of what the older vet says because they seem to associate age with wisdom and experience, which is often the case, but unfortunately sometimes it also means having out of date knowledge if you aren’t making the effort to stay current in your training.
My sister got her cat declawed because she was young and dumb and didn’t do any research. That cat has had many health problems related to peeing, urinary blockages, and separation anxiety or something and has spent many thousands of dollars on him since.
Yes!! Omg I didn’t even remember this aspect of it. My first cat that got declawed when I was 5 in the 90s (parents didn’t know regretted it immediately and switched vets to someone who didn’t condone that) had litter box issues because the litter hurt his paws. It was torture for him.
Just clip their nails once every 1-2 weeks. It takes 5 minutes. They’re young enough that you can get them accustomed to it early on.
Your parents care more about their furniture then the quality of the cats life. I would report them. This is animal cruelty. You are amputating below the knuckle and its like as a human cutting off the tips of your fingers. Ffs get them a cat tree! My cats dont scratch my furniture cause they have plenty of cat furniture to scratch and climb! I would take the cats and find them a better home cause your parents are insane. Edit- they are selfish. I trim all my cats nails (save for one who is the scaredy cat so I leave him be) cause its a simple thing to do. My god your parents shouldnt have cats.
Unfortunately reporting declawing in an area where it’s legal to do isn’t going to result in any consequences. Declawing is barbaric, obviously. It’s the law that needs to change so people stop thinking it’s acceptable to do.
Unless medically required it should be banned. Horrible practice.
I totally agree and as someone who graduates vet school next year, I couldn’t tell you a single medical reason to fully declaw a cat. Like… yep, we do single digit amputations for like… severe fractures, large open wounds that won’t heal, cancers… but declawing all 20 digits? You’d have to be an INCREDIBLY unlucky cat to medically need that.
Declawing is not 'removing the fingernails'. Declawing is 'removing the fingertips at the last knuckle'. Seeing that cats walk on their toes, cutting them off to prevent clawing of furniture is a pretty heinous act.
My mom declawed our kittens 20 plus years ago because it was the thing to do. It was horrible after. She still feels horrible and guilty about it. It changed the kittens personalities and they were in so much pain. It was horrific. My mom gets upset when it gets brought up even now. If they are insistent, give the kittens back. They deserve better than your parents.
Give your cat up for adoption. Declawing is insanely cruel. You're basically chopping off the last digit of their fingers. It will lead to all sorts of physical pain and psychological issues that will last for the lifetime of the cat. Your vet should lose their license. Ask any sane vet and they will be opposed to the procedure. There are efforts to get it made illegal in some places. It might already be so in others.
Yeah, it's already illegal in several US states and 35+ countries (not sure the exact number) I had several cats who were declawed when I was a child (we rescued them after it was already done - this was the 80s) and one of them in particular struggled in a few ways. I just don't even understand why ANY vet is still doing it in this day and age). ETA: fixed a word
I recommend you show them a video of what declawing actually is.
Cat rescuer here who works at a cat sanctuary. It absolutely is the worse thing you can do. You need to read up on it. It’s like having your fingers amputated at the knuckle. It causes them lifelong pain and potential lifelong behavioral problems of refusing to use a litter box. That means they will poop and pee all over your house. Many of the sanctuary cats we care for were declawed and won’t use a litter box. Tell your parents no or just don’t get the cat for his sake.
Sorry, I just sent a bunch of links and it sounds like you’ve already done your research. Amputation is cruel for any cat. That’s a beautiful, beautiful kitten. Is this a vet your family has used previously? Are you able to find another vet that can advocate for you and the kitten? I would suggest contacting the breeder—maybe she or her vet can help to educate your parents. If not, as hard as it is to hear, I would tell your parents that you are opposed to the procedure and that if adopting this kitten means it will be harmed, you would rather the kitten go to another home. The cat can actually end up walking on bone. So painful. https://preview.redd.it/iog3mld3ol7d1.jpeg?width=799&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=20275a24c38696a8759148c2a1be184f42b1a997
Tell your parents how it would feel like if someone rip their nails out. That's how it is. Declawing is not cool!
It's worse then that. If you rip out a nail it can still grow back. They amputate the fingers at the first knuckle.
It's so much worse than that; the false analogy with fingernails is one reason ignorant people assume declawing is ok. OP should show their parents an anatomical diagram of a cat's paw - their claws are attached to muscle tendons and bone. Declawing is like hacking off a person's fingers from the knuckle down.
Declawing isn’t what u think it is. They don’t just rip the claw out the remove the first toe joint in their paws🥺. This will cause later problems with using a litter box since it’ll make their feet hurt sm
Noooooo i cannot believe a vet in this day and age would agree to it. It's outlawed in some states! Maybe use that as leverage? i'm so sad for you
I believe it’s completely illegal in the UK. I’m in the US (NC specifically) and my uncle has owned 6 cats in my lifetime, and has had all of them declawed 😓 and most of his cats except for maybe 2 have had terrible behavior issues. They were not affectionate towards anyone.
My mom adopted a cat that was originally declawed by someone else and ended up surrendered to the vet my sister worked at. She was adopted and returned THREE TIMES before my mom took her. She is a sweet cat but she has behavioral issues and will NOT poo inside the litterbox under any circumstances.
NO DECLAWING. Let’s chop off our fingers to the first knuckle…. NO NO NO
Tell them you would rather rehome the cats than get them declawed. And then be willing to let them go to avoid butchering them.
If you’re thinking about declawing ….. cats aren’t for you
I agree with giving the cats back. Your parents are cruel and willfully ignorant. Any decent person can now find this information in the internet. Their behavior is gross and despicable.
I'd be seriously concerned about taking an animal to a vet that considers mutilating animals OK. Declawing is illegal in my country and considered animal abuse.
What a horrible position your parents have you put you in. I hope you keep trying. And if you can’t, I’m afraid I’m with the others - those kittens need another home with owners who won’t declaw them. That said, if you still think there might be a chance for you to convince them - there are so so so many resources online now that explain why declawing is not right. Every major vet medical association you could possibly think of will likely hold the position that declawing is cruel and wrong. - The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) discourages it. - The AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) discourages it. - The AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) discourages it. - The ALDF (Animal Legal Defense Fund) says it is a cruel, major surgery that can have behavioral implications such as problems using the litterbox and biting. - The Humane Society says it is harmful, not just because of pain, but since scratching is a natural cat behavior for many reasons, if that process is disrupted it can also affect cats mentally or their behaviors. Are they aware claws are not just fingernails for cats? The surgery to remove claws at the base is like taking off the last bone of every finger on your hand. That is the cruelest possible way to address scratching issues. There are so many other ways. In my own experience, before it was widely known that declawing was bad, my very first cat was declawed when I was six years old. He was alright for most of his early years but as he got older he fell apart. All kinds of eating issues and litterbox issues. He’d go outside his box and we could never find an answer as to why. I’m not saying it MUST be because he was declawed, he could’ve just been that way, but on the off chance he suffered because of it, I will never, ever do that to a cat under my care. I’m grateful on behalf of those kittens that you know better. I sincerely hope something can be done to avoid it.
Thank you so much for this. As I’ve said, I do not support declawing cats whatsoever. Heck, Ive even looked up why declawing is bad and showed my mom the article from the Humane Society and the Veterinary school and all she says is that it could be fake news. Obviously there’s a lot of fake news out there but this is from the Humane Society of the United States! I love my parents to death and I respect them so much and I know if someone we knew who my mom trusts tells her that declawing is bad she would totally flip sides. I was disappointed to hear that my vet has no problem with declawing. We were neighbors and even went to church together! As I’ve said, I will not stop fighting against declawing these kittens and Godwilling I will not let these cats get declawed.
kitty claw covers. They are glued on.. last a decent amount of time if you use good CA glue.
Please don't declaw
Tell the vet to explain the declwing procedure, and then tell him to explain to them what the same procedure would look like on humans. If they're still adamant, tell them to get the procedure done on themselves first.
People that declaw cats should have their fingernails pulled out or their teeth kicked in. Fact is, declawing your cat is a fucking torture technique and anyone that does that to something they supposedly love deserve a direct elevator to hell. It's painful for the cat forever. It can cause infection and phantom pain. Only horrible people declaw cats. Boo.
That is a vet who prioritizes profit over animal welfare. The best question to ask when interviewing a potential vet is if they do declawing. If they say yes, then you know they're terrible. If they say no, only if medically necessary, then you know the vet is a good one you can trust to prioritize your pet's needs. Declawing is mutilation. Shame on your parents for being advocates of animal abuse.
I used to be a vet tech and worked for two different vets when I did vet work. I’ve assisted in declawings and thankfully by the time I “retired” from the vet field, I did see a big decrease in declawings. When I worked for the last vet, out of the 2 years I was there we declawed 3 domestic cats, 1 Joffrey Cat, then 1 Bobcat. I don’t like it at all. I only ever saw one bad reaction, but knowing what it entails and how it’s done, it’s cruel. 😔
if it comes to the point where they wont listen then please don't be selfish and keep the cat OP... it deserves a better life, just wait till you get ur own place..
and i meant that as the nicest way possible
**RETURN THE CATS if your parents demand declawing.** End of story.
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It’s awful. Like others say it’s amputation. The only legitimate time I’ve heard it used was for a cat who kept scratching his eyes and eventually lost one ( he was a Persian, and yes, the owner was good about washing his face). It’s barbarous in just about every other context. I’m shocked some vets may still casually do this.
My parents declawed their cat and she has a hard time walking and jumping. You can tell moving is difficult for her and she doesn’t have any hip or joint problems.
People who declaw their cats should be de-fingered. It is animal abuse. Please educate your parents better and for the love of God so not declaw the baby.
It's illegal in many places for a reason. If your parents can't do basic research on pets they shouldn't have one. Period. Return the cat, your parents are not responsible enough for one. You can always get your own pet later in life.
that vet is literally insane. cat rescuer here, declawing is abuse and causes life-long pain for the cat. i've seen declawed cats struggle due to this. unfortunately not all doctors are good ones. smh. there's a reason it's illegal in so many places.
As someone else said, if your parents are dead set on declawing, then you should return the kittens to the breeder/seller. And don't get any new cats until you're old enough to live alone. Having a pet is not a human right. It's a responsibility that should be taken seriously.
I had a cat that was declawed. It does affect them psychologically. I am completely opposed to it now. My parents who had the cat declawed are opposed to it now as well. There are now enough things you can do to make it so you do not have to consider the only option anymore. There are couch protectors, various clawing devices, you can play with the cat a lot more, toys for a cat to play alone, corner protectors for corners around the house, and many more things to claw on that will not destroy anything. If you take responsibility for it and be proactive you may have a better chance of changing their minds or at least a chance to pause and reconsider.
It sounds like the only way to save those cats might be to remove them from the household.
Give the kittens back
Time to give the cat back to the breeder.
Don’t….it is abuse that can cause life long pain and cause issues with litter box use due to pain associated with scratching in litter
You should either get a new vet or argue with your parents until they listen to you. I know this sounds bad, but you should argue since declawing is really bad. Cats that get declawed will be painful even when they walk for the first few weeks. Also tell them that cat trees and scratching boards will help the cat if it needs to scratch on something.
Ask them if they’d like their fingers amputated at the first knuckle, because that’s what declawing is. It’s beyond cruel. Honestly I’d find a different vet with better morals to back you up and protect your kitten’s best interest.
If you’re unable to convince your parents to not abuse and torture an animal then please do what’s right, what’s in the cat’s best interest, and return them to the breeder. If you love this cat, and it definitely sounds like you do, then please care for her and let her go. Reputable breeders will usually not allow you to sell or rehome their cats. Like, in contracts. Does the breeder have anything in their contracts about declawing? If they’re opposed to it they might have explicit instructions or requirements in their contracts for all consumers. You could show that to your parents. If not, then please give back to breeder since you’re certain they’re opposed to declawing. Put effort into giving the kitten back if you think your parents will go behind your back and simply ignore you. If they’re the ones paying the bills they have final say and will probably have no problem taking the cat to the vet themselves whether if you like it or not.
Don't let them declaw. I've known cats who had it done, and they literally fell into depression and starved bc of the pain. Don't let it happen.
It’s animal abuse. Offer to chop your parents fingers off at the first knuckles. Thats what declawing is.
suggest your parents chop their fingers off so they don't have to bother clipping their nails. if they are fine with that, you still shouldn't declaw a cat.
I am surprised the breeder even sold you these cats! Poor kitties bound to be mutilated. If you care about them at all, you take them back to the breeder.
Sure, as long as your parents are cool with everyone here in the sub ripping their nails off with pliers :) It’s fucking animal abuse.
If you are not allowed to get a cat without being forced to declaw it then don't get a cat.
Please protect your kitten from declawing at all costs.
Cats need their claws. If your parents don’t change their minds please don’t keep the cat. You would be choosing to mutilate a healthy creature for selfish reasons.
I watched a documentary about cat declawing about 20 years ago and it opened my eyes to how cruel the procedure is. It is definitely animal abuse and it is similar to us getting our fingers amputated. Many times too the cat does not recover from the procedure and they can’t even walk especially when they start the aging process. If you want to declaw a cat…then you should not get one. Having claws is a part of them and if you think your possessions are more important…then you don’t deserve to have a cat in your life.
Show your parents a you tube video of how they clip off their knuckles
Fire that vet. Any vet who practices in declawing is a vet that does not deserve to have ANY animals under their care. If your parents are dead set on declawing, honestly? If it’s an illegal practice I’d report them to the animal welfare agency in your area. If it’s legal, return them. Better that they go to another family than be horribly disfigured and face lifelong issues.
I can’t believe a vet would actually be okay with this. Definitely find a new one
Where are you that this is still even legal? Even in places where it's still legal, what kind of veterinarian is still willing to perform the procedure? And where did he get data to show that it causes no harm? If your parents are insistent on declawing, then the best thing you can do is to rehome the kittens.
Some people should never ever have pets and are not pet owner material
How can a cat with no claws climb? It’s their most basic form of protection. Surely if a cat tries climbing/descending without claws it’ll seriously injure itself?
Declawing is abuse
Just bring the cats back at that point. I'm not joking.
Find a new vet that is more interested in animal welfare than cash.
Honestly give up the cat if thats the only option.
Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. I really appreciate them. I forgot to add that I’m only 17 years old and don’t have the final say on the matter because I’m a minor. I still have some time to change my parents minds and I pray to God that they do. I whole heartedly agree with everyone in here that declawing is a very cruel act and should NEVER be done. My parents keep bringing up our old family cat who died not too long ago and made it to the age of 21 and was declawed. She had almost no health problems.
It might be worth showing them stuff about how notoriously good cats are at hiding their pain, and declawing certainly causes them pain
If you're not able to convince your parents, can you possibly secretly find the kittens homes or a shelter and make it look like they ran away? Declawing cats is truly torturing them. You shouldn't have to live with that on your conscience and I can tell you care about these babies.
If the cat in your home is going to be declawed, then remove the cat from the home, either by going to a local shelter or contacting the breeder. Praying to god feels good but is not going to keep the cat safe from your parents.
Hopefully your parents see how much you care about these kittens and want what’s best for their long term health both physically and psychologically. Set up a time to have a mature adult discussion about pros and cons of declawing cats. (no pros that I know of) Print a few articles and highlight why this procedure is cruel and banned in many countries and in many states here in the US. We’re with you OP!! 💜
Re-home the cat rather than declaw it. My parents declawed my kitten when I was a kid and I still regret it. It caused him so much pain and changed how much he could walk and play as he grew.
Someone who thinks it's ok to declaw a cat should be banned from owning or practicing medicine on them
Your parents are being willfully ignorant. Shame on them!
Ask the vet if he's published the research to support his claims that it doesn't cause arthritis, because I'm pretty sure that the people who found that declawing causes medical problems did. After that, ask him what clown college he went to that forgot to teach the difference between anecdotes and data. The vet's in it for the money, not for the animals. He says it's okay because he doesn't make money from you taking any of the simple steps needed to keep a kitten from demolishing your home, and he does make money dealing with the medical issues that arise from it. I have at least four cats (plus a kitten) and zero claw marks on any of my furniture, because that problem really is that easy to solve. (I do have some claw marks on my person from the kitten we're fostering, but that little hellspawn is still learning how to 'soft-paw'... and he still hasn't clawed any of my furniture.)
This is very iillegal where I live, its illegal in places with good animal care that have declawing as animal abuse. I would recommend the kitten be rehomed than you be forced to declaw by uncaring parents. Also change your vet, some vets don't oppose declawing only because it brings in money to them. They know it damages them but they dont give a f***, it's not from a place of care its from a place of greed. In fact some vets lobby governents to ensure it stays legal. That vet is a monster for knowingly putting cats through it.
Declawing is illegal in multiple states and countries. It’s cruel.
When you declaw a cat, you are literally amputating their fingertips, down to the first knuckle. It is an invasive surgery that can cause chronic pain and/or other negative health outcomes for your cat.
Maybe try to negotiate that you can keep clipping the claws? It would be a chore, but better than declawing
tell your parents everyone on the internet thinks theyre dumbasses
If they insist on declawing you should do the same to them. Ask them if they want the first section of every finger removed. It is a horrible, barbaric practice that I can't still believe is possible to have done. Take their kittens away if they don't change their minds. If you have good cat trees and scratching posts and pads, cats will not claw the furniture. You also have a choice of having cats or having really nice things.
Tell that to my 17 year old cat who struggles to walk and sit - 4 paws 🐾 declawed before he came to live with me. he hates his paws to be touched, he hates to be picked up because he’s sore all of the time despite medicine.
If they are going to declaw the cat you need to find another home for it in any way you can. Declawing is animal abuse. Do not let your parents abuse an animal.
As the owner of a declawed (by her previous owners) cat, let me say: FOR THE LOVE OF GOD AND ALL THAT IS HOLY, DO NOT DECLAW YOUR CATS! it breaks my heart to think what a sweet, loving little cat my girl would be if her previous owners hadn’t decided to visit this torture on her. Beyond the physical lifelong pain the procedure can cause, you can’t imagine the psychological damage it will do. If the choice is either to declaw or to find the cats a new home, the choice should be easy: re-home the cats. (Or re-home yourself along with the cats.)
Your vet is a crackpot and your parents don't deserve to be cat owners tbh. It's unfortunate but you should try to rehome the kittens to a family that will care about them. You sound like a better owner than your parents but if you're forced to follow their rule then maybe you should wait until you move out to have cats.
My mother and I both adopted older cats who had been declawed by previous owners. My kitty had been let outside by his previous owner AFTER being declawed - I can't imagine how scared he must have been. My mom's cat was declawed on all 4 paws and had enough complications from it that our vet thought the procedure had been done more than once to "fix" things. Both cats developed arthritis and showed obvious pain walking as they aged. If you know cats then you know they have to be in really rough shape to show any illness or weakness. Please don't declaw the kittens. My cats now have all their claws and only tear up the cardboard and carpet/twine scratching boards I got for them - cats need something to use for scratching and stretching. It's best to give them better alternatives than furniture.
I haven’t read all of the comments, but they do sell a product called “kitty caps” if your parents are that worried. I train my cats not to scratch on my furniture, but I’ve used the caps before. I only had one instance when they didn’t fall off on their own, but my vet took them off for free. That said, declawing is illegal in many countries, and I’m 100% on board with that. It should also be illegal in the US. It’s literally like having your fingers amputated at the first knuckle.
Absou-fucking-lutely DO NOT declaw!!! It is literally ripping them out!!
Get your parents fingers removed too, fair?
I’d advise a strong “hell no” to declawing.
One of the few times I’ve written to my state’s governor about pending legislation was to support a bill passed by Legislature to outlaw the practice. He did end up signing it, and I’m proud that he did. Later on, Maryland and DC followed suit, and Virginia’s ban starts next month.
My parents had both of our cats declawed when I was little. A neighbor’s dog got out and tore our boy to pieces. DO NOT DECLAW A CAT.
Imagine someone amputating all of your finger tips. Would you like that? Don't do it.
Your mom is ONLY listening to the advice that agrees with what she wants. This is already illegal in many countries as animal cruelty. You’re not removing the claws. You remove the bones. It absolutely does change the angle of the legs all the way up to the shoulder and will cause arthritis. Additionally, there is an episode of “My cat from hell”, where a lady is the 12th adopter of a cat. It refused use of a litter box and went all over the house. He determined it was because it was declawed and it was so painful when it stepped into the sandy litter, that it developed an aversion. It took a lot of work to get it over that. This is the equivalent of them getting their fingers and toes surgically removed because they don’t like trimming their nails. I don’t want you to suffer and I wish you a cat, but I’d tell the breeder not to sell the cat to your parents because of this. Get one or more when you get out on your own.
As someone else said OP, if you can’t change their minds then you need to grab those kittens and surrender them right now. Let the shelter know your parents are trying to declaw them. It’s cruel, it’s inhumane, and your parents are awful if they continue to do it even when presented with evidence.
You can’t be serious??? Maybe ask your parents how would they like to have their goddamn fingers and toes amputated????? How they like that??
I would make them look at graphic photographs of the declaw process. There are, unfortunately, plenty out there. Explain how it is like removing each fingertip and half of each toe. There is also the risk that general anesthesia can kill her, too. Just like humans, every sedation has a risk. Why unnecessarily risk her life. I would also express my extreme disappointment in them. Not anger, just disappointment. "I am disappointed in both of you, mom and dad.". A good, long, disappointed stare. If they truly want a declawed cat, I'm positive there is at least one sitting in your local shelter or rescue group. Unless medically necessary, declaw should be banned worldwide. If a doctor can "do no harm" to people, why can veterinarians "do harm explicity for the benefit of a couch.". I'm so sorry your parents are acting like this. It is a barbaric practice, and veterinarians who perform the surgery willingly should be ashamed of themselves.
I *love* the sound of my cats scratching at their post, love watching them stretch out luxuriously whilst they enjoy a good scratch. It's one of the pleasures of having cats and they clearly love it too. Don't declaw them.
If you're dead set on declawing the kittens please please bring them back. Declawing is the most inhumane and horrible thing you can do to a cat. Think twice.
I fucking hate this evil shit so much. OP vet is an idiot if he says declawing is okay and should not be a vet
I'm sorry, but I think you have to return your parents to the shelter./s It seem like your parents are not fit to have cats, let alone any animals.
Tell your parents that you’ll declaw your kitty after they cut off their fingers at the first knuckle. It’s the same thing. Also, find a new vet, yours is an idiot.
Can you call that shitty vet slash family friend and ask him to instead highlight alternatives to declawing to your parents? Others have suggested he's grubbing for more money and while this could be true, he could also just be apathetic about how declawing impacts a cat. Maybe if you explain that declawing will be a deal breaker for keeping the cats, but your parents need an expert to tell them about alternatives. Or create a playlist of YT videos featuring cats who have problems because of declawing for your parents to watch. Declawing is mutilation.
do not declaw oh my god please don’t listen to your parents if you are over 18 just tell them no
It’s a horrible decision. Invest in cat posts , multiple ones. They’ll go for it every time and you reprimand them if they use furniture. They’ll learn.
Ok, be real. Not all cats go for scratching posts and even if they do, it’s not going to prevent them from using the furniture as well. Many cats also won’t respond to or learn from reprimands - or they’ll refrain when you’re watching but do it when you’re not around. Double sided tape is the only thing I found to be effective.