Quote:

"Declawing of Domestic Cats
(Current as of June 2005)

Declawing of domestic cats should be considered only after attempts have been made to prevent the cat from using its claws destructively or when its clawing presents a zoonotic risk for its owner(s).

The AVMA believes it is the obligation of veterinarians to provide cat owners with complete education with regard to feline onychectomy. The following points are the foundation for full understanding and disclosure regarding declawing:

1. Scratching is a normal feline behavior, is a means for cats to mark their territory both visually and with scent, and is used for claw conditioning ("husk" removal) and stretching activity.

2. Owners must provide suitable implements for normal scratching behavior. Examples are scratching posts, cardboard boxes, lumber or logs, and carpet or fabric remnants affixed to stationary objects. Implements should be tall or long enough to allow full stretching, and be firmly anchored to provide necessary resistance to scratching. Cats should be positively reinforced in the use of these implements.

3. Appropriate claw care (consisting of trimming the claws every 1 to 2 weeks) should be provided to prevent injury or damage to household items.

4. Surgical declawing is not a medically necessary procedure for the cat in most cases. While rare in occurrence, there are inherent risks and complications with any surgical procedure including, but not limited to, anesthetic complications, hemorrhage, infection, and pain. If onychectomy is performed, appropriate use of safe and effective anesthetic agents and the use of safe peri-operative analgesics for an appropriate length of time are imperative. The surgical alternative of tendonectomy is not recommended.

5. Declawed cats should be housed indoors.

6. Scientific data do indicate that cats that have destructive clawing behavior are more likely to be euthanatized, or more readily relinquished, released, or abandoned, thereby contributing to the homeless cat population. Where scratching behavior is an issue as to whether or not a particular cat can remain as an acceptable household pet in a particular home, surgical onychectomy may be considered.

7. There is no scientific evidence that declawing leads to behavioral abnormalities when the behavior of declawed cats is compared with that of cats in control groups. "

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Psilocybeingzz said:

And yes declawing your cats was a fucking stupid thing to do.
You should not have pets. End of story. Now leave me the fuck alone. PLEASE.

WOW, sorry I left a mattress in the hallway oh no, its a homeless shelter now!!! , we ARE going to get rid of it, but we kept it a little longer for the cats.
BTW my cats have 2 houses and 3 beds, totaling well over 200$. So I guess they live in a shit hole
I hope you have an animal shelter close by

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Wow! Such skilled demagogy. I'm impressed. 
Who started the attacks anyway? You and your ilk. Take what you're dishing out. Personal attacks on the integrity and humanity of your targets.

Fuck Pz,

G

CureCat said:

Here is a legitimate article, a neutral view point addressing the moral and practical issues involved.

Quote:

"Declawing of Domestic Cats
(Current as of June 2005)

Declawing of domestic cats should be considered only after attempts have been made to prevent the cat from using its claws destructively or when its clawing presents a zoonotic risk for its owner(s).

The AVMA believes it is the obligation of veterinarians to provide cat owners with complete education with regard to feline onychectomy. The following points are the foundation for full understanding and disclosure regarding declawing:

1. Scratching is a normal feline behavior, is a means for cats to mark their territory both visually and with scent, and is used for claw conditioning ("husk" removal) and stretching activity.

2. Owners must provide suitable implements for normal scratching behavior. Examples are scratching posts, cardboard boxes, lumber or logs, and carpet or fabric remnants affixed to stationary objects. Implements should be tall or long enough to allow full stretching, and be firmly anchored to provide necessary resistance to scratching. Cats should be positively reinforced in the use of these implements.

3. Appropriate claw care (consisting of trimming the claws every 1 to 2 weeks) should be provided to prevent injury or damage to household items.

4. Surgical declawing is not a medically necessary procedure for the cat in most cases. While rare in occurrence, there are inherent risks and complications with any surgical procedure including, but not limited to, anesthetic complications, hemorrhage, infection, and pain. If onychectomy is performed, appropriate use of safe and effective anesthetic agents and the use of safe peri-operative analgesics for an appropriate length of time are imperative. The surgical alternative of tendonectomy is not recommended.

5. Declawed cats should be housed indoors.

6. Scientific data do indicate that cats that have destructive clawing behavior are more likely to be euthanatized, or more readily relinquished, released, or abandoned, thereby contributing to the homeless cat population. Where scratching behavior is an issue as to whether or not a particular cat can remain as an acceptable household pet in a particular home, surgical onychectomy may be considered.

7. There is no scientific evidence that declawing leads to behavioral abnormalities when the behavior of declawed cats is compared with that of cats in control groups. "

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http://www.avma.org/issues/policy/animal_welfare/declawing.asp

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Psilocybeingzz said:

I did't attack ANYONE! I read the FIRST post!!, and replied with what I was thinking at the time. Smoke your cat in a crack pipe for all I care. BTW, your sentence is a little fucked up, but I *think, your angry at me.

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Psilocybeingzz said:

"7. There is no scientific evidence that declawing leads to behavioral abnormalities when the behavior of declawed cats is compared with that of cats in control groups."

Thats your evidence   Leave these special animals alone PLEASE.

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Psilocybeingzz said:

My IQ is 137 , junior.

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Psilocybeingzz said:

"7. There is no scientific evidence that declawing leads to behavioral abnormalities when the behavior of declawed cats is compared with that of cats in control groups."

Thats your evidence   Leave these special animals alone PLEASE.

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GoaM said:

I just think Euros and Canadians are odd about things.

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This made me .



Anyway, back on topic, as if it hasnt been said enough times, declawing a cat is simply cruel.  Maybe you shouldnt buy a cat if you have $1000 speakers. 

You must remember that as kittens, cats can be easy to train.  When they start clawing things other than their scratch post, which you should have, you spray them with a bit of water and make a noise, or say 'no' firmly.  Place their paws on the post. Give them a treat when they use the post and treat them well.  You think they wont learn?

Anyone who's had a cat will know the base of their claws have veins in them.  This should be your first clue that its an extention of their fingers.  They are in PAIN when you clip their nails a bit too far, and they'll bleed.

Declawing is an absolute last resort, and comes after trying to find a new home.

Its almost like saying "cutting the toes off a newborn is ok, since they'll get used to it as they grow up, it'll be normal for them."  Would you do that to your kid?

truffleupagus said:

I've also heard that removing a cat's claws is comparable to removing a human's fingertip (after we had our current cat declawed, I should add). But of all the people who've mentioned this, has anyone provided anything to back this up? I mean, obviously a portion of the flesh also has to be removed. If you just cut the claw at the base it would grow back. So largely, sure, I'll agree with that. But at the same time I don't think it's a very fair comparison. My cat gets around fine. If I had all my fingertips removed I think it's safe to say I'd be pretty screwed. I'm sure you'd even have a hard time picking stuff up if that was the case.

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funkface said:

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/declaw.html

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daytripper05 said:

I am not from PETA so don't get that impression.

But cutting the claws off of cats is rediculous. I don't support it and have never done it. It is cruel in my eye. Pets are not property to with as we please ...

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Along the line of ShroomDr's post, I do find it a might bit hilarious the congruences between declawing a cat and circumcising a child. 
Are those of you who are so vehemently against declawing, also as such against circumcision?

I was circumcised as a baby - of course without my consent - and have never experienced any ill effect.  Given, claws serve a more functional purpose, but the point I'm making is just that we live with what we know. I cannot recall the pain or discomfort of my own circumcision nor am I experiencing subsequent negative effects, and so I'm inclined to believe that a properly treated kitten kept indoors, would also not experience any recognizable cruelty from his or her declawing as a youngin.

On that note and for my own part, I doubt I would ever declaw a cat, just as I don't plan to circumcise any child I may help create. 



> declawing is for pussies!

GoaM said:

Psilocybeingzz said:

"7. There is no scientific evidence that declawing leads to behavioral abnormalities when the behavior of declawed cats is compared with that of cats in control groups."

Thats your evidence   Leave these special animals alone PLEASE.

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[Edit: NO FLAMING in the Pub or BAN BAN BAN]

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