Speaking of Cats....

[scarygirl]

My cats. I love them, but they are destroying my house...... I mean literally! They have ripped my carpet all to shreds. To the point that that I have nails coming up. They even knocked a small piece of plaster from my walls. They are not DECLAWED which is half the trouble. I think it is cruel to declaw a cat, but to save my house I may have to do it.

Any thoughts?

[ebake02]

There's always a lead pill. Just kidding......

[scarygirl]

There's always a lead pill. Just kidding......

I think a frying pan will work too... Unless that is what you mean!

[Ehwmatt]

You gotta do it. I made the mistake with my cat because he was actually really good about scratching the first 8 months or so as a kitten. Then, he started scratching a bit. Then, next thing I know, he had torn a buncha shit up. Then, he stopped again. Finally, he started scratching again on and off and I just realized that it needed to be done.

I got him declawed 2 months ago at 22 months. I was worried he was too old, but he had no pain and his temperament hasn't changed a bit (he's a great cat - even most of my friends who don't like cats have liked him). Find a good vet who does the laser declawing and get it done. Otherwise, no new piece of furniture or carpet will ever be safe.

[steveo777]

Kill the fuckers!

Just kidding.
My sister says keeping a scratch pole near their food and some cat nip, etc., tends to keep cats clawing more localized to one area.

[scarygirl]

Kill the fuckers!

Just kidding.
My sister says keeping a scratch pole near their food and some cat nip, etc., tends to keep cats clawing more localized to one area.

I'll try tthat. I hope it works... The only thing I hate about declawing is if they ever get ouit of the house they won't be able to defend themselves. I have roommates so I am always afraid of one of them geting out. We have dogs around and other wild things...

Thanks for all advice..

[Arianddu]

I couldn't do it - declawing sounds like it's just removing the claw, but it's actually amputating the first joint of every toe. I'd be talking to the vet about other options first - it's possible that there's a medical reason why they need to be cleaning/sharpening their claws so much; fungal infection of the claw, sheer boredom, stress, mites in the quick.

I know declawing is legal in the US, but there's a reason why it, along with ear clipping, tail docking, electric bark collars and a whole lot of other things that are legal there are banned in most of the rest of the world. One of the penalties of having pets is things get destroyed. They're living creatures, not things for your convenience - leave the mutilation to the very last resort, or preferably not at all.

[ebake02]

I'm glad electric bark collars are legal here, there are a few dogs in my neighborhood that could use one.

[scarygirl]

I couldn't do it - declawing sounds like it's just removing the claw, but it's actually amputating the first joint of every toe. I'd be talking to the vet about other options first - it's possible that there's a medical reason why they need to be cleaning/sharpening their claws so much; fungal infection of the claw, sheer boredom, stress, mites in the quick.

I know declawing is legal in the US, but there's a reason why it, along with ear clipping, tail docking, electric bark collars and a whole lot of other things that are legal there are banned in most of the rest of the world. One of the penalties of having pets is things get destroyed. They're living creatures, not things for your convenience - leave the mutilation to the very last resort, or preferably not at all.

I am not. I am just frustrated.

[Arianddu]

I'm glad electric bark collars are legal here, there are a few dogs in my neighborhood that could use one.

There are lots of different alternatives, like citronella collars (which I've used with my own dogs) that don't hurt or put the dogs at risk.

[artist4perry]

Try using white distilled vinegar on their spots you don't want them to claw, the smell will dissipate, but it sure beats replacing furniture. Either that or squirt them with a water from a sprayer every time they do something you don't want. The combination might help. I too hate declawing.

[Clasicrockldy]

Look at this website for an alternative to declawing cats..

http://www.safepetproducts.com/soft-claws.html?gclid=CLXRxc-hpKkCFRFOgwodqT0uvw#.Te5YS1tAL9o