I need to add a few things on this subject:
Education: www.declawing.com
Just because people don't "see" a difference in their cats, doesn't mean there isn't one. Ever hear that cats don't show signs of weakness or illness because they fear they'll be attacked/killed? Hmmmm.....yep, even pampered house cats.
People don't always (if ever) show what they are really feeling. Animals do the same. HOW do you know your cats aren't traumatized?? If I took your front line defense...no wait, if YOUR MOM, no...your only means of survival took your only defense, how would you feel?????
Now that I work for a vet, I am EVEN MORE against it. (I didn't think that was possible!)
I get to see these babies stumbling around because of their bandages, wincing in PAIN when they try to get up, crying if moved.
I get to SMELL the scent of burning flesh from the amputation because the vet I work for uses a laser.
I get to answer the phone calls and listen to how freaked out the humans are that their cats paws are bleeding everywhere.
I then, get to check those people in and again, see those poor furballs. In pain, again!!!
I also get to see people bring in their cats AGAIN to have the back paws declawed because, "For SOME reason, my cat is biting me more and using his back claws to REALLY get me!!" (idiots!!) Last week, we had to hear a Bengal cry the entire day, growl at anything that passed his cage and wince in pain so much, he about fell over. Of all cats to do that do...
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For those of you NOT against it, you need to spend a day in a vets office to really see what these furkids go through.
To me, its quite obvious that this is cruel, uneducated behavior:
#1 I'm a cat, everything in my being makes me use my claws for everything from the second I'm born.
#2 I grow up a bit and KNOW in my heart, my front paws, just like a human's hands, are my main defense against everything.
#3 I also have an inate desire to scratch. You know, so I can stretch, relieve stress, develop muscle and keep my nails healthy by removing the old ones. (AN ACT I WAS PROGRAMMED TO DO)
#4 Then....I'm old enough to be fixed (whatever that means! ) and I wake up in pain cause my paws hurt. I can't clean them, I can touch them, I can't even MOVE them! A few days later, I can see them, but now I can't scratch, it hurts to walk, it hurts to use my litter box.
#5 A week or so pass and I finally realize my main source of protection is GONE!!! What do I do? I'm not safe...what if something tries to get me?
#6 Guess what I found???? My back paws not only have claws too, but my back legs are stronger and I have MORE power!! All I have to do is hold on to my attacker with my nice, sharp teeth and BAM!! I'm protected!!!
Hope I don't get sent to the pound or kitty heaven cause now, I'm a "biter"!
**That was taken from TheCatSite.com...it was two posts I wrote on there regarding declawing.
I honestly am not trying to offend you, I promise. I may be coming accross pretty harshly, but its because of what I've seen at work and in my life so far. You have no idea how many cats get euthanized because they bite after their "standard" declaw...or how many get taken to the shelter. Its sickening, unneccesary and WRONG!!! That's where I'm coming from...please understand that....
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