Monday, May 24, 2010

I do not believe in declawing cats. However, my 14 lb. cat just clawed my 5 lb. dog in the eye. What do I do

I have another cat and they often bat at each other, but never extend their claws. The dog tries to play with the cat, she gets mad and bats at him. I *really* don't want to declaw her, but is there any other way to prevent her from injuring the dog again?
Answers:
Dear Asker,
Please see the links below to read about declawing and alternatives. I know that it's a lot of information, but please opt to be informed for the sake of your kitty. Thanks!

You people who are suggesting declawing should feel ashamed. I can't believe that y'all are so ill informed that you actually believe only the claws are removed and that there are no negative effects on the cat.

With the soft paws--- Sometimes you have to waste a bit of money trying to find just the right size. Did you try the adhesive?
I've only ever had the front claws out - then they can still make it up a tree on the off chance they get out. Why are you against de-clawing?
I had a cat that always clawed the dog that lived behind us (dog always thought the cat was playing--stupid dog) is the dog a puppy or is he full grown. if dog is a puppy then the cat was trying to teach puppy a lesson. I hope your dog is ok and is not seriously hurt
how about just getting there claws clipped. You have to keep them done but its not like declawing them.It dont cost much at Petsmart or somewere like that
They only take out the claw.If they are indoor cats get them both declawed.Just the front short of that if you do not want to declaw them then either put up with the dog getting hurt and possible huge vet bills or get rid of the dog. there really is not any other solution.
declawing i realize is bad at the time..but after it heals the cats dont care...its no worse than having them spayed..it protects them because they arent getting their butts beat or put out on the road for scratching stuff up..you can get those claw cover things that allows them to keep their claws they just cant scratch anything with them...but if you declaw the cat you wont have this problem again..i have two cats one i got already declawed the second was a rescue cat and we declawed her because she scratched the crap out of us for three weeks...they are so much better without their little weapons
Have you ever heard of softpaws? I got them for my cat when i first got my dog because i was afriad of this sort of thing happening. I got them from petco actually and they were cheap. basically, they are this little soft plastic mold sorta thing that you individually glue onto each of your cats nails. she will still be able to extend her claws like normal, and make a healthy scratching motion on a post or whatever, but she wont be able to actually harm your furniture or your dog. They fall off after a period of time, for my cat it was like three weeks, but then you just replace them as needed. They are really useful and easy to put on if your cat doesnt mind having her paws touched. I found them really helpful. Eventually i learned that the dog and the cat are just friends, and she stopped extended her claws at him so i stopped using them, but i highly suggest at least trying them, especially before doing something as extreme as declawing her, which i also disagree with. Also, you should know that not only on is declawing similar to removing the first joint in a human finger, but the trauma of having it done can actually cause a cat to alter her behavior, so you might never get your sweet little cat back once you do it. I wouldnt ever have my cat declawed, but to each their own. Anyways, seriously, try softpaws, Like i said i got them at petco, they were relatively inexpensive and came with enough for a few months supply. I got them in clear, but you can even get the in funky colors!
Get your cat declawed. It is NOT like chopping off your finger. You simply can not compare cat and human anatomy. You have been misinformed. Please visit:
http://www.geocities.com/declawing/index...
There you will see an actual drawing of cat anatomy. You will discover why declawing is not cruel. If you love your animals get your cat declawed...unless of course...you want a blind dog. Protect the poor thing. Be responsible.
There are little rubber tips that you can buy that fit over your cat's claws. I' ve seen them at PetSmart. You could probably also find them at the vet or at a pet groomer. That is the way I would go. Good luck!
Your dog is still very young and you don't mention whether you had the cats first. Was the dog used to living with cats before you adopted him? Had your cats ever lived with a dog before? A lot will depend on which animals you had first and how you introduced them to each other.

The usual problem is a clash of body language. When a cat runs, the dog's instinct to chase often takes over. When a cat raises a fore-paw it is to swipe another cat, but to a dog it is a sign of play. When a cat waves its tail it is a sign of high excitement, frequently anger, but to a dog it is a sign of friendliness. The two species misinterpret each others body language until they learn it.

Does your dog get a lot of exercise? Most likely he's trying to play with the cat, but his attempts are not well received by the cat who may feel she is being threatened by him. As you say your cats don't extend their claws when playing with each other, she probably doesn't understand that the dog just wants join in the fun too. Perhaps you need to find a way of helping the dog burn off his energy so that he's less excitable around the cats.

I've posted a link below that will give you practical advice on your pets' situation which may help you to resolve it. See the section on Meeting Dogs;

http://www.messybeast.com/first-impressi...

In the UK and many other countries declawing is illegal and lots of people who own cats and dogs do find a way to help them get along with each other without having to resort to declawing the cat. Bear in mind that your cat is lashing out with her claws because she feels threatened and if she feels the same way without claws, she might resort to biting the dog instead as a form of defence.

I hope your dog wasn't badly injured and that you can find a happy solution for all your pets.

Good luck.
Having a hurt eye and possibly losing eyesight from that eye is more cruel than declawing a cat! specially w all the advances in surgery and pain medication these days. Sounds like most ppl against the procedure never had a declawed cat.. I have three and they did not change at all after the procedure and no risk of scratched corneas from them
I would never declaw my cats, its like cutting off their fingers, they do sell things that are like.a manicure for cats, they cover up the nail so the cat can't cause damage to anything or anyone, of course you do have to put them on about once a week, but its better then cutting off all their fingers...
Good luck to you and your animals
whoop em! when u leave home u should
get 2 gates put each animal in 1!!
scold him
cat and dog not mix ,, i think have two choice ,, have the dog or cat one or the other just like birds not get alone with cat's

or declaw her... i had to with my cat,,, do, you have a choice
I am glad your dog will be OK.

everyone has opinions about declawing and how bad it is.
I think declawing your cat will not harm it I had a cat who was declawed (front paws only) she could catch mice and everything She has since passed away of old age.
I also have a cat that is front paws are declawed and he loves being outside he catches mice,moles.chipmunks and other small rodents. He is a great cat and had no ill effects from being declawed.
Go with a good Vet and you will not be sorry.
Declaw or cut the nails, save them for me!
Ok there are these little rubber tips you can glue on your cats nails! They come in all different colors and sizes. They also work great to keep a cat from scratching on the furniture too!
They are really nice to and they shouldn't give your cat any pain at all!
Hope this helps!
choose your favorite. If you like the cat then get rid of the dog but if you prefer the dog then declaw or throw out the cat. ;-)
well.. i cut my kittens nails quite often. although u are against declawing, u need to figure lout which of these 2 things u want to do.

1, declaw ur kitten for the safety of u, ur family, and dog,

or 2, try to explain to ur kitten that clawing the dog is a big no-no.

I hope it works out! I hope i helped! Good luck!
Cats and dogs can't be good friends. Cats don't like dog and the same as dogs. Just put away you cat or your dog when they are getting near to each other. Because even though how hard you try to make them be friends they can't still do that... Hope this will help you. :D

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