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From: dsc@daemon.UUCP (David S. Comay)
Newsgroups: net.pets
Subject: Re: cat claws
Message-ID: <969@daemon.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 20-Jul-85 01:48:22 EDT
Article-I.D.: daemon.969
Posted: Sat Jul 20 01:48:22 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 21-Jul-85 20:58:10 EDT
References: <14928@mgwess.UUCP> <556@hou2g.UUCP> <14930@mgwess.UUCP>
Reply-To: dsc@daemon.UUCP (David S. Comay)
Organization: Tektronix, Beaverton OR
Lines: 27
Summary: 

In article <14930@mgwess.UUCP> plw@mgwess.UUCP (Wilson,Pete,PL) writes:
>I just don't see any difference between declawing and neutering
>(yes, I know that neutering deals with the reproductive system and
>declawing deals with another area). There are NO adverse effects by
>having a cat's front claws removed. Either way, the larger or more
>aggressive cats will 'pick on' the smaller or less aggressive cats,
>REGARDLESS if they have claws or not. The point of the anecdotes was
>to show that cats can do normal cat-stuff (hunt, fight, etc) just as
>well without front claws.

According to a number of books I have read and veterinarians I have
talked with, there can be MANY adverse effects by declawing a cat.
Since the operation actually is ten amputations, the cat must be under
anesthetic for quite some time, which can be dangerous.  In addition,
there are often complications after the operation.  The paws can
hemorrhage or gangrene can set in.

Some veterinarians actually feel that declwaed cats undergo changes in
their personality, often becoming defensive and vicious because the
cats have lost their main defense.  Yes, cats use their front claws as
their main defense, not their teeth or back claws.

I think cat owners would be wise to talk to several vets before making
a decision about declawing (or any other operation.)  Note, I did say
several ... it is always good to get a couple opinions.

David