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Expert: - 1/31/2012


Question
hi
my cat is 5years and now i have a baby boy 6month
actually my cat usually use her Claws and some times she hurts me although i clip it each week but it still could be hurtful some times.
am afraid she uses it against my baby especially that my baby now try to play with her and am afraid she may hurts him.
my friend told me that there is an operation to get her claws off.
so i need your advice is it ok to do such an operation or it's harmful for her , i don't want to do bad thing for her...i don’t want to make her painful i love her so much but i love my baby too
please help me i can't take a decision

thanks

Answer
Hi Rodi,

I am usually against having a cat declawed. When you declaw a cat you are amputating the nails and the first bones of their toes. This is a very drastic operation. And it could have complications. I would suggest you use these instead.

http://www.softpaws.com/

They work great and are a much better solution for your cat and child. And if you need more convincing you need to read this about declawing.

http://declawing.com/htmls/declawing.htm

I hope you make the right decision and don't get her declawed. You can also train her not to use her claws on you and your child. It just takes a little time to get her not to use them. Whenever she extends her claws out on you gently squeeze them back and say no. She will learn. Good luck and take care.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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