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Expert: - 6/27/2007


Question
I recently got my cat declawed- i didnt want to do it and I feel aweful, but he was ruining our home and it was either that or the high road for him. So its been two weeks and he is peeing in the house. At first I thought it was because he was in too much pain to walk through the house to get to his litter box. But I dont think he is in any pain now- is it spite? And what can I do to deter him from doing this?

Answer
Hi Julia,

Declawing is a very stressful thing for cats. I'm not going to lecture about the pros and cons. I have one of my own that I declawed. He wouldn't learn to play without scratching our arms very badly.

It sounds like he is still very tender at his paws. It can take a while for him to go back to normal. Try changing his litter. Go to a pet store and ask them for a soft type of litter. If you can find it get a litter called C-9 Cedar. It is a very fine cedar shavings. Very soft on the cats feet. And it smells great too. Or try cedar animal bedding. But make sure it is very fine. Try a scoopable if you don't use it now. This is also soft. Peat moss works good too. Try one of these and see how he does.

Also, take a look at his paws. Make sure he doesn't have an infection going on there. One other thing, get a product called Feliway. Get the whole house spray. It acts to relax cats and destress them. He would benefit from this. Good luck.

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.

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I have an A.A.S.

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