Personality change after declawing adult cat?

Note: I am reposting this question after deleting the other one. I'm not an idiot...I've researched the details of declawing. I've been around cats my whole life. But my parents had always adopted kittens and had them declawed young.





I want experiences people have had with this situation or personally know others who have.





My cat is not aggressive. He loves to cuddle and play.





MY QUESTION:





My husband and I adopted a cat 7 months ago and choose not to declaw it. He is now 2 1/2 years old. For the first few months, he was very good, went straight to it's scratching post and did not claw furniture.





Lately, he has taken to scratching the carpet in specific places. He does this a few times a day and we've tried to correct him, but nothing works. The worst is at night, he will scratch the carpet in front of our bedroom door and it wakes us up.





At any rate, we've given him a chance with his claws in and we are getting at our wits end. So this is our last resort.





My questions are for anyone who has had their cat declawed as an adult:





Did they become retracted and go into hiding?


Did they want to play less?


Were they less affectionate?


Did they have problems with the litter box?


Was their a change in their overall personality?





I DO NOT want remarks on how it's cruel to do this to him. We've given him a chance and have tried correction. Lesser people would have just taken him back to the shelter. For us, it's better to have him spend his days declawed in a loving home than cooped up till death in a shelter, claws intact. And our cat went through 2 shelters before we found him; We are not sending him back.





We are having this done, so please do not refer other options as we already know them. Thanks.Personality change after declawing adult cat?
I declaw all of my cats. My ex-husband and I had bought very expensive furniture, and my 2 year old cat was ruining it. He told me I had to get the cat declawed. I was very upset, but I did it. The cat was still wonderful. He never had any problems with it, and now I believe in getting all my cats declawed. I think they make better pets. Also, I never, ever have to yell at them. They are loved and loving in return. The only thing I will suggest is that you ask the vet for at least 4 days of morphine for your cat.Personality change after declawing adult cat?
Best thing to do if you want to base your question on experience is to have each of your fingers and thumbs amputated at the first joint (just have one joint removed). Although you do not depend on your nails to the degree that a cat depends on their claws it should give you the general idea.

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I feel so sorry for your cat being made to suffer an ';unecessary mutiliation'; because you care for your furniture more than him and are simply too selfish to find a humane alternative. People like you who cannot tolerate natural cat behaviour should never be allowed to own one.

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I'm so very sad for your poor cat that even after all the evidence from both your postings you are going to take a perfectly healthy animal and have it disabled.

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Doesn't the fact that the person best answer you chose recommended FOUR DAYS OF MORPHINE tell you how savage this procedure is? Don't you care at all about the thought of your cat being in so much pain that he needs a painkiller normally given to terminally ill people? All for the sake of a carpet!

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If you think it is satisfactory to have a proceedure that requires morphine, you are more inhumane than I thought you were. If one day you have to be on morphine, you will realise that the side effects and symptoms are almost always as bad as the pain. Shame on you, you carpet lover!

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This is really a bad solution for this kitty. If furniture and carpets are more important than your cat's well being, I feel really sorry for her.Obviously our suggestions to try more alternatives and seek behavioral help fell on deaf ears. There is never a case where a cat cannot be retrained.

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I really wish you would reconsider, although I realize that selfish people rarely do that. How sad for your kitty that you are more concerned about your carpet than your cat. I hope you don't have kids. What will you do when they track mud all over your precious carpet, or draw on your walls?

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Horrible.

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THATS WUT YOU GET FOR DECLAWING YOUR CAT.


HELLUH DUMB!

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Declawed cats are more likely to become bitters and more likely to have litter box issues. Some also tend to become more defensive than before they were declawed. It doesn't happen to every declawed cat but it does happen





Just a suggestion but have you considered putting double stick tape on the carpet where he is scratching since he is only doing it in a certin spot? That will make it an undesirable scratching location for him and hopefully break him of the habit. Once he has broken the habit you can remove the tape, and it can be quickly removed when company comes over if you don't want to explain why their is tape all over your floor.
I have been around cats who have been declawed. Since I don't know what they were like before they were declawed, I cannot comment.





However, on the carpet issue, try sprinkling talcum powder on the spot. Your cat has his scent on the carpet, and that is why he goes to the same area. Talcum causes dust when he scratches, and they often will avoid that area.





Also, some cats prefer a horizontal scratching surface over a post, so I would also try those inexpensive cardboard scratchers to see if he will use that instead.





If you have already tried the above options, I simply don't try and review past questions to know what you considered or tried.
http://www.goodcatswearblack.com/declawi…





Some statistics for you.
I know someone who had the exact same problem as you with the bedroom door. Since we are in the UK and declawing is not legal, they solved it by putting a row of three scratching posts outside their door at night for a while. Eventually the cats learnt that they weren't going to get what they wanted (them getting up) and stopped.





It would be much kinder to send him back to the shelter with his claws, than without them and with litter box and biting issues. If you declaw, then you are signing his death warrant should he develop behavioral problems. Unless you are really saying that you won't put up with a few scratches, but will put up with carpets, clothes, furniture and even floorboards being soaked and smelly with urine? If you are not prepared to put up with that side effect, don't declaw. Rehome now while he has a better chance.
Unfortunately, all of those things you named are common things that happen to declawed cats.





Before you decide to have your cat declawed, there are many things you should know before you make your decision. The surgery is basically an American trend, and is considered inhumane and is illegal in many countries, (England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Portugal, Belgium, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Yugoslavia and Japan). If that doesn’t impact your opinion about declawing, maybe this website will help you decide: http://community-2.webtv.net/stopdeclaw/…








Cats that have been declawed…





… Can resort to biting, because that is their only means of defense.





… Can develop aversions to the litter box because their paws are sensitive and sore.





… Have to learn how to walk all over again. Cats walk on their toes, so when you amputate the entire last joint of each toe, walking will be very painful for quite a while.





… Will be less able to defend themselves if they should ever get loose.





… Can become less playful and less active.





… Will never be able to stretch their back muscles like they used to. Cats use their claws as an anchor as they stretch; when you take their claws away, they don’t have this ability anymore.





… Often get dumped at shelters to be euthanized because of these problems that the owner actually caused.





… Could have been taught to use a scratching post.








I believe that most people who have their cats declawed are uneducated about the procedure, its effects and the alternatives. It is not very difficult to train your cat to use a scratching post. The surgery is not simply a trimming of the claws, it’s an amputation of the distal phalanx, including bones, ligaments, and tendons! To remove the claw, the bone, nerve, joint capsule, collateral ligaments, and the extensor and flexor tendons must all be amputated. If you were to make a comparison, it would be like having the last joint of each of our fingers chopped off. So of course it is a painful surgery, with a painful recovery. There are often many complications in the healing process, including infection often from litter box use, resulting in a life-long aversion to the litter box. Other declawed cats that can no longer mark with their claws, will mark with urine instead, resulting in inappropriate elimination problems.





Many cats that have been declawed are traumatized and become withdrawn, nervous, fearful and/or aggressive. Cats that went through the painful surgery are more prone to resort to biting when they feel threatened. Since cats have emotional feelings, (just like we do) they can resent you if you decided to get them declawed. All of these things can cause depression and ultimately lead to a lazy, overweight cat.





If a cat that has been declawed accidentally escapes, he/she would be in great danger. A cat needs its claws to defend itself, as well as to escape by climbing. The constant state of stress, caused by a feeling of defenselessness may make some declawed cats more prone to disease. Also they cannot stretch their back and shoulder muscles like they do naturally when they dig their claws into a scratching post.





One popular alternative is Soft Paws. They are lightweight vinyl nail caps that you glue on the cat's front claws. They're great for households with small children and are extremely useful for people who are away from home all day and can't exercise the watchfulness necessary to train a cat to use a scratching post. Soft Paws are easy to apply and last about four to six weeks. They come in clear or colors--which are really fun.








Q: So, how do I get my cat to stop scratching the furniture?





A: The idea isn't to make your cat stop scratching, but to give her a place she can scratch. Cats need to scratch to keep their claws in good shape, to mark their territory with scent glands in their feet, and to stretch their muscles. It is natural behavior that shouldn't be punished at all! If you give her a nice tall (at least two feet high) scratching post she will most likely use it, happily. Posts covered in sisal rope are great, but my cats like the kind covered in carpet. A tall cat tree near a window would be even better.





You can try sprinkling it with catnip to attract her to it. If that doesn't work, use your own nails to scratch at the post while your cat is watching. It may sound silly, but it works. Any time you catch her scratching the “wrong” thing, don’t get mad and yell, just gently carry her to the post. If she still doesn’t seem to catch on, you can gently pick up her paws and rub them along the post. You should not force her; the point is to show her. Doing so will deposit her scent on the post, which should make her want to scratch it later on.





Cats that have been yelled at each time they are caught scratching will be more reluctant to use the post in front of you, at first. This is why it’s important to praise her immediately. You could also try spraying a cat repellant, (you can find at just about any pet store) on the furniture or carpet where she scratches. When you observe her using the post, give her lots of verbal praise and attention. Speak in a tone of voice that you would use to praise a child; she will understand. If she still refuses to use the scratching post you have provided, then you need to try a different kind. Try something taller, like a cat tree. The kinds with several different textures are great because each cat is different.








Q: How do I trim my cat’s claws?





A: Trimming your cat’s claws can benefit both of you. If your cat ever snuggles up to you and starts kneading on your leg, then you probably know that this can actually be a painful experience! A regular trimming will end your pain. Cats with sharp claws can also accidentally hurt you while playing. So, learning how to trim your cat’s claws can be very helpful.





If your cat has never had a ';pedicure,'; then you’re going to need to get her used to having her feet touched, first. Many cats dislike having their toes messed with, but if you start when your cat is young it will be easier on both of you. While petting your cat, casually glide your hand down her legs and feet. Once she is tolerant of that, use your fingers to gently squeeze her paw until the claws are exposed. When she will let you do this without struggling, then you’re ready! Be sure that each step of the way you are reassuring and praising her for being such a good kitty.





I’ve heard people say that wrapping their cat in a towel is helpful to maintain control and avoid getting scratched. It’s a good idea if you are a first-time-trimmer, and your cat’s claws are razor sharp. When preparing your cat, try to be as calm as possible. Feeding your cat a nice hearty meal beforehand should help. Kitties with full bellies are a lot less likely to put up a fight.





Be aware that if you are nervous, your cat will most certainly pick up on that, and become nervous, herself. Take it slow, and realize that even if you only manage clipping one nail, you have made progress! Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few days to get to all of them. Always reward her with treats and lots of affection.





Use cat claw trimmers and only take off a tiny bit at the end of the nail. Some people say to do it every other week. I think it‘s safer to cut off less than you are told, and to do it more often, (like once a week). Never use trimmers that are made for humans or dogs, because you are more likely to hurt her that way. You can ask your vet or groomer to show you the proper way to do it. Here's a website that shows you how: http://www.catscratching.com/htmls/artic…








Q: How do I make my cat stop scratching and biting me?





A: Don't assume automatically that cats that bite are vicious creatures. You must distinct between play-biting and real aggressive biting. Kittens for example like to play, and sometimes pretty rough. They use their claws and teeth to wrestle with each other. This is how they learn to hunt and catch prey, so that’s normal. They usually go unharmed because their fur protects them from serious wounds. However, human skin is a different story, but kittens don't know that.





Make sure you never encourage your cat to play with your hands. Use a toy, instead that she can bite and claw at. Never, ever punish or yell at her. Cats don’t understand punishment, and the only thing they learn from it is to fear you. Also keep in mind that kittens between the ages of three weeks old and eight months old will be teething off and on, and will have very strong needs to bite. It is important to know that you shouldn’t prevent her from biting, but instead give her something that she can chew on, like a stuffed animal.





Any time she bites or scratches you, (whether she's playing or she's mad) say ';OUCH!'; really loud, then walk away from her. If you've ever heard a cat howl when you accidentally stepped on its tail, mimicking that noise or hissing will also get the point across in a way that she may understand better. Walking away from her helps her learn that when she hurts you, she gets no more attention.





I hope that helps. Good luck.
Oh my heart bleeds for you getting woken up at night, I'm sorry but if you go ahead and declaw this cat then there ARE no lesser people than you. And yes, I do think it would be preferable to return him to the shelter.





Consider the following statistics…





A study of 163 cats that underwent onychectomy, published in the Jul/Aug 1994 Journal of Veterinary Surgery, showed that 50% suffered from immediate postoperative complications, such as pain, hemorrhage, and lameness; and long-term complications including prolonged lameness, were found in nearly 20% of the 121 cats who were followed up in the study.


In a study published in the January 2001 JAVMA, 33% of 39 cats that underwent onychectomy developed at least one behavior change immediately after surgery, with the most common problems being litter box problems and biting.


In a study published October 2001 JAVMA by Dr. Gary J. Patronek VMD, PhD., he states that declawed cats are at an increased risk of relinquishment.
What types of correction have you tried? Have you offered him some horizontal scratching pads, used double-sided tape as an aversion? Maybe he would use a scratching post or pad next to the bedroom door. Most cats respond really well to positive reinforcement when they are using the appropriate scratching posts and pads.





From a medical standpoint, adult cats are more likely to have complications such as bleeding for 2-3 days post-op, bleeding (reopening toes) when trying to ';scratch'; for 3-5 days post-op, development of infection, and long-term pain (especially in heavier cats and cats with large paws). Usage of pain medication in cats is limited due to their unique metabolism.





There is some anecdotal evidence to support psychological side effects of declawing. Some cats that were previously ';swipers'; may become ';biters'; as their options for self-defense have changed. It's not unlikely that the pain of the surgery could cause negative associations to develop. You won't have much control over what those negative associations are. Once a cat decides that a particular thing or event is unpleasant, it is difficult to convince them that anything positive can come from it.
First of all, thank you for reconsidering and asking those of us who have had experience with declawed cats to give you input here.





I adopted a declawed cat years ago. Knowing nothing at that time about declaw surgery, I had no idea what would be in store for me. This cat was declawed when she was about two years old.





1. She chewed up everything in our house. All our windowshades, lampshades, and other furniture and even clothing items were laced with little holes.





2. She was a skitterish kitty, and would never let me touch her paws.





3. She was more aggressive to our other cats, threatening to bite them often.





4. She seemed scared most of the time and she had difficulty balancing at times. I learned later that this is one of the side effects of the surgery.





It took a long time for her to calm down and be less threatening to our other cats.





I adopted her through a friend who knew the previous owner, so I can only assume that her behavioral changes and chewing on things was the reason for her being given away.





It took me almost a year to gain her confidence, and replaced shades with aluminum blinds.





Additionally, I do have two books to recommend to you about feline behavior which is top drawer. They have an incredible amount of information and suggestions how to deal with scratching problems. The titles are ';Cat Vs Cat'; and ';Think Like a Cat'; ,written by Pam Johnson-Bennett. It is available on Amazon.com.





Scratching posts are not created equal. Try sisal covered posts, and have several tall posts in your home. Cover the carpet with a plastic carpet runner, as cats detest plastic texture on things. When you catch him in the act of scratching carpet or furniture move him to the posts, and praise him tremendously everytime you see him using a post.





Sometimes cats get bored with their scratching posts or if they are not just the right height or texture they stop using them. Also try a cat tree that has rough texture and places in which your kitty can hide. A good tree, at least 5-6 feet high with a secure base costs less than the surgery.





Visit Pam's blog and post your question there as well. Her blog is really exceptional.


http://shine.yahoo.com/blog/as9t.IYmIZpq…


Cats really need their claws to prevent many physical and behavioral problems which declawed cats face. Here is an excellent website that discusses this.





http://www.theanimalspirit.com/declaw.ht…


By the way, we have several carpet sample squares around the house as well, turned upside down so the rough backing is showing. Our cats love them and really work on them. They do not touch our carpets .





Good luck to you and hang in there. With some experimenting and reading Pam's books, I think you will be able to find a solution that really works, and preserve his claws. Why jump from the frying pan into the fire with the possibility of his becoming litter box avoidant and developing arthritis later in life. Thanks for reconsidering.





Troublesniffer


Owned by cats for over 40 years


Member: Cat Writer's Association
Would you consider trying a few more things before doing the irreversible? I don't know what you've tried already, so bear with me if some of this is redundant.





Cats like different materials to scratch on. They also like a variety of scratching positions. Since he is scratching carpet, it could be that he would prefer a carpet covered scratching post. I don't know what he has now, but if it's a rope post he may prefer carpet. It may be that he prefers scratching horizontally. If you haven't already, you could try those cardboard scratchers that lie horizontally on the floor. I've also seen those cardboard scratchers that sit diagonally, so that would be another thing to try. One of my cats decided he liked a rope scratcher, but in the diagonal position, so he knocked over his vertical post and started using it that way.





Regarding the carpet that he has already scratched, you should try cleaning the areas with some enzyme based cleaner (removes his scent), and then spraying some cat deterent (available at any pet store) over the area.





And one last suggestion...You mentioned he scratches up the carpet in front of your bedroom door. Is he shut out of your room at night? If so, you could try keeping your door ajar so he can get in. Cats seem to have a thing about closed doors and always want to be on the other side.





Thanks in advance for considering my suggestions. I'm sorry I can't answer your specific question about behavior changes after declawing, as I've never had a cat declawed.





Good luck.
Dear not an idiot...


'loving home' and declawing does not go together, whereas, lesser people and return to shelter does. Since you think only idiots declaw and mutilate animals, be a lesser person and take this poor pet back to the shelter, maybe for the cat, 3 times will be the charm for a real loving owner. If it is true that your parents always adopted and declawed their cats, did you not notice that the cats became biters and were angry and miserable for their entire lives? Where were you?
It saddens me greatly that you seem only to be concerned with changes in personality as you make no mention of the physical effects of declawing your cat.





As you are adamant that you intend to have your cat declawed, then I suggest that you visit your vet prior to the surgery and ask him for a written guarantee to the following questions;





1. Can you guarantee declawing will not affect my cat's personality?





2. Can you guarantee that the cat will feel no pain, or post surgical discomfort for its lifetime?





3. Can you guarantee that a claw will never grow back, or that a bone fragment will not become lodged under the paw?





4. Can you guarantee that the spinal column will not be affected in time, because of the cat being forced to walk on the backs of it's 'heels' instead of it's toes?





I am willing to bet that either the vet will not want to provide you with such a written guarantee, or that if they do provide one, they will include some sort of disclaimer so that they cannot be held accountable for any problems that arise as a result of declawing.





EDIT: Despite another person's suggestion to ask the vet to prescribe Morphine, it should be used with extreme caution in cats. The enzyme that helps metabolize morphine is deficient in cats, which results in potential brain and spinal cord stimulation.





http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/mor…
When I had my cat done, he CLEARLY was upset with me the first week after surgery. He was completely anti-social. After some time, he is just as loveable as ever. You'd never guess he was ever unhappy. you can also try putting some alum foil over those spots. they don't like the feel or the noise it makes. I do this to keep mine out of the houseplants. It works.





P.S I did this when I was like 13. Ididn't know exactly what they do. My other cats are NOT declawed.

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