tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9835032.post-1105191585530769802005-01-08T05:39:00.000-08:002005-01-08T05:39:45.530-08:00<br>De-clawing is a very painful experience. The claws are not the only thing removed. The bone attached to the claws as well as the tendons are also removed. Deciding whether to De-claw or not is no easy choice. Many people frown on the practice and feel it is inhumane. It has to be your decision. There are ways to keep a cat from ruining furniture and drapes while keeping their claws. One is to teach your cat at an early age to use a scratching post. Another is to use the plastic claw covers that are available. But... not all cats will "learn" not to destroy furniture. In these rare situations, I must say that de-clawing the front paws would be a better alternative than putting the cat to sleep. Consider this only if other methods do not work. Some would disagree. Many people claim the cat is so traumatized they change their behavior. I have never seen this to be true, although I am sure one could find a case other wise. I have had both, and never really noticed any difference between either. If you decide to de-claw, only do the front claws. The back claws are needed for running. NEVER- NEVER- NEVER remove claws from a cat that goes outdoors, even just a few times. Do NOT de-claw a cat if other cats in the home still have their claws. This would be VERY inhumane. Personally, I am against de-clawing unless all other methods have failed. Some say "just give the cat up for adoption if you are worried about your furniture". I say... sometimes removing a cat from its loving family can be the worse alternative. <br /><br> <br /><br> <br /><br>Thanks to <a href="http://videoforcats.com/catinformation.htm">this great cat info site.</a> <br /><br> <br /><br>Pontius Family Blogsnoreply@blogger.com