Saturday, April 12, 2008

Declawing a cat-- is it cruel?

Princess Elizabeth!



I'm considering getting Libby declawed. Her claws, or actually I call them nails, are vicious! I have taken her to PetSmart once so far to get them clipped down as far as possible. She is a kitten though and she's growing F-A-S-T! I try to clip them myself and I cannot get her to sit down long enough, the most I have gotten clipped was four at one time. I really don't want to have to take her to PetSmart every couple weeks for $10, that seems ridiculous to me!

When I adopted her I signed paperwork for her stating that I would not get her declawed. The shelter that I got her at finds that cruel to animals, and I agree. Although, I don't plan on taking her outside very often and she will never be outside without a leash. Libby pretty much has a life to look forward to in the comforts of my home, which is pretty comfy if I don't say so myself! ;)

I'm sick of her sharp claws though! She hasn't ripped any furniture (thank God!) but she does tend to use my leg as a scratching post when I'm standing. She doesn't realize when she's playing that she's scratching me and it hurts! :( The other day at work one of my co-workers commented on the scratches on my arm! It's that bad.. I do think that after awhile she will end up putting a rip in my furniture as well. I have all new furniture and I really want it to stay nice for a long time-- who wouldn't?!

Do ya'll think I just need a few more scratching posts for her? I don't have any actually scratching posts, I just have the ones that sit on the floor and she does use them. Or do you think I should just go ahead and get her declawed? I know I signed something saying I wouldn't, but seriously, how would they know?!

I cannot make up my mind. I keep going back and forth on the idea, one minute I think it's cruel and the next minute I think f**k it, I'm getting it done! What does everyone think I should do? How do you feel about declawing animals?