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From: cam@aluxe.UUCP (MASCAVAGE)
Newsgroups: net.pets
Subject: Re: cat claws
Message-ID: <771@aluxe.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 16-Jul-85 17:41:12 EDT
Article-I.D.: aluxe.771
Posted: Tue Jul 16 17:41:12 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 18-Jul-85 04:25:39 EDT
References: <3247@drutx.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Allentown, PA
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> How old must a cat be befor it can be declawed?
> 
> Thanks
> Larry Roybal
> ihnp4!drutx!ljr

Declawing is very inhumane practice.  I believe it should only be 
considered in the most extreme cases.  It is in actuallity amputation
since the first joint of the toes are removed - I guess declawing
doesn't sound as bad as amputation.  This practice may be detrimental
to your cat's well being;  the stretching/scratching ritual is an
instinct that is important as exercise as well as a pseudo-emotional
need.  Try a cork scratching post, and teach the cat what it is for
by laying it down, putting the cat on it, and encouraging it to
scratch by stroking it's back (patience please).  Also, if your feline
is still a kitten, they do calm down a bit, and know is the time
to teach them their territory.



                                      CAM