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I agree with you on declawing - it's a painful procedure -sm

Posted By: SanFrancisco on 2008-02-04
In Reply to: Cat Help - The Other Sunshine

and can lead to other behavioral problems. I think the scratching has less to do with the claws than their instinct to scratch. One of my cats is a front-declaw (she came that way, unfortunately) and I feel SO sorry for her. She gets so frustrated when she can't pick anything up with her front paws. She still 'scratches', too, but always uses the scratching post. They do seem to prefer that to anything. My other cat sometimes uses the rug, but it seems to be more as a precursor to a game of chase between them. I trim my clawed cat's nails frequently. The only furniture she tries to scratch on is the bedpost, which is sort of a wicker-type material I got at Ikea. But she does it rarely, and if I really cared about it, I'd protect it somehow.

You might be able to protect the furniture, at the same time enhancing the look, by getting several throws to put over vulnerable areas. Or, if it really only matters if they look good for company, I'd cover the entire piece. That way you wouldn't have to vacuum cat hair, either.

Finally, another option is a product called 'Soft Paws' - a plastic 'fake nail', basically, that is glued on over the existing claw. Kind of a pain to apply, and they do shed off when the outer nail sheds. But they look cute, come in lots of pretty colors (including clear), and they can save the furniture without traumatizing the cat.


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It's cruel. It's a very painful procedure for the cat - sm
as their paws are very sensitive. They don't just remove the claw - they remove the entire terminal phalanx. They lose their first line of defense against attack, or their ability to climb, though they can still jump.

It can also lead to litter box problems due to sore feet, and other behavioral problems.

Instead, buy a little animal toenail-clipper and clip the nails every few weeks. Cheaper, and MUCH more humane.

If I cared about the chair, I'd just put a cover over it for everyday use, so it'll be nice for company. But my cat's health & well-being is worth more than any piece of furniture.
I know someone who had a procedure because it became extremely painful -nm
:)
I agree with no declawing....but
one of my cats is jumping up on the corner where the two walls meet and hanging on to either side with her claws. There are now long deep lines on the walls, so many it actually looks like a design that I will need to spackle and paint soon I'm thinking. Good thing it's the bedroom and not a main room. They don't bother with the furniture so I'm lucky there. And I do have scratching posts, etc.,she apparently just gets a kick out off hanging off the wall! So, yes they can do some damage but I still won't get them declawed.
Declawing cats
I was in the same position you were in. It was either declaw one of my cats (one always used the scratching post and caused no problems) or get rid of him. He caused hundreds of dollars of damage tearing up our wood bansters and bay window. I was totally against it, but I did have it done and he had no problems at all. He's also an indoor cat. I know those who declaw their cats will get a lot of slamming from those who are against it, but you have to do what's right in your situation.
There are other ways. Declawing is actually -
an AMPUTATION of the entire distal phalanx in the cat's toes; it isn't just the claw that is removed. It's one of a cat's most sensitive areas. Imagine having your finger and toe-tips amputated, and then having to walk around on them! Some cats go on to have problems afterward with their personalities, or stop using their litter-boxes because it's painful to dig. Even though an indoor cat is SUPPOSED to be indoors, unexpected things can happen: A door accidentally left ajar, a handyman forgets to close it as he dashes out to his truck for an extra tool, unknowing friends or visitors who forget to keep the door closed, or a kitty who is an escape-artist can lead to the cat getting outside. Or, in the midst of a catastrophe, such as a flood, fire, earthquake, etc., the cat could end up outside and on its own for anywhere from hours to months. Their claws are their first line of defense against attackers, and their ability to climb is often their only hope of escape.

What I do with my cat is TRIM all the claws regularly with a nail-clipper. Takes about 5 minutes, and is all she needs. Another, rather STYLISH option is using "Soft Paws". They are little plastic tips (and can come in a rainbow of colors!) that are glued to the tips of the cat's nails. They last until the outer part of the nail finally sheds. That would certainly be worth the time it took to apply.

I once adopted a rescue-kitty that had been declawed in all four feet.
Even though she was a gorgeous, purebred, show-quality chinchilla Persian, she had been in four different shelters, and kept getting returned after being adopted because of major litterbox issues. Former adopters had returned her time and again, and she had been scheduled for euthanasia when she was pulled from the shelter by a rescue organization. I adopted her, even though she was 10 yrs. old, because I knew that otherwise she'd probably spend the rest of her life in a crowded rescue setting.

Her poor little feet were so sensitive that she wouldn't let you touch them, and it took a while to get her using her litter box because didn't like to dig in the litter. Even playing was frustrating for her, as she could rarely successfully catch the toy she was chasing.

Also, depending on what state you live in, declawing may not be legal. I would suggest talking to your vet, or even a local rescue organization or other cat expert, about the different ways you could solve the problem without giving up your cats or mutilating their paws by declawing.
Alternative to declawing
I use a product called Softclaws.  They are plastic caps that you glue on you cat's front paws and it lasts about 5 weeks.  They are kind of a pain to apply, but they really do work and Matt The Cat got used to them pretty quickly.  I don't know, but maybe it would be worth a try before you opt for surgery.  Here's the site.  http://www.softclaws.com.  Good luck! 
http://www.declawing.com/ nm
z
Gotta a cat question... what is the consensus on declawing? SM

My cat likes to sharpen her claws on my leather office chair.  I always immediately scold her when she does it and I make her stop, but my chair has got little puncture marks on it which is irritating.  My sister had her cat declawed and he was in so much pain for like two weeks afterwards.  I just don't think I can do it no matter how irritating it is when my kitty scratches on my chair.  My vet offers declawing as a service, but she tells me it is akin to having all our fingernails and toelnails ripped off!  YEOWCH!


So I'm thinking no...


Have you ever had braces? They are painful
he has even had an abcess from the braces rubbing against his cheeks, had to be seen by specialists. This is his reward for putting up with the pain and I think he will definite remember that for years to come!
Shingles - most painful thing I have experienced
Have had several  outbreaks.  First one ever was on back, last two to three have been on my inner thigh.   The first two times on my thigh had an actual breakout and it was so painful I expected when I looked down that there should be this large gaping hole there and all that was present were these pesky little red spots.  It always starts out like a band is too tight and my skin is burning and then the red spots would appear.   Last year I only had the burning pain and no actual outbreak.  I can tell when it is coming though as I get very, very tired and can fall asleep at anytime.  Have tried the medication for it but hated taking just to suppress something that only came every 2 to 4 years.   They did come more often when I was going through my divorce and financial problems but have not had a breakout or symptoms for over 2 years.  But again, it is like having an open sore on your skin and  one of the most painful thing I have experienced -- above my broken knee cap, broken leg/ankle, ovarian cysts, kidney stones.  Sorry if this is your case.  But I do not have the residual neuralgia all the time just for a couple of weeks after the symptoms have gone.   
painful at first but wedge a piece of cotton
from a cotton ball underneath the corner - sometimes numbing with some topical agent like neosporin plus helps a little.  I cut mine too short because walking in tennies aggravate me and this happens.  Works pretty well - wedge it under with a tweezer.
seriously painful; research Lidoderm 5% patch to assist.
.
Has anyone here had the painful problem of having to place their parent in a nursing home? SM
My beautiful dad passed away last year.  My mother and father were devoted to one another, my mother always "taken care of" by my father in every way, married 67 great years.  My mom has always had excellent health, but after about 1-1/2 years, she has deteriorated to the point where I do not know her and I am scared, she is frail, not eating, almost unable to walk, struggles to dress herself or do for herself, will not accept a home health aide, we are trying to cook and clean for her at home but it is getting very scary, she just turned 90 and she seems to be failing fast.  I am so sorry this is so long, but it is all so complicated, it is like she gave up the second my dad died.  Anyone go through this yet????
I think you have the right procedure;

it's just that the results vary from patient to patient.  My boss had an ablation, but after just a few months had to have a hysterectomy anyway; it didn't help at all.  Others, like the person you mentioned, have great success.  I think it's worth it to try an ablation to begin with, if you could be one of the lucky ones.  Good luck!


Want to know more about your procedure
I, like so many others, am overweight and would love to be able to take it off. I have some feet issues so the part about walking is totally out for me other than what is necessary. What part of the country are you in, the cost, does insurance cover, time of hospital stay, recovery period and I know about possible complications from gastric bypass, but what about on your end? Thanks for any information.
NovaSure Procedure
I had the NovaSure procedure in February of 2007.  It was the best decision of my life!!  I was extremely anemic and was on IV iron supplementation for several years before I went searching for an OB/GYN for options for my heavy cycle.  I was introduced to this procedure by my OB/GYN and did lots of research online.  Basically, it is a minimally invasive endometrial ablation that burns the lining of the uterus to destroy the endometrium.  The procedure only lasts a few minutes, but you are put under general anesthesia.  My doctor told me it should last approximately 5 years, maybe longer (no guarantees).  She told me some patients have much lighter cycles and some have no cycles afterward.  I was a lucky one....I have had no cycle since I recovered from my procedure, and also no more IV iron supplementation.  This has been great!!!!
She is going to have the procedure performed
on a Thursday by the doctor that, we have been told, invented it. Then the next day she is going to have the plastic surgery done to repair the hole. You waited a week for results...is this something we should be looking into? Still haven't googled it yet. Asked the question yesterday and just got back on the computer today and started reading the answers. Thanks for the info!
I'd certainly wanna see the procedure note
They should have some documentation of what happened. If not, I'd REALLY wanna know exactly what was so minor they'd not document it, but left marks on your body!
It is a MEDICAL procedure. I suppose
spaying is mutilation to you too, right? I don't know if vets tell people....but they remove their ovaries for that. The horror!

If you don't want it done to your cat, don't do it, but leave others alone that need/want to have this done!
LEEP procedure, google it
NM
Go to their web site and follow their procedure - sm
they have it all there how to report problems, etc.
Anyone familar with Mohr procedure?

My MIL is having this procedure (not exactly sure about the spelling) done to remove a skin cancer.  It is supposed to have a 99% rate of the cancer not returning.  Just wondering if anyone has any info on this.


Moh's procedure for skin cancer

More info in Mohs procedure.
The reports I edit, the dr. does the procedure, inks and maps specimen for frozen section and sents to path with pt still on table.  Based on path results, procedure either done or excise more tissue from area that still shows cancer cells.  Sometimes takes 2-3 more specimens. When procedure done, that dr either does repair or if wound too big, a plastic surgeon is scheduled to do repair same day or day or 2 later.
Period pain after LEEP procedure
I had LEEP for cervical cancer a few years back.  Cancer is gone now, but I have horrible periods.  Am I alone?  Does anyone else suffer since LEEP surgery?  I also have fibromyalgia which only adds to the discomfort. 
dental procedure: root planing
dentist says i need this because of moderate periodontal disease.  $200 a quadrant x4 = $800 for what sounds like a horrible, bloody procedure.  they say they only do two quadrants at a time.  does anyone know anything about this, had it done?  please let me know what to expect.... thanxabuncha
Received a dx today of fibrocystic breast disease. Painful lumps in my breast. Going for a mammo
towards the end of the month. Anyone have any info on this disease?
What an awesome post! I agree, agree, agree completely with you.
You are right on the money in my book! 
I agree, try to live in another country, then you will also agree...nm
nm
absolutement! Agree! Agree! Agree!
Why is it so hard to understand this?  HMOs are just middlemen who get everything balled up and costly!
I agree with you - not judging either but agree (nm)
:)
and I agree with you *nn* -

I agree......
I agree with everyone's reply here. Also--one more thing...DO NOT TOUCH THE RADIO/CD PLAYER WHILE DRIVING!! It was 17 years ago that one of my best friends was killed this way-very responsible girl, just did not think for that one moment.

I was a responsible teen, but my parents set strict rules on my driving. At the time, I did not understand but now that I have a 10-year-old son who keeps reminding me each year that he will be driving in __ years, I understand completely. If it were an option for us, I would keep my kids babies forever.

Another thing you can do, just to maybe ease your mind about driving is take her to the local police department and have them to show actual footage of accidents. I know that sounds pretty harsh, but it has saved a lot of kids lives in my surrounding area.

Hope this helps!!
wow - I sure do agree with you!!....sm

I would rather them be locked in a car driving than strolling or walking alone - In Florida - we have had MANY YOUNG KIDS killed (murder) by being alone walking to and from school.  My children are VERY responsible and pay for everything, except that car insurance (which is wayyyyyyyyy too much) which I offered to pay until age 28.  By the age of 28, they'll be earning more $$.  My OLD brother (and he's very old *LOL*) did this for his son until age 28 (think he's about 38 now) because of the exhorbitant insurance rates.  I decided to follow suit.  If we have it, why shouldn't we help them.  I'd rather help my children while I'M ALIVE AND KICKING rather than what they get when I die, IF there is anything to get *LOL*


Y'all have a GREAT day! 


Remember, we can all agree to disagree without being nasty and rude. 


and I so agree with you!!!.....sm

One of my children saved all the Xmas/holiday/birthday $$ ever received from toddler-hood so that at 17 had $6000+ and put it down on a BRAND NEW SMALL CAR, albeit I had to co-sign the balance.  Child did pay the rest off.  I too am very proud of the children who are  young still, one has worked for 10 years already (started off part-time at about 14 after school by own choice).


Yep, I want kids to hang out in multiple numbers today - never walking alone - too many CREEPS out there in the USA today and they are EVERYWHERE....really creepy to me.........


Let's sing out for the responsible good kids who are out there trying to live life in this messed-up world!!!! 


HOORAY FOR THE CHILDREN!!!!  They are our future and if we don't back them, well then we are up the creek without a paddle, right?   


I agree...
Don't be too quick to judge! Last I knew car seats can be moved from one car to another! It's so sad that a few rotten apples out there ruin it for the people who really need the help! Hope you are never in a situation where you may need a little help.
I agree
Hey, Chillie, I love what you said.  It's time somebody did.  All this political correctness crap is getting to the point where it really offends me.  And I'm SOMEBODY, TOO!!!  Thanks.
It all goes to what you agree to when you take the job
If you take the job knowing that it involves working the holiday or the night of or the night before then it is your obligation to do so.  That is the way of this trade.   Then the days following the holiday we are "dead" and everyone is yelling for work.  Kind of like the hospitals, the police, the fire department, the stores half the time -- we all know what is expected when we accept the job.  If you knew that it was expected of you when you said yes -- then I think it is your obligation to work.  If you have your own accounts or are an IC then you have the right to say no but don't complain when nothing comes your way the day or two after the holoidays.  I chose to have my own accounts and some are open the day after Thanksgiving and so what I pick up on late Weds has to be back by early Friday and so somwhere in that timeframe I have to get it done.  I might have a few more hours to do it but also have a family and life so will squeeze it in.   Then Friday I will have what was dictated on Weds and have to work on over the weekend.  So you see you are not alone but this has been the way since I have been doing this, close to 20+ years.  Before that when I worked in office/clinics we were never closed for the Friday after Thanksgiving, saw patients until 6 on Weds, back at 8 on Friday.  Anway got things to do.  Patti
I agree
I was in management also and I was lucky in that there were only a certain few MTs that were very stubborn about not working holidays or flat out refused. Most were willing to compromise, maybe do one major holiday and have off the other, or even put in a few hours of their choice. It is those who refuse to work all holidays that can mess things up for everyone. For if everyone refused, what then? I guess it would then have to become mandatory???? Exactly!
I agree with you...
Even if the story you were told is true, there's still something not right about the situation.  Best to make sure your daughter's not in any danger, I'd do the same thing!  Good luck...I feel for the other family though...how hard would that be?
I agree...

My husband is far from dispensable!  He's my best friend too.  He's a wonderful father, husband, son, brother, everything!  We've been married for almost 20 years and I love and need him more today than I did in the beginning.  Men are getting an unfair wrap here...although I completely sympathize with the OP.  That's her situation, though, not every marriage comes down to that.


Like I said before (and my post was deleted for some reason) I am looking forward to growing old with my husband...raising grandchildren...hopefully finally getting to travel.  I do believe the best has yet to come for us!


I 100% agree.
x
I agree
My friend and I went on a sugar free diet - it lasted 2 days. After numerous trips to the restroom, we both finally came to the conclusion that it was the sugar substitutes. Go for Splenda... After removing sugar substitues we had no more problems.
I agree and not only that - what about the

actions speak louder than words - if he wasn't guilty he would've stuck around..........would have had nothing to run from if he was innocent......and that's another thing - in the case, he was NOT found NOT GUILTY - he was found innocent by a reasonable doubt....(pssst - cause he's still guilty)...LOL


if it looks like a horse, smells like a horse, acts like a horse, it is not a swan! 


RIP Ron and Nicole......


I agree sm
If you take hungry men a meal of sand covered with some cheese, they are gonna say it is great.  It was very funny to me too.  I am a country fair blue ribbon winner.  Of course they are not gonna say this tastes awful.  I make the best blue ribbon potato salad.  I mean really, if you take hungry men anything, they are not gonna tell your husband it was mediocore, hungry men will eat almost anything.
I agree with you...
Your original intention was to "feel" out how others felt about your situation. You never argued with anyone who replied earlier with anything but thanks. Log off now, and forget about the rants and raves. I hope you have a good evening.
I agree
I have never been big on that with my kids, never felt comfortable with it even when they were much younger. As ridiculous as it may sound, I can remember finding out there was no Santa and I was incredibly upset that my parents lied to me. Christmas is not about Santa. Still bugs me. haha.
I don't agree with your vet.
When I finally saw my dog going through a partial seizure, she was definitely scared and in pain. Afterwards she almost stopped breathing. Hers were caused by a tumor, but in a young dog like yours, it is almost certainly epilepsy. I have a friend whose dog has epilepsy with terrible seizures, and now he's on medication and only has 1 seizure a month. They are all much happier. If I were you I'd change vets because I'd be worried the seizures were causing brain damage.
I agree, but...
not everyone can multitask.  Fortunately, it is nice to be able to simultaneously do laundry and type at the same time.  No one should be sitting in front of a PC for 8 hours straight.  You have to get up and stretch, so why not switch the clothes from washer to dryer, or catch the news or have a cup of tea for a few minutes.  If you were inhouse, you would be at the water cooler.  Working at home is a privilege, but even people who work inhouse take advantage.  I have seen where fellow employees are taking personal phone calls, balancing their checkbook, making appointments, asking others opinions regarding personal issues, etc.  Lighten up!!!!  You will either be diligent or not off-site or not...  No one can type and clean at the same time, but it sure makes it easier to dust your living room, and then go type for a while....  Oh my!  That is why I love this board! 
I agree
For the first year or two I went to an accountant he was very helpful.  But then after  I realized that I was doing 80% of his work for him and I do understand taxes quite well, I bought Turbo Tax and for the past 10 to 12 years have used Turbo Tax.  You have to figure out how much sq ft your office is versus your house to find the percentage you get to take off for mortgage payment. utilities, etc.  Also he will let you know what the pros and cons are for depreciating your home.  Since I figure on dying here -- and not in the near future -- I have been using the depreciation.  If you use your car for any mileage related to your business, supplies, delivering, banking you can take that off.  Ask him about setting up a SEP fund -- self employment pension fund -- even if you only contribute 5 to 10% that helps to bring down what you pay SSN, every dollar helps.  Good luck, once he does it for you then you can use last year guidelines for how to do it.  
I agree 100%
I also suffered from HPV and had to endure 4 colposcopies as well as a LEEP procedure. If this had been available when I was younger, I would have gotten the vaccine. There is always risk to these types of things and it is a matter of personal preferance as to what you choose to do.