WWYD, DH wants to get rid of our cat

[TaRhLi.]

Just an observation so don't shoot me....

When we were in Canada years ago many of the cats were declawed as they were inside all the time due to the weather. The people we were staying with said it was common and the cat was quite happy so not sure if it's a bad thing or not.

I've read up on declawing and it seems to be very painful for the cats as the claw is actually attached to bone so basically they are breaking the bone to remove the claw, and for the sake of me keeping his claws clipped and teaching DD to be more gentle I wouldn't want to put him through that.

[beansbeans!]

I have friends who clip their nails, they use a animal nail clipper and their cats never seem to even notice that they are been clipped. I know that you only cut to a particular point, like with humans, but their cats dont seem to mind it. Actually our boy was clipped when he had to have a visit with the vet for a few days. He went crazy on them, so when they knocked him out they clipped his claws so he was less likely to harm them when getting him out of the cage, which they were never able to do, they had to call us for that job.


edit, whoops I thought you meant clipping not declawing.. Declawing sounds harsh. Wonder if they meant clipping but called it declawing, cause that sounds like the equilavent to docking tails. imo

[Arimeh]

I have two cats that we got before having kids. They have scratched the kids a few times but nothing serious. I certainly wouldn't be getting rid of the cat, it teaches kids that they aren't toys - they will retaliate when they have had enough of toddler treatment.

My kids hurt each other more than the cats do but I'm not looking to rehome them

[LizLemon]

The others have pretty much said it but please don't get rid of your cat. Pets should be members of the family and there are always other options than getting rid of them. As you said you wouldn't get rid of one of the kids!

I don't see how it's your fault though, just because it's your cat.

[Heaven]

Nope, I'm with you, I wouldn't get rid of the cat. Ok, the cat scratched her and it was unfortunate it was near her eye but it was just scratching after being pushed and wasn't deliberately thinking 'I'll scratch her eyes out, that will have the most impact' ROFL.

If it was a dog that bit your child or a cat that was going psycho and attacking them every day then yeah, get rid of it. But 3 scratches in 3 years is no big deal IMO. Every time we visit my Aunty my kids get cat scratches because they are annoying the cat, I assume they will learn soon, we still visit.

[Cally]

Nope, keep your cat. Kids have to learn to be nice to animals and having one at home is the best option. The kids will learn as they get older.

[Three Graces]

There's something that you can put on their claws, so that they're not so sharp. The resident cat at our old vet had them - hot pink, soft plastic covers that stayed on, as this cat used to sit on the reception desk and swipe at dogs and owners too. I'm sure you can choose a different colour. Much better option than de-clawing or getting rid of your pet of 10 years. Which would only teach your children than pets are dispensable when you get sick of them, rather than teaching them to treat them gently, with respect etc.

[krysalyss]

So your DD was pushing your cat down and screaming at it? And your cat only scratched her? I would say give the cat a medal.

Any animal (including humans) will only take so much antagonism before they will defend themselves. In all probability the cat was giving lots of warning signals before lashing out. Many cats would have bitten in that situation. Children need to be taught about pet safety and it is absolutely unfair to expect a cat or dog to just take whatever it is given by children. This is a very predictable outcome to the situation and can easily be managed by giving the cat areas it can go to get away from the kids, and by training the children what is and isn't appropriate behaviour around animals. And if you find your children just aren't old enough to know what is and isn't appropriate behaviour then to only allow access to the pets when supervised. Good luck with your DH!

[Phteven]

It might be easier to re-home your DH than the cat especially if he doesn't bite and always uses the litter box.