Should I declaw?

[Zamaria]

I normally would not even consider declawing a cat. BUT... my new cat finally got comfortable enough to let me examine his claws today, and he has extra toes on each front paw. One of them is a normal toe, but the other has three claws growing out of the same sheath. He isn't able to retract them, and they were digging into his paw. I was able to trim them back and file them down so they aren't digging in anymore, buy he still can't retract them, and they don't move apart, so there is a lot of dirt impacted in between them. I tried scraping it out, but it's too packed. I'm afraid it'll cause an infection and that it may be painful for him. Should I have the claws removed from that toe? Or maybe just two of the claws removed? Would he be able to retract it if I had that done? Anyone know anything about this?

[CollinBayleeMom]

I'm like you, normally I would say NO, but in this case it would probably be for the best.  I would have the claws removed from THAT toe.

[Zamaria]

Thanks. I hate to do it. I know it's painful for them. Poor kitty! I can tell he's a lot more active just since I trimmed it back. He must have been in a lot of pain from it!

[hightideatsea]

I have to agree with the other poster...I too would normally say no, but it sounds like this is something that will need to be done.  It may not be as bad if hes only getting the claw removed from that toe as opposed to both feet/all claws.  Still painful but not as bad if you know what I mean. 

[mitchiesgirl]

From a medical standpoint I would say yes and you would probably need to take the entire nail out. If you don't or only take out one or two they may continue to grow in odd.

[Tiredmom53]

What does your Vet say? I had a cat declawed and regret it to the day he was so much in pain if it is just the one either he would most likely declaw it, I would go with the vet says that is why they get the big bucks

[Zamaria]

The vet took it out. He isn't acting like it bothers him though. He was grumpy the first day, but now he's running around acting like a kitten and terrorizing the other cat and the dog. Hopefully it's because he feels better! Lol

[hightideatsea]

Glad to hear he's doing good.  Sounds like he is much happier now.  Thanks for the update! 

[carakitty]

I'm glad you were able to get that triple claw fixed. Does he have his other claws still?

[Zamaria]

Yes, he still has the others. I generally don't believe in declawing a cat because it's very painful for them.

Quoting carakitty:

I'm glad you were able to get that triple claw fixed. Does he have his other claws still?