My cats claws...

[Kitteh]

So my big boy Parker has really weird claws. He is polydactyl and has a claw between the extra thumb and his next claw, its hard to find and gets long really fast. However, thats not the problem..It's his dewclaws. They really thin, wide and fragile. He gets them caught alot and breaks them. It doesn't seem to bother him a whole lot, or at least that he shows. One of them collects ALOT of dirt underneath it and the dirt has pretty much grown inside the claw and is almost touching the quick. I keep it trimmed as best as I can but it its such a messy looking claw. Now, I don't believe in declawing cats but is it possible to have just the two dewclaws removed? Or should I just leave it and continue to trim as I usually do? Here is a picture of one...I couldnt get one of the really dirty one (he wouldnt stay still long enough, lol)

http://i44.tinypic.com/2cyfwiv.jpg

[marie73]

I believe it would still involve amputating part of a toe, so..... no, not a good idea. If he lets you trim his claws, you're one up on me. I have to take my girls to a groomer.

[Kitteh]

I can brush him, cut his nails, trim his fur around his backside...but he doesn't like any of it. He doesn't so much try to get away as he does cry like I am killing him slowly. He did fight tonight when I tried to pick some of the dirt out of that claw though.

[Jeanie]

I would not consider declawing. I would take him to a professional groomer. As Marie said, declawing is an amputation. Your cat could have phantom pain the rest of his life.

[Alpaca]

If you are able to trim, I say stay with that. Not sure if it works with cats, but I find with Rocky the dog, if I groom him (brushing, cutting, etc etc...), he's more affectionate with me that day. Shows he appreciates the care and the bond between us is strengthened.

[doodlebug]

I would not consider removing the claw unless it is getting infected or causing pain.