[bunny1215]

Hi. We have two cats and have just decided to take in the poor cat that the neighbors have abandoned. My daughter took her to the vet and she is healthy, no feline leukemia or FIV. She is not spayed so we will have to take care of that. My question is this: The two current cat residents are declawed, and new kitty is not. I don't want to get her declawed, but I don't think I really have a choice. Anyone else deal this, and if so, what did you do? Thanks for your help.

 

[Jeanie]

Please don't declaw the new cat. I assume you know the problems with phantom pain and the behavior problems declawed cats can have-after the pain of having their knuckles removed. You can introduce the cats slowly, give them time, and if they fight, it would be better for the new kitty to go to a home without declawed cats.

The worst time would be the introductory period. I have had cats that did not get along, and I have seen hissing and fighting, but have seen one get hurt. However, a bully cat might be able to take advantage of a docile cat with no claws. Watch them closely before making a decision about finding another home. You're very kind to take an abandoned cat in. I don't understand how his family could leave him!

 

[Aonir]

You 'could' try Soft Paws.. I've never used them though.. I have 2 declawed cats (did NOT declaw them myself) and 2 clawed cats. They had fought a bit, but gee, the declawed cats have strong mouths! None's gotten hurt yet.

 

[Cooie]

I'm curious as to why your are thinking the new cat should be declawed simply because the other two are?

 

[bunny1215]

Thank you all for your advice. In response to why would I be thinking of getting the new kitty (Gracie) declawed, I am afraid that she would hurt my two declawed kitties (Molly and Oliver). So far, they haven't fought at all, but they do hiss at each other. Perhaps I'll just wait and see what happens. I am glad to hear that there is a possibility that they will be able to get along without declawing Gracie.