Scratching the Surface on Declawing Cats and Trying to Uncover the Reality of Martha Stewart’s Opinion on the Controversial Subject
I came across a post on Facebook the other day from The Paw Project, an organization based in California that is devoted to educating the public about the painful and crippling effects of declawing on cats and is working to create legislation to abolish the procedure in the United States. In this post they indicated that pet loving mogul, Martha Stewart, advocated declawing on her Sirius XM Martha Stewart Live radio segment that aired on May 5th, 2014. They politely asked people to help educate Martha by tweeting the following message to her: @MarthaStewart – Declawing cats is NOT humane – it is outlawed in 30+ countries for animal cruelty.
Being that I did not personally hear the episode, I could not substantiate the claim but it is a topic I am personally invested in because at one point in my life I had considered having the procedure done with my cats that were destroying some of our furniture. I knew several people who had declawed cats and I was under the false impression it was not an invasive procedure. Once I did some research and realized it involved the amputation of each of the ten front toes of a cat’s paws (something that would be equivalent to us losing the entire tip of every finger at the first knuckle), I knew that I could never willingly subject my cats that I loved, and who also loved and trusted me, to something as horrific as that. Cats are born with claws for a reason and I felt I had no right to take an integral part of their body away from them for the sake of something as meaningless as an inanimate object.
This information was all I needed to know to realize declawing was not a viable option for my cats…
That is when I decided to contact Martha – I didn’t want to believe she would advocate the procedure to a mass audience in this day and age and I wanted to know if there was more to it than met the eye. I reached out to her via email to get her side of the story and I even invited her in a very nice and polite way to share her thoughts on my blog. By this time, her page on Facebook had been inundated with angry comments and shares from animal lovers who were outraged she would encourage declawing and I told her that perhaps by speaking with me the situation could be turned into a positive by allowing a fair-minded platform to discuss in detail what the declawing procedure really entailed, how it could adversely affect a cat’s well-being, health, personality, and behavior, and what some of the alternative solutions to declawing are to deter cats from scratching and destroying furniture.
Since nobody initially got back to me, I tried everything I could to find a clip of the radio airing and the closest thing I could find was a video from a November 2007 segment from her Martha Stewart television show in which she does a segment called “Ask Martha” where an audience member gets to ask her a question. In this case, the audience member specifically asked Martha’s opinion on declawing cats and yes, Martha did indeed give her okay to the procedure.
Based on the contents of this video, I wouldn’t go so far as to say she champions the surgery, but, in her words, if someone does decide to go through with the procedure, she offers advice that “it has to be done humanely.” (Click here to see video link and go to the 4:40 minute mark for the “Ask Martha” segment). She went on to say that although she no longer declawed her cats, that was due in large part to the fact that her cats were indoor/outdoor cats and might need their claws in defense of hawks and coyotes in her yard which is an alarming statement in and of itself.
This casual recommendation of declawing is when I became extremely concerned and put an all-out effort to contact Martha for clarification. How a procedure that is inhumane at its very core can be done “humanely” is beyond me, but since I know that her Sirius radio show combines live air talk with old video clips, I had no way of knowing whether or not Martha was advocating declawing in the present tense on her May 5th show or if it was a rerun from the 2007 clip. And naturally when I say I reached out to Martha, I know I am reaching out to Martha’s staff. I sent numerous emails to everyone and anyone related to Martha Stewart or Sirius Radio to no avail. I was either completely ignored or I got form letter responses such as “thank you for contacting us” without really answering any of my questions.
All I can say is that my treatment speaks volumes towards Martha’s credibility and integrity. I could forgive her for advocating declawing cats at one time. We don’t always know everything and we all have room to learn and grow. Maybe years ago she didn’t have the wealth of information available that we do today and that is perfectly understandable. But, the world has changed – we have long since learned so much about things like feline diet, spay/neuter, vaccinations and so much more that we didn’t know back then. So now in 2014 with her position and stature, no, I can’t condone her comments. She is a self-proclaimed animal lover with an entire line of pet products at Petsmart. She has a staff at her disposable to do her research and she has interviewed numerous pet behaviorists and veterinarians on her various venues throughout the years of her career so I find it highly irresponsible of her to be talking about declawing in such a casual manner.
I take one look at my precious Jazmine and I can’t imagine every breaking her trust with me to bring her to the vet to have her claws amputated. If you agree with me, I invite you to share this compelling image to help spread the word. Click image to enlarge.
Martha has a strong voice and a large audience – so much good could have come from this had she chosen to step up to the plate and given a more informative conversation about the potentially debilitating side effects of declawing rather than sweeping the whole situation under the rug hoping it would go away. I say this because not only have my emails been deliberately ignored, but someone is very carefully taking the time to remove any negative comments she is getting on facebook. Clearly she is very much aware of the bad press and that is where my frustration stems from.
When you become a celebrity, you bear certain responsibly to your fans. You know people are going to trust what you say, especially if you call yourself a pet lover and that is why I am bringing all of this up. We live in a world where everything is disposable – food, appliances, cars, and even our pets. As humans we are addicted to plastic surgery and have become desensitized to reality. Don’t like your nose? Get a new one. Have a cat that scratches? Just take away its claws. So much of what we care about now is fleeting, artificial, and superficial.
One the best ways to deter your cat from scratching your furniture is to provide them with lots of scratching options. This multi-level cat condo that we use in our house is sturdy and has lots of vertical posts that allow the cats to stretch their muscles while scratching.
And yes, I know there are many declawed cats that live a long and healthy life and that they are well loved. I also know that many cats are saved from an eminent trip to the shelter because they no longer destroy precious pieces of furniture. And there are also certain instances when declawing is necessary such as those rare cases in which a cat has a medical problem that would warrant surgery, such as the need to remove cancerous nail bed tumors.
For those people who do elect to have it done, many of them say that their pet did not suffer or feel pain after the surgery. Maybe that is true, but since cats are prone to hiding symptoms of weakness or pain, that is highly unlikely. Since removing claws changes the way a cat’s foot meets the ground, walking for them is comparable to the painful “pebble-in-the-shoe” sensation when they stand or try to walk. This can lead to abnormal posture and movement and may even produce arthritis in the legs, which, in turn, may cripple the cat further and cause it more suffering. And some of the pain is masked by behavioral tendencies that ironically might land them in the shelter after all such as biting or litter box problems.
Another alternative to declawing is Soft Paws. Soft Paws are vinyl tips that are designed to prevent cats from harming furniture or humans when they scratch. Photo courtesy of Pet Radio Show.com
The bottom line – I never intended to call Martha Stewart out nor am I saying that people who declaw their cats are bad. Everyone has different circumstances and it is not my place to judge. But since she has elected to let her comments slide, I felt it prudent to let my readers know that declawing a cat is a life changing, serious surgery and that careful consideration of the procedure should be taken into account before you decide to declaw a cat if that is something you are thinking of doing.
Perhaps with some behavioral and training corrections, such as a few well-placed scratching posts, you might find that declawing is not necessary. I know at our house we have a simple mindset to declawing that was born of the everyday joy, love and companionship our cats give us – if you can’t take it to the grave with you, does it really matter in the long run? And I know in my case, I don’t plan on taking any couches to the grave with me…
I think my friend and fellow cat advocate, Jackson Galaxy from Animal Planet’s “My Cat From Hell” sums up my feelings best in this video he did several months ago to help spread the message about the inhumanity of declawing in conjunction with the Paw Project. It’s informative, easy to understand, compelling, and the best argument I have seen to help illustrate why declawing should be banned.
Along with the Paw Project, several organizations such as the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States are strongly opposed to declawing. Certified cat behaviorists such as Marilyn Krieger are against declawing and many U.S. veterinarians such as Dr. Christianne Schelling of Schelling Veterinary Services in California and Dr. Kirsten Doub owner of Union Park Veterinary Hospital in Utah will not practice the procedure at all.
If you are still considering the procedure for one of your cats, I ask that you please do your homework first before you make the call to your vet. It is important to keep in mind that all veterinarians are NOT created equal and the policy of each clinic or hospital can be different. Read the links I have provided to follow and watch the videos. A little knowledge can make all the difference in the world and if it means you don’t have to subject your cat to an unnecessary surgery, then isn’t it worth it in the long run?
The Paw Project – Everything and anything you want to know about declawing is on this site. From informative videos, to articles, to graphic illustrations and information on what you can do to help pass legislation to ban declawing. This video alone is a must see for any cat lover and is narrated by veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Conrad who spearheaded the Paw Project:
Declawing.com – A dedicated site authored by Veterinarian, Dr. Christianne Schelling that offers in-depth information on what declawing entails, declawing alternatives, and a list of veterinarians that do not practice declawing.
Pet Radio Show – Cat Fancy Editor, Susan Logan-McCracken; certified behaviorist, Marilyn Krieger; and Veterinarian Dr. Christianne Schelling elaborate at length in a shared conversation on everything related to declawing. They offer suggestions that range from how to stop a cat from scratching furniture to how and why declawing is so debilitating to cats. Click here for the full podcast.
This video from Ingrid Johnson of Fundamentaly Feline who is a certified Cat Behavior Consultant is extremely well made – it is easy to understand and offers a quick “how to get your cat to stop scratching your couch and use a scratching post instead” visual.
Jo Singer who is contributing author for Pictures of Cats shares a candid interview with Dr. Kirsten Doub, Director of Paw Project Utah and owner of Union Park Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Doub refuses to declaw cats in her clinic and details in her interview that despite the inherent risks involved to the cat during the surgery, “this extremely low overhead procedure is an astronomical money-maker” which is why many veterinarians continue to promote the procedure. Please click here to read.
For those of you interested in learning more about the Soft Paws product, please visit here for details.
Well done! Someone is probably making a lot of money deleting comments on Martha’s Facebook. The Paw Project is a wonderful organization.
The Paw Project is a must see for anyone who would even consider declawing. Jennifer Conrad has done amazing work to advance the cause of getting declawing banned. I find it so sad that the procedure is already banned in almost 30 countries around the world, but not here in the US.
First, let me say that I think declawing is an inhumane procedure and not one that I would do to my kitties.
However, I do understand that some people aren’t educated, too. Ten years ago, I was thinking about declawing my kitty. I casually brought it up to a friend who immediately told me exactly what they do during the surgery, and that changed my mind in about 5 seconds! I’m glad I talked with someone I trusted about it because otherwise I wouldn’t have known any different.
I think organizations like the Pet Project are wonderful because they are trying to educate everyone on the realities of declawing. I hope that veterinarians take the time to educate their clients before agreeing to do the surgery as well. Sometimes all people need is a little information.
Thanx Deb for the share poster and this post….
I will be adding Jazmine’s poster to my blog.
11 years ago, the vet informed my mom it was safe and OK…bold letters there… to de claw.
Daisy’s front feet bled for days; she chewed the bandaging that was then put on, completely
off her left paw… and then ate the stitching as she could get to it….
It was lesson learned…the SAD way
….never again…..
♥♥♥
Unless there is a medical necessity, such as cancer in the paw, there is never a need to declaw a kitty. I think that Dr. Doub’s work is demonstrating the suffering cats experience from this procedure.
Cats who have been declawed who “appear” to be doing fine, may not. Cats hide pain instinctively, so how do you know when they are hurting? What about the emotional damage to the cat? Cats (as Jackson would say) lose their Mojo- and defense.
Thanks for writing this article Deb. It is so important. We don’t need to declaw cats. While it may take some patience and a LOT of compassion, we can train our cats to use their own scratching devices and stay away from furniture. It’s funny but it seems that old folks do well in Europe with cats with claws, but here in the USA it is another reason that vets advise the procedure to protect our delicate, thin skin. I am 75 and do get scratched now and then, generally through my mistakes, or an accidental jump of my lap. But with a little antibiotic ointment I seem to weather the storm. Bites are another thing altogether and many declawed cats will bite to defend themselves.
Well done. We agree….someone in Martha’s camp is aware enough to delete comments but not make a statement – just BOO to them! Our rescue vet is Pro Claw and proud of it. Our personal vet is mobile and doesn’t do surgery – but mom says she may ask her opinion of it next time she comes over. It is definitely about education….mom talks to adopters about it all the time and will take the time to show them how to clip nails.
Great, complete, and informative post ! Mum wrote about declawing on her human blog http://www.swissideasinbulk.ch/en/2013/10/onyxectomy-stop-cruelty/ and I wrote about claw caps http://www.swisscatblog.ch/en/2014/03/have-you-already-heard-about-claws-caps/ .
We didn’t know about Martha Stewart (she’s less known here in Europe), but we’re very disappointed with her opinion as she is self-proclaimed “pet lover”. Purrs
This was an interesting post. All of my cats have been front declawed after the first one 50 years ago shredded our sofa. But I’m not the one who had them declawed. We always adopt a shelter kitty and have always found one that. was declawed. I do have to say that 50 years later, they have so many more scratching things for kitties to claw on that it probably isn’t much of a problem anymore. 50 years ago they had a scratching post and that was it!
The info you’ve compiled is valuable but something doesn’t add up. I know Martha Stewart’s vet and he would never advocate declawing. What’s the missing piece?
You tell me Layla… I’m not saying she is currently advocating the procedure and I would love nothing more than to retract any of my findings. All I wanted was a simple statement from Martha’s staff and that would have ended all of this. I know in the scheme of things I am not some big news media source and my blog will hardly cause a ripple in anyone’s day, but why nobody could correspond with me is beyond me and puzzling. All I am hoping at this point is to help educate and inform my readers who might not be aware of what this surgery entails.
Well said, Deb! Declawing is considered inhumane (if not illegal) in the UK and no vet will do it here. For that I am grateful. Why Martha Stewart (or her staff) wouldn’t contact you is very strange!!
VERY well said. Even though Allie usually goes au natural these days, we use photos of her pink mani/pedi in midwest shelters to promote alternatives to declawing. People tend to have a swift defense mechanism kick in when a shelter worker or volunteer begins the declawing education spiel. We’ve found that showing Allie’s photo defuses this and have has many a person reconsider.
It is shocking how under educated the public is on this issue. And we wonder – is it because in many other countries, the concept of cats being indoor/outdoor is more acceptable that the declawing ban is so prevalent? I honestly don’t know!
I heard ’bout that radio show but, like you, hadn’t heard it for myself however… I promptly UNliked Martha Stewart’s page on Facebook and told the peep to do the same. I also told her not to get me any Martha Stewart toys. Not even if they have nip! Yes, THAT is how serious I am about this subject (’cause you all know how much I love the nip).
Someone really SHOULD have gotten back to you. They really, really should. No excuses for not havin’ done that.
Here in Nova Scotia, declawin’ is still allowed but thankfully, many doctors are REFUSIN’ to do the procedure. I know that my peep would never declaw any of us. She says, she wouldn’t want it done to her so she’s not gonna do it to us. God gave us our claws for a reason and who the mouses is she to take ’em away! That’s what my peep says and I totally agree with her on this one.
Purrs,
Nissy
Well said, Deb. I was in kindergarten when our family cats were declawed. Seeing what they went through in recovery was enough to make it clear even to a child what a terrible idea it had been.
Martha Stuart is not just a celebrity. She’s a celebrity with a line of pet products. That gives her an even higher responsibility to speak in an educated fashion about pets than the average person, because whether she likes it or not, it sets her up as an expert of sorts. If you’re going to put yourself in that position, you have to take responsibility for it. I hope she clarifies her position and takes this opportunity to share whatever education she has gained with her listeners.
We don’t understand why anyone would elect to have their cat declawed. It would be like people having half their fingers and toes taken off. Makes no sense to us.
Such a thoughtful and comprehensive post, Deb. Years ago I had no idea of the pain and suffering that can be caused by this procedure. Fortunately, over the years, I’ve learned a great seat from the pet community and knowledgeable vets. And now it’s not even a consideration.
Every once in awhile I’m reminded though that there are still SO many people that just don’t know any better. Even in my own extended family. I always try to offer my point of view and the facts in a compassionate and nonjudgmental way in hopes of enlightening them. Eduction is so very important and I applaud the Paw Project.
xo,
GG
Deb, as per usual, you have written a thoughtful and comprehensive post about a very controversial procedure and as you said, by educating you can make a difference, whether celebrity or not! I have never been a fan of Martha’s, but as you said, she has a staff of writers that could have gotten her the most up-to-date information and views on declawing and she could have turned her talk into something positive for cat welfare…
Hope this reaches many people. There are too many to count who as of yet are unaware of what de-clawing is and does to a kitty!!
I’m probably lucky kitty. My mom always think natural creates claws for cats for some reasons. So Declawing never exit in her though. And mom is lucky too. because when we adopted each others. I already been trained well. What should do, What should not ! and Actually, I do love my scratch post because I can scratch..scratch..scartch..and when I’ve done I hit the ball on top of the pole to complete the process ; )
Mom think…This info should give to all human before human adopts cats, or at the VET or anywhere Cat people goes to increase awareness. About Martha, From now on..Mom think..she probably have to think harder what sources she has been served ! Good on you, Deb
Take Care
Good for you, Deb, for trying to get Martha to be responsible in her comments. However, I’m not surprised that a woman whose reputation is built on showing people how to perfect their decor probably prefers the integrity of the furniture to the comfort of her cats. Shame on her. Maybe you should write to PetSmart and tell them you (and many others) disapprove of her attitude toward declawing and for that reason would boycott and encourage your followers to boycott her products. Sponsors = money and that gets more attention from some people than “meow.:
it’s news that martha stewart is still relevant! thats a shock!! What do you think of this? who would know ALL about the anotomies of cats more than ANYONE?
http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/declawing-in-cats/82
Quote: Most cats are “back to normal” within seven to fourteen days. :Unquote
Quote: Are there any negative aspects to declawing my cat?
After declawing, it is advisable to keep your cat indoors. A number of scientific studies have shown that declawed cats have no greater risk of getting bitten or injured in a cat fight. However, they may have a decreased ability to defend themselves against other predators if allowed outdoors. :Unquote
“Scientific” Studies? They “MAY”? WTH!!
Quote: We also believe feline onychectomy should be performed only with the medically appropriate use of anesthetics and analgesics and adherence to careful surgical and post-surgical protocols. In our practice, recovery from surgery is very rapid, with the outcome leading to a stronger bond between pet and pet owner, which ultimately leads to better overall care.:Unquote
http://www.banfield.com/pet-health-resources/pet-health-concerns/other-concerns/declaw-policy-statement
What the H!?!!?? leading to a stronger WHAT?!
More people listen to their VETS than some idiot “celebrity”! How mnay of these practices are out there compared to useless moronic “celebrities” with voices so irritating it’s impossible to listen to them anyway?
GREAT comment Cora!
What is simply amazing to me (and I just wrote a blog about it to come out on Friday) is the AVMA CONDEMNS the declawing of captive big wild and exotic cats since it is too painful and the cats suffer greatly. What the HECK is the matter with these organizations that minimize the suffering of our small domestic pet cats? They are anatomically almost exactly alike so why would their suffering be any the less than the big cats?
I guess vets that care for big wild cats don’t make the lucrative income that the small animal vets make. I betcha that is why this unnecessary and inhumane procedure routinely continues.
Jo – the topic could be discussed for hours on end, but unfortunately much of it is tied to economics. We live in a current state where many of us can’t even afford to give our cats basic care on a regular basis – veterinary income has to be generated somehow to make up for the loss and declawing seems to be a very lucrative business from what I understand.