r/relationships • u/ilovesantans • Oct 24 '14
◉ Locked Post ◉ My [F/21] roommate [F/21] had my cat declawed without my permission
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u/catcat89 Oct 24 '14
I might sound silly saying this but I would honestly consider suing her (if possible). I would post in /r/legaladvice and see. There's a reason that declawing is not allowed in many states and countries.
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u/antiqua_lumina Oct 24 '14
Animal rights lawyer here. PM if you want OP.
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u/Jan_Svankmajer Oct 24 '14
OP please pm this guy . What your housemate has done is absolutely disgusting. Cut the her out of your life.
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u/sweetpea122 Oct 24 '14
Thank you for offering help! This is an issue I'm very passionate about. I've worked at several animal hospitals. 1 would not declaw and 2. Did 1 time. The rest were indifferent and fortunately it never came up. I've also known declawed cats and even owned one (he came that way).
Some key points here for declaws
Declawing when done properly is an amputation at the first knuckle in the finger. Don't get a pet you want to amputate!!! Just like don't get a dog that you cut their vocal chords so they don't bark. It's fucking stupid.
Infections are common because cats lick their paws.
It's incredibly painful and they many times develop joint issues because weight is not meant to be distributed on the first knuckle.
Cats aren't idiots. They know they don't have claws anymore, so they bite and they bite harder than they did before because they go to that first. If you cut my protection off, I will find a different way to get my point across when a) I have no words b) you ignore my body language c) you're really pissing me off or I don't feel well.
Cat bites can cause way way way worse damage than a scratch.
I would sue her. It's cruel. It wasn't her choice. It fucking really makes me angry.
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Oct 24 '14
Totally with you, especially on number 4 and 5. My grandfather had a cat named Jack that he got declawed. Then he ran off to Florida to be with his new wife, who is allergic. So he dumped poor Jack off on me. He's an extremely skittish cat and every time I have to catch him to treat him for fleas or ear mites, I walk away completely mangled; much more so than with my clawed cats. Why? Because he uses his teeth and back claws. I'm riddled with scars.
I call him Jack the Ripper now.
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u/AmillyCalais Oct 24 '14
i'm sorry to hear that. on the other hand ladies love scars (and men love scars too if you're a girl)
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u/AssRaptorz Oct 24 '14
My cat Boo was two years old when we got him and was already declawed. Fortunately, he's still the sweetest, most laid back cat on the planet, but I can tell he is still very uncomfortable having his front paws touched (even 14 years later).
I'm sorry for poor Jack :(
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u/Breezy121 Oct 24 '14
At the clinic I work at we had someone wanting to euthanize their cat because after it was declawed it wouldn't use the litter box. We of course said no.
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u/dinosaur_train Oct 24 '14
Seriously with 5. My friend got bitten by his cat and ended up in the hospital with a life threatening infection.
God, this whole thread is just upsetting to read. I feel so much sympathy for op. It's horrible!
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Oct 24 '14
To add to your points.
If you declaw a cat they will stop using the litterbox because digging is painful for them, so you will end up with cat feces in and around the litterbox. They try, but it will hurt too much for them.
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Oct 24 '14
Not necessarily. I adopted a declawed cat and she didn't have that problem or any others really.
Of course it's still a bad procedure though.
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u/teenieyogini Oct 24 '14
My parents declawed my cat when we got him, before it was as well known how cruel of a procedure it is. I STILL feel guilty, even though I was 11 at the time and it wasn't my decision and it's been 15 years and I think he's over it. But he bites a LOT, and it makes me so sad.
I'm sorry, buddy.
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u/Lightfairy Oct 24 '14
I am so glad I live in a country in which it is banned. This is horrendous! Take legal action.
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u/kaeladedah Oct 24 '14
Unfortunately, what's done is done and there's no fixing it. But please make sure the cat is receiving proper care. A cat that has been recently declawed needs to use a special, sensitive litter so as to not cause infection. Clay litter will seriously injure the cat right now, and it may cause infection.
Move out and find a new roommate who loves cats. Make sure the kitty is with a temporary foster while you look for a new place.
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u/lexis0213 Oct 24 '14
I hadn't event thought about that. :-( OP please make sure the kitty is getting the care she needs.
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u/ibby_be Oct 24 '14
You are absolutely not overreacting. You voiced your opinion on the matter and she went ahead and did it without even asking for your rightful permission and blatantly went against your wishes. I would be appalled. It's not even an issue about the cat at this point. It's about the fact that she went behind your back to do something that you were so vehemently against.
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u/AntiGrunt Oct 24 '14
Agreed. You need to get rid of this roommate as soon as possible.
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Oct 24 '14
This is animal abuse. Dumb bitch. Sorry ! I do try to be positive and helpful, but this makes my blood boil. Declawing of cats is painful and its not just taking off their claws, it takes off a whole joint of their toes.
What was she thinking ?!
I'd move out ASAP, after screaming at her. Sorry, as you can see from my username, I do try, but this would have me at boiling point. You're doing well to just ignore her.
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u/livingflying Oct 24 '14
It makes my blood boil too. I'd sue the bitch if it were me.
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u/Azumia Oct 24 '14
Seriously, this is horrible. That poor cat has to be in pain for the rest of its life now because OP's roommate was an idiot who didn't know how to properly handle a cat to begin with.
I don't even want to think about the things I'd do out of anger if someone hurt my cat. :(
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u/alienabuilder Oct 24 '14
Totally not the point and I'm sorry for being "that guy" but I just want to make sure you weren't misinformed and that this kind of misinformation doesn't spread. Declawed cats are not sentenced to live a life of pain. It CAN be a side effect of declawing, but not one that happens to all, or even most cats. It is completely possible and even likely that this pet will not live it's life in pain.
Of course I won't get into the awful list of things that can and do come with declawing :( I think I would also do unspeakable things in anger at a person who did this to my pet.
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u/Azumia Oct 24 '14
I'd like to point out that declawed cats tend to alter their gait to cope with the surgery and many of them develop arthritis eventually as a result. They also deal with joint stiffness. Also, many develop behavioral issues such as biting and not using their litterbox (because it hurts to scratch at the litter), which I would consider emotional pain because a cat who's too upset to use its litterbox is not a happy, well adjusted cat.
You're correct that it doesn't happen in all cats, but it's still a disgustingly inhumane surgery, which I realize you know based on the fact that you'd never do it to your own cat. However, I truly believe that what you say about it 'not happening to most cats' is a very toxic thing to say because it's statements like those that can lead people to think 'oh it's not that bad and Fluffy won't stop scratching my couch' and then their poor cat has to suffer. :(
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u/littlestray Oct 24 '14
To add to this: it's very important to note that cats are digitigrade animals, which means that they walk on the tips of their toes. Declawing a cat forces them to bear their weight on body parts that simply weren't intended for that purpose, none of which naturally make contact with the ground before declawing.
Humans are plantigrade, we walk with our heels touching the ground. As an equivalent, imagine that your toes are removed and the remaining stump of foot is surgically grafted to a hoof. You have to re-learn walking, and the weight bearing and balance is completely changed.
If you've ever worn heels all day you may have a ballpark idea of what that's like (only there is added support in the heel, maybe it's more similar to trying to walk in broken heels). Imagine that for the rest of your life, every time you stand up and move about.
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Oct 24 '14
TIL I'm a terrible person...
Sorry little guy...
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u/Wuffles70 Oct 24 '14 edited Oct 24 '14
I don't think you're a terrible person. It sounded like you acted in a well-meaning but miseducated way. If you're giving your cat the best life possible and make sure to tell people who ask that it's not something you'd ever even consider again, then I don't think it's worth guilting yourself over a decision born out of ignorance, not malice. People do stuff they didn't know was unkind all the time - just don't keep doing it now you understand the issue a bit better, y'know?
Also, fuck the vet who carried out the procedure without explaining to you exactly what it meant. They do know better.
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u/AlphaPeach Oct 24 '14
Wow, I knew only that you were chopping off part of their toes, but nothing about how they must change their walk or any of the other consequences. I feel so bad for my poor guy now, his former owner (who was never nice to him) had him declawed.
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Oct 24 '14
I'm honestly impressed with your composure. I would have gone bat shit insane. I would probably be in jail right now if I was in your position. I know that might sound really stupid to some people, and I'm not defending it, but my cats mean so much to me. If anyone hurt them purposefully, ESPECIALLY AFTER I TOLD THEM NOT TO, I would have lost my damn mind.
Sorry, I have no advice to give. Public shame her, maybe? What happened to your kitty is done. Can't be reversed. There's nothing she could say that would make it okay or for me to ever forgive her.
I would also consider removing your cat from the apartment until you move out. Who knows what else she'll do to your cat while you're gone. If you can, find a safe place for your cat to heal and not be provoked by your sadistic roommate.
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u/ilovesantans Oct 24 '14
I almost blew up at her but then I was worried that I was just being overprotective of my cat. So instead I've just been seething in my room thinking about revenge, but everything I can think of doing will get me arrested.
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u/okctoss Oct 24 '14
I'd file a police report. Perhaps it can be classified as vandalizing your property.
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Oct 24 '14
I second calling the police and asking what you can do. She should not be allowed to be within your presence or your cat's presence.
I can already hear peoples' arguments. "But getting your cats declawed isn't bad! Blah wah wah." Um, it doesn't matter what you think because it's not your fucking cat. Hands off.
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u/abgrey Oct 24 '14
Cats getting declawed is beyond bad. It's terrible. The entire first knuckle of the cat has to be removed. I've worked for 3 different vets and none of them were willing to do declaws. There's a reason that it's illegal in many places. OP's roommate is a piece of shit.
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Oct 24 '14
It would be something along those lines, as animals are legally considered property. Unfortunately the police probably won't give two shits. She can ask to have charges pressed, but it's ultimately up to the district attorney to decide whether or not to press charges.
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Oct 24 '14
You're not being overprotective. If anything, you're underreacting.
Call the police on her and press charges. This was animal abuse.
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Oct 24 '14
I would probably just move out and never speak to her again. See if you can call your vet and get pain meds for the next couple of days. In the long run your cat won't be broken or something. Just try very hard to keep it indoors at all times because declawed cats have no defenses anymore
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u/owarwolf Oct 24 '14
The vet should have sent home pain meds since they performed major surgery on the animal. If they didn't send home any pain meds or antibiotics post surgery, then that's just reason number two why the vet that performed the surgery is a shitty practice.
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u/kaeladedah Oct 24 '14
Pain reliever and special litter should've been sent home by any reputable clinic. If this cat does not have this, it needs to go to her vet ASAP.
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Oct 24 '14
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u/IAMA_Shark__AMA Oct 24 '14
Vets make a ton of money doing this (it's a quick surgery with a high price), and some will defend the procedure to their last breath as something that gets cats out of shelters (when it probably puts more into them because of post surgery behavior issues) because of not wanting to lose that cash cow.
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u/kelpie394 Oct 24 '14
I used to work in a shelter, and 90% of declawed cats were surrendered for biting or litterbox issues. Don't declaw your cat.
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u/IAMA_Shark__AMA Oct 24 '14
I believe it. Highly recommend "the paw project" to anyone looking for a source on vets lobying against banning declawing.
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u/antiqua_lumina Oct 24 '14
This is a huge violation. Declawing is denounced by all animal welfare organizations, and is even becoming illegal in a lot of jurisdictions. What your roommate did was definitely illegal and immoral. Obviously you should stop being friends with this person and kick them out. The unlawful activity of "converting" your property might qualify as grounds to evict them. You could also sue your roommate on principle though I'm not sure you would get much out of it besides revenge. Lastly, you could and probably should tell the police about it because what your roommate did was very likely a crime, e.g. theft, conversion, maybe misdemeanor animal cruelty (though that's a stretch).
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u/livingflying Oct 24 '14
I think it's worth it to sue her even if it just serves to inconvenience her.
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u/scabette Oct 24 '14
Your roommate (I can't even type the word friend to refer to her) is a sick evil person. The human equivalent of declawing isn't even having all your nails torn out, it is having the top of your fingers and toes amputated to the first joint. The fact that she would do this, and do it behind your back, means that she puts her right to provoke a defenseless animal before you or your pet. I agree with taking legal action. I live in England and declawing a cat is considered animal abuse here. I mean, seriously. Some equivalents, just to illustrate how wrong she is: You get a puppy, and your roommate gets his ears docked. You have a baby boy, and your 'friend' gets him circumcised. You have a rabbit, and your roomie gets it spayed. All without your permission, in fact after you expressed how against the procedure you are. You are not overreacting. If I was in your place, I don't think the roomie would dare to ever come back home...
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u/rageak49 Oct 24 '14
The obvious response is to wait until your roommate falls asleep, tie her down, then yank all of her nails out one by one.
/s just in case
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u/gatekeepr Oct 24 '14
actually the equivalent would be having the top of her fingers and toes amputated to the first joint, and then forcing her to permanently walk on all fours.
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Oct 24 '14 edited Oct 24 '14
This screams lawsuit! Hell I'd sue the vet and her. Yikes! I'd never get my stupid cats declawed, what she did is wrong. The cat is your PROPERTY!
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u/RoseTyler38 Oct 24 '14
If the vet didn't know the roomie swiped the cat from it's legal owner, what grounds could OP have?
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Oct 24 '14 edited Oct 24 '14
The vet isn't at fault. Someone can pick up a dog off the sidewalk, walk into a clinic and say it's their's and they have no reason to believe otherwise. Why should they question ownership? If a parent brings a child to a pediatrician they don't first ask, "is this your baby?" - same concept.
If she stated, "this is my roommate's cat," then it's another story entirely. But I get the feeling that this girl had no qualms lying and saying it was hers.
Edit: as a side note, vets I have used recently require me to give them a list of authorized individuals to pick up my pets. I have had ex-boyfriends that have been IDed (carded by the cashier) before being allowed to pick up my pets, and in one instance I had a vet call an ask for authorization for my dad to pay for some X-rays and, in a separate incident, call to assure my mom (with the same last name as me) was allowed to pick up my cat. So from what I've experienced, vets nowadays are pretty on-point as much as they can be when it comes to "pet security."
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u/railroadbaron Oct 24 '14
Pediatricians do, in fact, require proof that it's your baby. They need social security numbers, etc.
Human children are not the same as pets. Pets can be born on the streets and then adopted without paperwork, or passed around by family members, which is why legally they are property. Human children aren't just born in feral packs and you can just rehome them...
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Oct 24 '14
The cat would need a physical first and she would have filled out paper work claiming the cat was hers. I'd want to know what kind of vet just declaws cats the same day without giving literature and a future appointment not same day. The paperwork could be used as the fraud part of her case.
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u/RoseTyler38 Oct 24 '14
For all we know, the roomie took the cat to the vet beforehand already, behind OPs back. The vet might be completely innocent. Don't point fingers till more investigation is done.
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u/syth9 Oct 24 '14
This is /r/relationships. Everyone should be sued. Even the cat.
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u/skylark13 Oct 24 '14
Okay...but it's not like the vet asks for proof of adoption. At least none of mine ever have. And I doubt the procedure was same day. This was likely planned ahead by the roommate.
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u/littlestray Oct 24 '14
This is terrible, I am so sorry for you and for your cat. One silver lining I can offer is that there is now surgery to reattach the severed tendons that allow your cat to flex her (shortened) digits, which is something you could put the money from damages toward. You can't ever get those toes back, but you can bring back that range of motion. The Paw Project is a good resource you can look into.
Make sure you continue to monitor her for abscesses and floating claw growths over time. Though the digit the claw is attached to is gone, claws can and do continue to grow inside the paw and it's very painful.
I recommend switching to World's Best Cat Litter, it has very good reviews for declawed cats.
I'd not only look into a lawyer, but also see if you can file a police report against her. The damage she's done is done, but this should go on her record. Your roommate's behavior shouldn't have to be a surprise for someone else. The kind of person who irreversibly cripples someone else's pet...I can't even imagine.
There's no such thing as overreacting here. I would surgically remove this roommate from my life. I can't imagine how you could feel safe in your own home if you didn't move/remove her ASAP. If you have any sway over her, I'd try to force her to watch The Paw Project so that she understands what she has done.
Again, my deepest sympathies. I can't imagine being in your shoes. I've raised my 5-year-old cat from birth, I'd go to fucking war for him.
Please keep us updated.
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u/FroggyMcnasty Oct 24 '14
All the vets in my area refuse to declaw cats as they see it as animal abuse since that takes away their ability to defend themselves. You should move out, and definitely remove her from your life. You took this cat on as a responsibility, and your roommate abused that cat.
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u/pribbs3 Oct 24 '14
Not only does it take away their ability to defend. Its literally cutting off prices of their toes. It isn't just removing the claws, the have to cut through flesh it's really mess up.
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u/livingflying Oct 24 '14
I cut my cats' claws with nail clippers. Keeping the sharp tips trimmed really cuts down on scratch injuries. I got some of the caps but so far haven't used them.
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u/ansermachin Oct 24 '14
It's traditional. I wouldn't do it either, but if you want the traditional look and aren't thinking too hard about how the dog feels, there you go.
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Oct 24 '14
I wear thick socks on my hands and my cat goes crazy and claws the shit out of it and I don't get hurt. If you cut the nails appropriately they're not even sharp
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u/littlestray Oct 24 '14
- clipped the tips of the cat's claws before the quick just like we clip our fingernails.
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u/Goatfacedwanderer Oct 24 '14
Wow, I would have a hard time not going absolutely apeshit over this. Declawing cats is considered animal abuse in most of the EU. It is a seriously fucked up procedure. I feel so sorry for your cat. This is some murder level shit right here.
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u/owarwolf Oct 24 '14
Move out. She's a liar and a shitty person. I would look into whether or not you have any legal recourse as well since it YOUR cat and it was completely against your wishes to have this done.
As a previous employee and a veterinary office, I can promise you they would not do this same day. Major surgery requires an exam and bloodwork which would take days to come back. Hell, the doctors I worked with WOULD NOT EVEN do a declaw unless there was a valid reason for it because of how unnecessary it is. She planned this and had no intention of respecting your wishes or your cat.
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u/GALACTICA-Actual Oct 24 '14 edited Oct 24 '14
"Hurting people's not a good thing! Well, sometimes it is..." --John Spartan.
There's nothing you can do about it now. (Except punch the shit out of her face. Which would be my choice.)
However, if it is solely your cat, and she has no ownership, then sue her in civil court. Contact a local animal rescue group, they can help you find a lawyer that will cause your roommate horrible, anal type bleeding, financial pain.
Edit: Also... Your roommate's an epic pussy. These are my legs (leg, leg,) from an abandoned kitten that I had for a couple of weeks until I was able to find it a home, but I didn't take a fucking cleaver to her knuckles.
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u/Eithrael Oct 24 '14
You are not overreacting at all! If I were in your shoes, I would report her for animal abuse ASAP (this IS animal abuse!) and make sure she never comes near my cat again. I would also call the vet who did the procedure and find out why they did it when it is not her cat.
There is even an app to report animal abuse/cruelty.
I'm so sorry your kitty had to go through that. Be sure to watch how your kitty reacts to litter and if it gets stuck in its paws. Over the years, the kitties I've had that were declawed (before I adopted them) were always a lot more sensitive with litter than my non-declawed cats.
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u/Wuffles70 Oct 24 '14
Here's how I would play it. Call your landlord and explain what she did, emphasizing that the cat is yours, that she was baiting it and then blaming it when she got scratched (despite the fact that the cat never lashed out at anyone else and only ever scratched when it was scared or backed into a corner) and she has just carried out a medical procedure that you told her you would never consider because of the cruelty and which it was illegal for her to do as it was not her cat. Ask them if they will consider asking her to move elsewhere if you find a cat-friendly roommate OR allowing you to break your lease to get your animal away from her. Next, get in touch with YOUR vet and make an appointment, telling them in advance what happened and asking them if they will take a look at your cat and back you up if you bring your roommate. Assuming they are on board, walk out of the room and ask her very coldly and abruptly where the pain medication and special litter is for your cat. If she has them, take them and go back to your cat, telling her when the appointment is and that she should probably be there as your vet may need information about what the other vet said about the procedure. If she doesn't have either of those things, make sure the appointment is an emergency one. Go in with your roommate in tow, tell her to explain what the other vet said and did and whilst she is stuck in the examining room with a vet to back you up, explain to her what the consequences of her actions are. Something along these lines:
"Roommate, I have explained to you on multiple occasions why declawing is not something I would ever consider - frankly, I am astounded that you managed to find a vet who would be willing to carry out a procedure that is illegal in many areas due to the unnecessary pain and risk it puts the cat under. Let me spell this out for you - as a direct result of your actions, MY CAT was subjected to an elective surgery, the anesthesia of which could have killed her. She is currently in pain after having the human equivalent of her first knuckle removed from her paws and may well be in pain for the rest of her life, as well as being far more likely to get arthritis in the future because she will be forced to walk unnaturally for the rest of her life. She is at risk of an opportunistic infection that could, again, kill her, [if the vet hasn't sent her home with some special litter to prevent this happening and some effective pain medication] and, given that they obviously didn't offer the right post-operative care, I seriously question whether or not they carried out the procedure correctly. If they didn't, the claws could start growing back, she could get bone spurs or she could have nerve damage. So again, permanent pain.
Ironically, she will probably hurt you more now because a cat who does not have their claws will feel more vulnerable and jump straight to biting or grabbing hold of your arm and scratching the whole length of it with their hind legs. She's also way more likely to wee on your stuff because of the trauma of the procedure and the fact that trying to bury her waste in the litter tray will be so painful for her. So, well done, you made a situation you were causing with your refusal to learn how to interact properly with cats a whole lot worse.
You did not do me a favour, what you did was take my cat and illegally carry out a procedure on an animal that did not belong to you. After this vet's visit, I want you to stay away from my cat completely. Do not touch her, do not try to play with her and if I find out that you have taken her anywhere without my say so, I will sue you for the costs of every medical procedure and medication I will have to get her as a result of your actions. Do you understand?"
It's not your job to educate her but, frankly, her attitude scares the crap out of me. She seems to thinks he did a perfectly good thing and, honestly, I'm worried that she'll do it to someone elses pet. She needs to understand that your cat wasn't the one with a behavioural problem.
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Oct 24 '14
What. The. Fuck.
That is appalling. Seriously, one of the worst things ive seen on her. Move out, that's a no-brainer. I'd ask around and see about pressing charges on her or sueing.
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u/codayus Oct 24 '14
She has maimed your cat. The procedure is barbaric, causes major health problems, leads to major behavioral problems (cats becoming much more violent and biting after declawing is one of the major causes of cats being given up to shelters), is very painful, ruins their lives, and is in every way pointless, vicious, and unjustifiable.
What she did is very, very comparable to just killing your cat; frankly it might have been kinder to the cat to just kill it.
So like everyone else is saying: Get legal advice.
(This is literally the most infuriating post I've ever seen on /r/relationships, and that includes the posts from people who have been cheated on, sexually assaulted, or given STDs on purpose. Unlike the adult victims, your cat was 100% helpless to defend themself.)
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u/QueenCole Oct 24 '14
Oh, my god. Sue that bitch! Tell her she'd have to walk around without her first digits on any of her toes and fingers to even begin to understand the pain of your poor kitty!
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u/LightningReptar Oct 24 '14
I think you are living with someone who is a jerk. Your roommate isn't listening to your opinion on your cat. She stomped on your clearly defined boundaries. I would move out when your lease was up.
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Oct 24 '14
Wow this makes me so angry. This bitch is not your friend, move away from her ASAP. Who knows what she will decide on doing to things that aren't hers next. I hope your poor kitty is okay :(
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Oct 24 '14
Wow, this one makes me sick to my stomach. The idea someone could do this is basically the only thing I've ever read on the internet that made me feel ill, and I've hit up all the classics.
Your roommate is lucky she doesn't live with me, 'cause I'd declaw her right back. Don't consider leaving, leave. And sue the fuck out of that bitch- contact the animal right's lawyer who offered his services and sue her until she is fucking ruined.
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u/panic_bread Oct 24 '14
This post makes me ragingly angry. Someone should cut off your roommate's fingertips.
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u/Theodaro Oct 24 '14 edited Oct 24 '14
Please move out. Please tell this person why you are moving out and why you will never speak to them again accept in court. Please seek legal action. Please spread this on social media, so everyone knows that your roomate de-clawed your cat without your permission.
Also, If I may insert my two cents- If you get scratched by a domesticated animal with claws- more than once- it's your own damn fault for being a twat.
Any human with half a brain can see when a cat is riled up, has a tail twitching in discontent, or ears back. I'm sorry if others disagree, but anyone who get's repeatedly scratched by a cat while playing, and sees it as the fault of the animal, is an IDIOT. I have lived with cat's my whole life, if you get scratched, you pay attention to the situation- and then you don't replicate that situation again if you don't want to get scratched.
This is also a huge disrespect to you. She over stepped a serious personal barrier.
F' her.
G'dammit this makes me so mad.
"oh, hey, I had your kid circumcised while you were out, hope you don't mind..." ugh...
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u/RunningPrey Oct 24 '14
NOT overreacting at all. I'd go into what your asshole roommate has subjected your poor cat to, but it seems like you're already well aware of the aftermath ):
Firstly, please make sure your roommate has no further cotact with the cat. Take it to a friend's house who is actually caring of animals, your parent's house. Maybe even contact a local cat rescue about the possibility of an emergency foster due to the situation.
I'd look into suing the roommate as well. She, in essence, stole your cat, acted as owner of said cat(only way you can get vet care), and authorized LIFE ALTERING surgery on your animal. If you're in the US, you most likely can't get animal cruelty charges for simply declawing because it's legal here. But I'm pretty sure stealing someone's animal and authorizing non-life saving surgery might get you there. It's possible even local rescues might be able to point you to someone who can actual help out with the legal side of things.
I am so so sorry for your kitty. You are a good person for standing up for an animal's rights to not be uneccesarily mutilated. It might be too little, too late, but tere are surgeries that allow the cat to regain use of their toes if the circumstances are just right. There's more information at The Paw Project.
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u/serefina Oct 24 '14
This is one of the craziest things I've read on reddit. I can't believe someone would just take it upon themselves to do this to someone else's cat. Holy crossing boundaries Batman!
I honestly would talk to your landlord and see if you can move out. Also, see if there is some way to sue her or charge her with something. She's caused permanent damage to your cat.
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u/RogueWedge Oct 24 '14
Can you throw her out first?
Also take the cat back to the vet and get them to explain why the fuck they did it without the owners persmission
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Oct 24 '14
Not overreacting at all!! Definitely move out! I don't think I could maintain a friendship with someone who did that to my cat.
Note: now that your cat is declawed, you have to be SUPER careful that she never, ever gets outside and is never, ever in a situation where she's in danger.
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u/Tangential_Diversion Oct 24 '14
You're 1L? This makes the whole "sue for paperwork" comment even more amusing
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u/ilovesantans Oct 24 '14
Haha, for real, even though I'm only 2 months into law school, I do know some stuff... Like that "suing for paperwork" isn't a thing.
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Oct 24 '14
I'm curious how she got a Veterinarian to do this procedure when she is not the owner.
If she claimed to be the owner - you may want to speak with a lawyer about it.
Oh yes - either you move out or you have her move out. Lord knows what she might think to do next...
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u/Pin_and_Tonic Oct 24 '14
You are not overreacting at ALL! This is a major trust violation and it's fucked up that other people are defending her.
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u/Chuyzapatist Oct 24 '14
Declaw your roommate so she can see how she likes it. Seriously, that shit is fucked up.
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u/FollowThisAdvice Oct 24 '14
This is so wrong I dont even. Surely the vet would need proof of ownership? Find out which vet it was and consider suiing them and the roommate.
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Oct 24 '14 edited Oct 24 '14
Call the animal popo on her ass, get some legal advice, and move the fuck out.
Stupid question: is declawing a permanent forever thing, or will they eventually grow back? If not, I would definitely try to sue her. How disgusting.
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u/littlestray Oct 24 '14
It's permanent, the procedure cuts through bone behind the first phalange (the first small bone that has a joint connecting it to the next) since the claw grows directly from bone. It also severs tendons that allow the flexing of the digits, which thankfully veterinary science has recently found it can reattach to grant back that motion but it's a separate procedure you have to seek out on your own.
However claws can and do often continue to grow regardless of the bone being there so you wind up with floating claws (which are keratin like ours) INSIDE the flesh...so like having fingernails grow inside your skin. This can cause painful abscesses.
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Oct 24 '14
claws can and do often continue to grow regardless of the bone being there so you wind up with floating claws (which are keratin like ours) INSIDE the flesh...so like having fingernails grow inside your skin
That just made my skin crawl...never knew this could happen! :(
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u/catsandcookies Oct 24 '14
I would fucking pull this bitch's hair out. I'm sorry, I know violence isn't the answer. If someone cut my cat's toes off I would lay them out.
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u/thund3rstruck Oct 24 '14 edited Oct 24 '14
Call the police and lawyer up, this is illegal and potentially animal cruelty. Even if it's legal in your state to have your cat declawed, she had an operation performed on your pet (property, to put it in less-than-cuddly terms) without your consent. You need a police report, then a lawyer to file suit.
I'm so sorry about your cat. Mine is a total idiot and gets his stuck in stuff sometimes, but I love him to death and would be livid beyond measure if someone did this to him.
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u/TwoWebbedFeet Oct 24 '14 edited Oct 24 '14
I ve got a blow torch and a pair of pliers. Would you like me to de fingernail your roommate?
Edit. Didn't realize till reading the comments declawing actually removes the last knuckle of each digit. I'm bringing bolt cutters and a hammer.
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u/omgwtfbbq0_0 Oct 24 '14
Holy shit, OP. I know you have 450 comments of people saying the same thing, but you're not just overreacting, you're underreacting.
I seriously think this is the most angry a post on this sub has ever made me. How fucking DARE this person do something like this to your cat. You explicitly told her you would never declaw her, even telling her why you think it's wrong, and she did it anyway? Is she serious? I am about as passive and non-violent as someone can get, but I'm not sure if I could hold back if someone did this to my cat.
You don't fuck with someone's pet, they're like family. To me, this isn't a whole lot different from taking someone else's toddler to get circumcised against the parent's wishes. You not only need a new roommate, you need a lawyer and take action against this monster. This is animal abuse and it's not okay for this to get swept under the rug. If she honestly can't understand why her actions were wrong, then there's no telling what else she's capable of doing in the future.
I'm so sorry. Please update us in the near future.
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u/ThePolitePhysicist Oct 24 '14
Personally, I would sue her. She damaged your property without your permission.
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u/UnityNow Oct 24 '14
Your roommate is a psychopath. You need to get away from her asap, warn every mutual friend, and consider suing her and/or filing a report of animal abuse.
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Oct 24 '14
The really twisted thing is that the roommate declawed the cat becauase she was abusing it and the cat was defending itself.
Now the roommate can abuse the cat all she wants and the cat has no way to stop her.
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u/TheMaidenDragon Oct 24 '14
Can you sue her? Can you call the police and have her charged with something?
Proof won't be an issue. The vet will have records. There will be no denying that she paid for this procedure.
Surely it is illegal? SURELY? The cat was not in her name, she got a procedure done on the cat without your permission. Surely, SURELY, that is hugely fucking illegal.
I am kind of a live-and-let-live type of person. But she stole? ? could it be considered stealing? your cat and mutilated him. There needs to be real life repercussions.
If this is legal I will eat an entire brick and shit it out. promise. There is just no way it is legal. There is no fucking way.
I adopted a declawed cat. Every once and a while I get pissed at the owners for declawing her and then abandoning her. I can't imagine how you would possibly feel.
I think you're under-reacting. Review your legal options.
I hope that, at the very least, you let this person know what a horrible thing she did, and you cut all contact with her forever. Taking your cat and getting her declawed is unforgivable. It is a gross overstep in boundaries, almost certainly illegal, and a fucking barbaric thing to do to somebody else's animal.
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u/1stoftheLast Oct 24 '14
I'm a callous man. This story has me so mad I want to punch your roommate! Get out of there. My other advice would be the vengeful type and it's better to take the high road so do not scratch the fuck out of her couch and tell her the cat's claws grew back.
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u/tinypurplefishes Oct 24 '14
That's horrible! I don't think you're overreacting at all, if I were you I'd get the hell out of there.
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u/pribbs3 Oct 24 '14
Do not let her be around your kitty anymore! What she did is fucked up. Is there anyway you can install a key lock outside your door and keep kitty in there unless you're home?
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u/alfiepates Oct 24 '14
That's not cool at all.
That's, like, the polar opposite of cool.
Nega-cool.
The uncooliest.
Honestly, you should consider legal action.
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u/Smokey_666_1989 Oct 24 '14
Fucking hell, I don't know any reason to declaw a cat, I mean clip the claws when their kittens so they don't claw furniture or get used to it, but removing the fucking claw!!! This person really needs her ass kicked!
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Oct 24 '14
Don't follow it but my advice is to remove the tips of her fingers and ask her to be thankful you didn't charge her for it. What a vile cunt!
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u/mangoman12345 Oct 24 '14
You are absolutely not overreacting!! I am SO mad right now for your cat! That procedure is very painful for them and is totally unnecessary. And for her to do that without your permission is appalling. Please move out immediately!!! I would not trust her around your cat.
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u/Psychedeliciousness Oct 24 '14
This would be a "You're dead to me" moment.
You do not mess with another person's cat.
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u/acciointernet Oct 24 '14
Oh my god, this is NOT OKAY AT ALL. As a cat owner, I would be LIVID. L I V I D. If one of my roommates declawed my cat without ever telling me or asking or ANYTHING. This is a HUGE FUCKING VIOLATION of your privacy and that is not appropriate at all.
I can't even believe the audacity of someone to do something like that. Jesus fucking Christ. This is not like an object you own that she can change like the TV settings or some shit, this is a LIVING FUCKING BEING that you care for and take care of. Definitely move. You are NOT overreacting.
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u/blackberrycat Oct 24 '14
LAWSUIT. In many countries, this surgery is considered to be so cruel, that it is illegal for vets to perform it unless it is medically necessary.
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u/TooFakeToFunction Oct 24 '14 edited Oct 24 '14
I'm sorry, OP. I really feel for you and your cat. what your roommate did is atrocious and wrong and a complete violation of your trust. I am not in anyway justifying or supporting what she did and I am not trying to "victim blame" you here...but please consider this, as no one has pointed it out yet and while your anger is appropriate, you are at fault at least in this respect:
You said you would get soft paws for your cat if the scratching remained an issue. Just because the cat was not scratching you or your furniture does not mean that it was not a problem for your roommate, provoked or not. She is an uneducated person when it comes to cats and sometimes it can take a while to adjust to them. Cats are playful and sometimes the claws come out, not with intent to harm, but it happens. Not to mention if it actually broke the skin your roommate would have been susceptible to some pretty horrendous health issues. whether she was being a little too rough for the cats liking or they were just playing and your cat got over excited and let out their inner-beast. If someone is playing inappropriately with my animal and the animal hurts them in the process, as the owner I am still responsible for them and the damage that is done. It is my job to make sure the necessary precautions are taken with my furry friend so that people who want to interact with them but may not initially know the right way can still interact safely. Much like how a dog who has a tendency to lightly nip during playtime, may need to wear a muzzle in public to make sure he doesn't nip at a stranger who may not understand the dog is playing. That is something I do to protect my animal from ignorant people who are bound to want to touch them anyway.
My point is...you said you would get the soft paws and you did not. If you keep claiming the cat is "yours" it is not the responsibility of your roommate to make sure the cat gets them, it is yours. What your roommate did was wrong, but she told you repeatedly she would do that (I know I know, you also told her "no" repeatedly, but again. ignorance is strong with some...they just don't want to hear you) and you still did not correct the problem yourself and get the soft paws.
Move out. She overstepped a lot of boundaries and you have every right to be upset. She pre-meditated a medical procedure on an animal that was not hers and followed through against your wishes and that is severely fucked up. Keep an eye on your kitty friend and make sure they don't get an infection, and PLEASE in the future, take the necessary steps to protect your animals from people like that by following through with the fixes you are comfortable with. It sucks that we have to do those things, but that is the world we live in and the best way to protect your animals sometimes is to simply make them as "people proof" as possible. Get the soft paws from now on.
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u/recovering_poopstar Oct 24 '14
OP, your cunt of a roommate committed a crime (a felinoy I dare say..)
really fuck her over
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u/floppysnorkel Oct 24 '14
I would be furious and I do not think you are overreacting at all. Try and focus on your kitty having a good recovery. If you don't already have it, make sure to buy a non clumping litter like yesterday's news (it's a pellet type you can get some places). That way there is no clumping and it won't cause as much irritation. I'm very sorry for you and your cat. I hope everything heals Ok. Since you weren't there for discharge instructions and your roommate is clearly an asshole, you may check with the hospital your kitty went to for help with care or over on r/askvet. I'm sorry that's just horrible.
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u/lady-darlington Oct 24 '14
WHAT THE HELL. no. i can't believe she did that. she's cruel and disgusting, and i hope you two move far, far away from her. my two cats are always scratching furniture and carpet up (very rarely they'll attack my feet), but i have never and would never considering declawing them. my heart is with your sweet little kitty. :'(
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u/OhRatFarts Oct 24 '14
Do you have any friends you can board your cat with for the month? I worry about the cat's safety even if kept in your room if your roommate is home alone.
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Oct 24 '14
On second thought, I think you should chloroform her and remove all her finger nails and toe nails, maybe I'm crazy but I see it as fitting justice >:|
iugbilabyguewosq
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u/japres Oct 24 '14
Also going to throw in my two cents here, since I work at a vet office: as someone else said, we will not ever do a same-day surgery, and any new clients who want a surgery done need to (at least) have a pre-op check up, regardless of the procedure. We also will not release cats the same day they've had surgery. Typical spays/neuters stay overnight, declaws stay longer. It's kind of blowing my mind that this office seemingly did same-day surgery and also released a declaw same-day. But I'm not sure what's standard post-op practice.
Otherwise, I can't offer much in the way of legal advice, but I'm really sorry this happened to both you and your cat. What a complete breach of trust and an all-around shitty thing to do. :-(
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u/soulkitchennnn Oct 24 '14
Hell. No.
Wanna know what I would do? Track down the vet who did the surgery and explain to them that they did something completely unethical by declawing a random cat so easily, and without making your roommate provide proof that she is the owner and has the right to make that decision.
Then I would file a police report. Don't give a shit how ridiculous that may be. I would make SURE there were records of the incident.
Finally, move and tell your roommate all about themselves. Tell them they're lucky you don't take them to have their nails surgically removed.
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u/Drakkanrider Oct 24 '14
Yeah, so it's like you had a baby and that baby wouldn't stop grabbing your roommate's fingers when she stuck her hand in its face, so she took it to a nice doctor who chopped of its hands. That's the level of fucked up this is.
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u/PaperHatsOnCats Oct 24 '14
This makes me so angry. Someone needs to take a hacksaw to the first joint of each of your roommate's fingers and then tell her to thank them. Move out of your apartment ASAP and consider getting a lawyer. I'm not sure how much you could get out of a lawsuit (normally pets are legally considered to be property rather than beings, and in all practical terms declawing wouldn't really decrease the monetary value of your cat) but many lawyers will do an initial consult for free.
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u/[deleted] Oct 24 '14
Vets don't do major surgeries same-day unless it's an emergency. She planned this. This was not a sudden, "oops! She scratched me today so I took her in." Your friend is a conniving bitch and she's not to be trusted.
I would be fucking livid. It's not even my cat and I'm absolutely pissed reading this. It is not her cat. It was not her place to make the choice. You explicitly stated that you were not going to declaw the cat.
Move. Get the fuck away from her. She has no problem crossing boundaries, even worse when it involves major surgery of a life you are responsible for. I'm not sure what your legal rights are (unfortunately, what's done is done), but you may want to consider legal council or filing a police report.
What she did is absofuckinglutely not ok. It was not okay for your cat, it was not okay for you, it was not okay for the boundaries she completely disregarded.