Q: I'm having a rough time training my 10-month-old kitten to leave my arms and legs alone when he plays. Between his teeth and his claws, I'm all scratched up. My elderly father, who takes blood thinners, is also getting injured.

I'm considering having the kitten declawed, but some people have said that's cruel and only makes cats use their teeth even more. Is this true?

A: The procedure we commonly refer to as a ``declaw'' is one an increasing number of veterinarians refuse to perform. Here's what you need to consider:

• Declawing involves the removal of the first knuckle of a cat's front limb digits. It's effectively a multiple amputation, and as such is considered a painful surgery, much more so once a cat reaches physical maturity.

• Though the pain can be mitigated, there is no guarantee that all cats undergoing a declaw will receive sophisticated pain-control measures. Pet owners need to ask about these and understand that fees may be more than they expected to pay.

• In Europe, declawing is deemed a cosmetic procedure because it's done purely for the benefit of the owner and is of no therapeutic value to the animal. Therefore, declawing cats is considered cruel and is largely illegal there.

• Declawed cats are still capable of inflicting damage, though admittedly less so. And yes, anecdotal reports suggest that cats whose claws are removed rely more on their teeth to defend themselves.

• Alternatives exist to declawing. They include acquiring a feline playmate for the cat, introducing scratching posts early and using a product such as Soft Paws, covers that are glued onto trimmed claws.

• Cats can be trained to control their claws. Use the word ``no'' or a spritz of water from a spray bottle and offer toys in lieu of human hands to teach your cat that aggressive play is not acceptable.

• If problems persist, your veterinarian, a trainer or a veterinary behaviorist can advise you on other corrective measures. They need not end in declawing.

Dr. Patty Khuly has a veterinary practice in South Miami and blogs at www.dolittler.com. Send questions to khulyp@bellsouth.net, or Dr. Dolittler, Tropical Life, The Miami Herald, 1 Herald Plaza, Miami, FL 33132.

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