Answers at Dogster Answers.

Tue, Sep 9th 2008, 12:56 GMT

I'm not sure where in the us you are but if your apt complex is privately owned you might be able to talk to the landlord. Out lease says no pets but we've been OKed to have two cats. Also, if they saw you can only have delayed cats , there are caps you can get for thier claws that accomplished the same thing (no damaging scratching) and maybe they would be open to that option. I live in NYC with a lot of privately owned buildings with landlords who are rational people you can deal with. Unfortunately if the building is owned by a big company you'll have a much less chance since everyone will just want to follow the rules.

ANSWERED BY

Philbert

Wed, Sep 3rd 2008, 03:53 GMT

No one is -forcing- them to declaw a cat. Those are the requirements for renting in that complex, and if you don't like it, then you don't have to rent there. It's perfectly legal, just as it would be to tell a person with a large dog that they have to rehome it if they wish to rent an apartment that does not allow large breeds. Like someone else mentioned, you can talk to the landlord or management company about a larger pet deposit, but that did not seem to the point of your original question. So to answer, yes, it is legal for an apartment complex to require you to declaw a cat if you wish to have a cat in their apartments. No, you probably cannot change their mind. I can guarantee they are not doing it to be cruel and they may or may not be aware of the realities of declawing, they probably do not care. It is simply a policy many apartments have to reduce the need for repairs between tenants. Most apartments also require cats to be spayed or neutered, to reduce urine damage.

ANSWERED BY

Atrus

Wed, Sep 3rd 2008, 03:38 GMT

The following is a list of countries in which declawing cats is either illegal or considered extremely inhumane and only performed under extreme circumstances: England, Scotland, Wales, Italy, France,Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Northern Ireland , Ireland ,Denmark ,Finland, Slovenia,Portugal ,Belgium, Brazil, Australia,New Zealand ,Yugoslavia, and Japan. To force someone to declaw is beyond belief. If the cat should get out, how would it defend itself? I would definitely consult the law department of the city you live in to see if forcing you to declaw is legal. As for renting versus owning, I'm sure Atrus didn't mean anything as harsh as it sounded. If your cat is a "scratcher, I would definitely get some posts. I use a relatively inexpensive corrugated cardboard insert in a slanted box that my cats just LOVE!

ANSWERED BY

Izadore (Izzie)
1 dog found this answer to be helpful.