Genetics or Coincidence?
By Shelleen Mathews

Are you one of the people whose lives would not be “complete” without sharing it with a spotted and furred friend?  There are those to whom the thought of owning an exotic is merely a passing fancy.  Then there are the people who would go to any length to share their lives with, care for and protect these wonderful  creatures.

If you own an exotic I suspect you have been asked, “Why?” by people who are interested or confused about your choice. What is your answer? It’s not easy to put into words.  Suffice it to say, we love and adore them, but that is hard to translate into words that will make someone else understand.

Consider this: The first time I actually came face to face with a bobcat, around 1970, I was fascinated and smitten. Maybe even a bit possessed.  To make a long story shorter, I eventually wound up caring for over 130 of them (exotic cats) in various sizes and colors.

Now the interesting aspect to consider:  I was adopted as an infant into a loving family. They were not really “animal people” and I was always rescuing every kitten I possibly could which the family perhaps did not understand.

After growing up and leaving home I acquired my first bobcat and the numerous others followed. In my mid-30s I wanted to search for my birth family.  When I found my mother’s side (and numerous siblings) I learned that my birth mother had passed away a few years previously.  The family filled me in on the fact that she was a known cat-rescuer and furthermore, her dearest wish in life had been to have an ocelot! Years previously to this I was frequently in the “news” about the exotic cats (and the occasional wolf) that found its way to our sanctuary.  It turns out that my mother had actually seen me on the news (not knowing I was her daughter) and said, “Oh I wish I could do that!”

Odd coincidence.. Or genetics?

Laser Declaw
By Shelleen Mathews (from Nov/Dec ‘05 newsletter)

The practice of declawing (any) cat is controversial.  While it is something I have never considered doing with any exotic feline I’ve had since 1971, I have learned that in life you should never say “never”.

When I ran a sanctuary for big cats in the 70s and early 80s we received many cats who had, indeed, been declawed.  Many presented no apparent ill (physical) side effects from the procedure, however there were those individuals who experienced difficulties.  And the occasional cat who required surgery to repair feet and correct claws painfully regrowing in various ways.

Fast forward to the present and “Cartouche” my male serval.  When I took him as a baby I knew he had a “difficult” personality. Indeed, the facility he came from was concerned about finding him placement because, from birth, he exhibited ear marks (no pun intended) that could mean he was not going to be the most tractable.  During the weeks and months that followed his arrival (at six weeks) he lived up to his reputation.  His nickname became “The Slasher”.  (Indeed, there is a sign on the door to “our” bedroom that says, “Blood-Letting by Cartouche. No Appointment Needed.”) Nail trimming was not a (safe) option any longer, although I had diligently clipped all along. I became concerned for our ability to maintain a fearless bond. Additionally, I feared what would happen in his future if he should need handling in an emergency. I fretted over the situation for a long time and began thinking that we may need to consider declawing him.  I became aware of a relatively new procedure called the laser declaw.

During investigation of the laser declaw I read what I could find about the procedure and talked with owners who had it done.  I saw several cats and was impressed with the fact that the cat’s toes looked no different than before the declaw.  The procedure itself is done with a beam of light which seals nerve endings and blood vessels which causes less pain and little blood loss. Additionally, it is accomplished relatively quickly so there is no prolonged period of anesthesia.  Not every veterinarian is trained or equipped to use this method. Some investigation is needed to find a qualified veterinarian in your area.

Now to our actual experience… an incredibly nerve-wracking day for all involved. The surgery went well and was quick. The vet I had chosen usually keeps his patients overnight, but given Cartouche’s “attitude” (serval-tude in our house) it was decided he would be better off at home.  When I picked him up at the veterinarian’s office I was surprised to find that his feet were bandaged.  I had read that this was often not a necessity. The vet felt that in Cartouche’s case it might be a wise thing to have bandages for a couple of days. He felt that Cartouche would remove them himself.. which he did not.  After three days we made another trip to our regular vet to have them removed.. of course, requiring anesthesia again. Upon examination of the bandaging there had been no post-surgery bleeding. The research I had done indicated that patients were usually back up to speed within a matter of days. We did not find this to be the case with Cartouche. It was actually four weeks before he began to resume a somewhat normal routine.  I don’t know if this was caused by his age (five months) when the surgery was done or some other factor.

Is declawing controversial?  Most certainly. Would I recommend it in most situations? No.  However, in some cases it may be the safest thing.  Will you have incredible guilt? Yes.