agressive cat

Question
Our 4 year old cat has always been agressive and uses both claws and teeth to attack. He is very tempermental and I have not been able to find a trend on what sets him off. He does attack me more than my husband, but then will cuddle with me more than my husband. He will attack any new person in the home and we must put him in a seperate room when we have guests over, especially children. However, he can be cuddly when he wants and a very loving cat. About a year ago, I brought a new kitty into the home. Our older cat adjusted well and it did help to calm him down some. I think the new cat became his baby and playmate, they are now incredibly bonded. I am currently 5 months pregnant and worry about bringing a new baby home. I contacted our vet to get advise and offered my idea of getting him de-clawed. The vet highly recommended against this and said this would only make him more agressive with his teeth. She stated that it would be best if we could find him another home. I know that he is too agressive to go into a home and I do not want to see him put down. I would also hate to seperate our cats. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Teri

Answer
The most important decision about declawing is how you personally feel about it. Many people, whether it be cat owners or veterinarians, will have their own opinions and theories about what declawing does to a cat. All of the cats I have owned have been declawed on their front paws. It has not led to any difference in their temperament, and has been completely beneficial in their relationships with my other cats, and is better for guests. Some will say that declawing an animal will make it depressed or more aggressive, but I have never experienced this myself. If you would like my personal opinion, I think that you should declaw the cat. It may be a strange adjustment at first and make your cat unhappy, but I believe it would come around and go back to normal, not be depressed or more aggressive.

It is evident that you care for the animal, and it would be tough for you and the animal to be separated. Therefore, I think if your animal was declawed, it could prevent many possible attacks, especially on a baby. Perhaps when you are busy or your child is in another room, just make sure the cat is away, and when you are watching your child, make sure the cat stays under control. I believe that if you declaw the cat and monitor the situation, your household will be under control, and you will have a happy baby and a great pet. Good luck, and I hope everything turns out for the best.