Puss in Boots
I was doing a bit of research, and I came across this interesting/horrifying bit of information:
In 1893, an anonymous “A Veterinary Surgeon” wrote “The Diseases of Dogs and Cats” described the neutering of male cats. The cat was immobilised by rolling it in a blanket and the operation carried out without anaesthetic. This vet did not recommend the “Wellington boot” whereby a cat was thrust face down in a boot and the operation carried out quickly with a small knife (giving rise to the modern day joke of “welly boot and penknife” when booking a tomcat in for neutering).
On the other hand, at least the kitties could have their Tony Montana moment first.
An owner could insist on anaesthetics of chloroform or cocaine at additional cost. These were relatively dangerous and it was easy to overdose the cat.
“Oh, I love my cat so much! So I had his balls cut off so he won’t leave the house and I had his claws cut so he won’t ruin my couch, oh, but I love him so much you wouldn’t believe!”
Humans always find a way to be pathetic and disgunting. Neutering is one of the things that make me ashamed to be a human being.
I get a bit of guff around the house for not having neutered my beloved mutt, but the personality changes – even if a lot of people consider them positive – keep me from doing it. I’m willing to put in the extra work necessary to not meddle with her brain chemistry.
I most definitely support your choice 🙂
A bit of research can lead to odd places. That is so sad, I can’t imagine being such a calloused human being as to be able to do that to another creature. Or let that happen. Then again, circumcision without anesthetic is still going on in our country. :-/
Yikes – good point. I’ve long felt that if a fellow wants an anesthetic-free circumcision, then fine, but he ought to at least be old enough to make the decision for himself.