Is it Cruel to Declaw a Cat?

Declawing your cat can seem like a terrific solution when they won’t stop shredding your furniture or carpets. But did you know that it involves much more than just removing their nails?

While onychectomy is a common procedure, many pet parents aren’t aware of what it actually involves and how it affects their feline friends. Some veterinarians don't volunteer this information, so it's important to ask questions and do your own research. 

Declawing involves surgically amputating the third phalange, or the last bone on each of your cat’s toes. Before booking this surgery, it’s a good idea to examine the negative impact it could have on your cat’s life, and if there is another more humane way to save your furniture.

When trying to make an important decision for your fur-baby, why not check with the experts? Of course, some experts have stronger viewpoints than others, but pretty much everyone agrees other options should be considered before declawing.

In many countries, and cities in the US, declawing cats is illegal. That’s the case in the UK, where Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS lives. Her stance is very clear, that declawing “is an unnecessary procedure that has more benefit for the owner than the cat. Cats need their claws to climb and their claws (and distal toes) are an integral part of their anatomy. Removing them can cause complications including chronic pain and infections; something owners must be aware of.” 

Dr. Callum Turner, DMV states, “I do not approve of declawing of pets unless there is a genuine medical reason for doing so.” 

The Humane Society of the United States, as well as the ASPCA, are officially opposed to the declawing of cats for the convenience of their owners, while the AVMA discourages declawing and emphasizes client education about the procedure. 

All of the above-mentioned sources share the opinion that declawing should only be done if it’s medically necessary, such as if there is a tumor or severely broken claw and serves to help the cat. In general, it’s not a great idea to subject your cat to unnecessary medical procedures.

Declawing can impact a cat's mental health and behavior in significant ways.

Impairs natural behavior

Scratching is definitely normal cat behavior. They’re not doing it maliciously, but rather they scratch to remove dead husks from their claws, stretch, and release pheromones to mark their territory. If they don’t have claws, they’re not able to do these instinctual habits and this could lead to a frustrated feline that could exhibit unwanted behaviors such as biting or inappropriate elimination.

Limits a “feel good” behavior

Some cats scratch to relax, or when they feel an intense emotion like excitement, happiness, or anxiety. Although it's not a proven fact, it’s reasonable to believe that not being able to scratch can cause emotional distress, even long-term anxiety and depression.

Removes ability to protect themselves

Cats use their claws to defend themselves, climb, and even balance. When your kitty is safe inside, this might not seem like a problem, but if they escape or are in an altercation with another animal, they’re completely defenseless. This not only causes them fear but could also endanger their lives.

Paw Project is a non-profit with the single goal of ending feline declawing. Their Instagram tells the story of Peaches, a stray cat brought into the humane society. After being examined by the vet, they found that she had been declawed and defanged. It’s unknown how she was able to survive the elements and predators, but needless to say she was terrified and completely defenseless when found. Knowing she could no longer live outside by herself, they set out to find a safe home for her. 

A declawing procedure can also impact a cat's physical health.

Risks surgical complications 

Declawing has more risk for complications than most other surgeries because there are ten separate incisions that the cat will bear weight on. Some of the most common surgical complications that can occur is the regrowth of improperly removed claws, infections, hemorrhaging and nerve damage. 

One study reported that “short-term complications following onychectomy occur in as many as 50% of cases, and include pain, lameness, hemorrhage, decreased appetite, personality change, infection, lethargy, and cystitis.” 

Long-term complications are less frequent, but include claw regrowth, lameness, chronic pain, sore paws, flexor tendon contraction, and increased biting. It’s also important to remember that a cat is put under some risk anytime they are under general anesthesia as well. 

City the Kitty is a non-profit organization that fights against declawing cats. They tell the story of cat siblings Teeger, Abby and Ryder. These cats had some serious complications because of the declawing surgery, needed numerous paw repair surgeries and even needed full paws amputated. 

Weakens muscles used for stretching 

When cats scratch, they also use the resistance to stretch their limbs, shoulders, and torso. This is a natural movement that cats are built for. It’s possible that without claws to do this, their muscles can weaken over time. 

Changes the anatomy of their paws 

Removing a cat’s claws changes the way their paw hits the ground when they walk or run. It could be compared to wearing an uncomfortable pair of shoes. This can cause pain in their paws and limbs, as well as imbalances that lead to back pain.

The most common reason people declaw their cats is because they’re destroying the flooring, furniture or other items, and removing the claws seems like a quick and simple solution. 

Some people are worried about themselves or children getting scratched, especially those with immunodeficiencies and bleeding disorders. However, the risk for these people come less from scratches and more from bites, fleas, and cat litter. 

Many pet parents also choose to declaw because it's sometimes offered at the same time as spaying or neutering, and they aren’t aware of the mental and physical risks, and the pain that’s involved for the cat. 

Right now, declawing is illegal in many countries, as well as some US cities and states, including New York and Maryland. In these places, declawing is only done in the case of a serious medical issue, such as if the claw is damaged beyond repair, if it has a tumor in the nail bed, or in cases of severe fungal infection of the nail bed or paw. 

According to an anonymous survey done in America, 72% of vets will still declaw cats, and 24% said they would not. On a more pawsitive note though, most vets who still declaw cats do it infrequently, less than once per month, and suggest non-surgical options first.

Many veterinarians and pet care professionals recommend alternatives to declawing your cat. 

Training

Training your cat to scratch a scratching post instead of furniture takes persistence, but it is definitely possible. You can incorporate scratching posts into play with your cat and reward them for using it or use catnip on it. You can also discourage your cat from scratching your expensive furniture by making a loud noise to startle them away from it.  

Another method includes watching for when your cat scratches an inappropriate item or place, and without making a fuss or yelling, gently pick the cat up, take them to the scratching post and softly take their claws and mimick scratching on the post with them. Follow this with lots of praise and even treats. Repeat each time your cat scratches the wrong thing, reward every time they scratch on the post, and soon they'll be going to the post on their own. 

Regular nail trims 

Trimming your cat’s nails frequently will limit the damage they can do with them. Kittens, older cats, and indoor cats may need a trim more often than outdoor cats, whose nails get worn down outside. If you start trimming from kittenhood, it can be easy and comfortable for everyone. Make sure to keep it a pawsitive experience, be gentle, and give a reward after. 

Nail caps 

Nail caps are a pain-free option that work immediately to protect your furniture and your skin. They can be applied by vets, groomers, or can even be done yourself, and grow out after about a month. This might even change their scratching habits to the point where you don’t need to use nail caps anymore. 

Furniture protectors 

It may be a good idea to invest in furniture protectors, but sometimes a cat can be discouraged from scratching a certain area by simply throwing a heavy blanket over it. They can also be deterred by double sided sticky tape and aluminum foil in their favorite scratching areas. The goal is to give your cat more appealing places to scratch while deterring them from the inappropriate places. 

Addressing emotional needs

Cats often scratch you or engage in destructive scratching because they’re irritated or bored. Why not give your cat a little extra attention or a couple new toys? Spend time with your cat every day playing with toys, engaging your cat in a puzzle game or use a snuffle mat for treats to let them use their hunting and foraging skills. All these activities help them use their excessive energy to have fun in a safe way, rather than destroying your stuff. 

Learning your cat's body language can also help you avoid getting scratched. Often, our kitty pals give warning signs before they scratch, like flicking their tails.

Understandably, many new pet parents are concerned about the different needs a declawed cat may have as they consider fostering or adopting them. This was the case with Gary’s owner. He believes declawing a cat is cruel, and before adopting Gary the declawed kitty, he expressed concern that declawing changes the behavior of the animal. He states: “I've read that declawed cats will no longer use the litter box and will bite. ” 

To help answer this, Dr. Callum Turner, DVM refers to a study which stated that while those behaviors may occur after declawing, studies are conflicting in whether there's a high percentage of increased bad behaviors in declawed cats. He states: “Many declawed cats will continue to exhibit scratching behaviour after declawing and a literature review published by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) showed that there wasn’t a correlation between declawing and house soiling." 

If a declawed cat does exhibit unwanted behaviors, talk with a veterinarian or cat trainer to learn ways to help them feel safe and create a litter box scenario that is less painful for them. 

Anytime you adopt a new animal, it’s important to consider that there may be behavioral issues that need to be addressed. Some training and quality time with your cat is sure to help. 

It’s important to think seriously before adopting any animal, but here are some questions you might want to ask yourself specific to a declawed cat. 

• How recently was the cat declawed? 
• Will it need follow-up appointments?
• Has it recovered properly from the surgery? 
• Does it have any mobility issues because of the surgery?
• Is there any chance the cat may escape outdoors?
• Do I have any other animals that the cat may need to defend itself against? 
• Can I provide “boredom busters” for the cat to replace its need for scratching? 
• Am I willing to invest some time and training into this cat? 

In conclusion, it’s up to every pet parent to make an educated decision about whether or not to declaw their cat. However, these are the points you should consider before putting your fur-baby under the knife:

• Declawing involves amputating the tips of your cat’s toes
• Many vets, the ASPCA and Humane Society are opposed to declawing
• Declawing can pose many short and long-term health risks for your cat
• Declawing can negatively affect your cat’s quality of life and mental health
• There are many humane alternatives to declawing