The truth about declawing

Declawing is the process of removing a cat’s claws, usually on the front two paws only. It is still a common practice in the US and Canada. However, in most places it is either not commonplace, or illegal. The UK, Germany, Ireland, Brazil, and many other countries, have banned the declawing of cats entirely.

Most veterinarians will declaw without question. To them, it is a standard procedure. However, to your cat, it is at least ten different painful and damaging surgeries. Your cat is drugged unconscious, and has the first full bone of each toe removed, as the claw is a part of that bone. In order to remove the bone the nerve, joint capsule, ligaments, and tendons connecting it, also have to be amputated. This is the equivalent of having your fingers or toes cut off at the first knuckle.

Also, according to a recent study published in a veterinary journal (Vet Surg 1994 Jul-Aug; 23(4):274-80) concluded, “Fifty percent of the cats had one or more complications immediately after surgery... 19.8% developed complications after release”. Complications can mean even more bone removal, as well as other additional surgeries.

The feline then has to walk, dig in the litter box, and perform other daily routines while his or her feet are in agony. Declawing also can affect your cat’s balance, and can actually cause back problems due to the change in its walking. Cats also need to scratch to stretch their muscles. Thus declawing can cause muscle atrophy.

In addition, after this surgery, some cats have radical personality changes. Having lost their primary defenses, some cats will become skittish or aggressive and begin biting. Some of them begin to associate the litter box with the new pain in their feet, and begin to refuse to use it. Permanently. Cats that were claw-marking things within “their” territory will sometimes begin to use one of the few other methods of territorial marking; spraying.

And the saddest part? Most of the cats that develop behavioral issues due to their human’s poor decision to declaw are abandoned at a shelter, and ultimately euthanized, as most people are unwilling to take a cat that bites or sprays. One who will not use a litter box may be acceptable as an outdoor pet, but a declawed cat cannot be allowed to roam outside.

Another point about outside? What happens if your cat ever escapes and gets lost? Without claws, they cannot hunt for themselves, or defend themselves from other cats, dogs, or wild animals. Without claws, a cat that gets out will not survive a week on its own.

So, what are the alternatives to having a cat or kitten declawed? If you feel that you need a declawed cat, check your local shelters for one who has already had the procedure done by a past owner. Beyond that, give your cat plenty of things that they are allowed to scratch upon.

Either purchase or make cat-scratching posts. If they are reluctant to use them at first, a light dusting of catnip works wonders. Keep a coffee can half filled with pennies and shake it every time they scratch where they are not supposed. Conversely, praise them when they do scratch upon the post. Other methods involve keeping your cat’s claws clipped, or covering their individual claws (see below link).

There are many methods to keep your cat from clawing up your home. And remember, they do not have a choice. It is ultimately your responsibility as their friend and companion to do what is right for them.