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Declawing a cat is actually an amputation of the last bone of the toe. Pretty graphic, right? If you're just learning this, it's okay. Many loving cat parents aren't aware of the full extent of this procedure.
Many veterinarians have taken a strong stance on declawing cats, agreeing that in most cases, yes, it’s bad to declaw a cat. It’s far more than just trimming a toenail—it’s an amputation of at least 4-5 bones per paw. So, before you decide to declaw your cat based on your love for your leather couch, please read on. You want what's best for your cat, and we're here to help you understand all the facts.
Why Would You Want to Declaw Cats?
Quick history lesson: declawing was once a common practice, driven by the desire to manage scratching behavior. However, learning is a journey, and as Maya Angelou reminds us, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."
Thanks to advancements in veterinary science, we now know better. We understand the significant impact declawing has on a cat's health. Let's examine the historical reasoning and the current veterinary consensus.
Protecting Furniture
Scratching is a completely natural behavior for cats, even big and wild cats. So, if they don’t have an appropriate outlet, they may resort to scratching your furniture, carpets, or even cabinets. There are many training routes and scratching post ideas out there to help herd this behavior into a more favorable avenue, but too often declawing has been sought out as a remedy. Rather than a first option, declawing your cat to protect your furniture should be seen as more of a last resort.
Preventing Scratches on People
It’s been proven time and time again that having a cat helps boost your mental and even physical health, even in older adults. Cats provide companionship and a sense of responsibility at a low maintenance cost. For some seniors or individuals with certain health conditions, even unintentional cat scratches can pose a risk. In such cases, exploring all options for mitigating potential harm is essential. While declawing might be considered by some, it's crucial to first investigate alternative strategies for preventing scratches.
Misinformation
It’s no one’s fault, but declawing may be pursued by cat parents that simply don’t understand what it entails. It’s something they’ve had done to all of their cats, so it’s seen as part of the course—vaccinations, spay/neuter, and declaw. Greater awareness of the declawing procedure, including its nature as the removal of bone, the potential for pain and discomfort, and the long-term effects, reflects evolving veterinary understanding. This newer information empowers cat parents to make more informed decisions.
Understanding Declawing Cats
This is more than a nail trim; it’s a full-on amputation surgery.
Declawing Procedure
A cat’s toe consists of three phalanx bones with joints in between that allow them to curl around your finger or knead your lap while purring. The claw is actually attached directly to that third phalanx bone, rather than to skin like our fingernails are. That means in order to get rid of the claw, you have to get rid of part or all of the bone. It would be like taking your finger tip off at the last knuckle.
As you can imagine, there’s more than bone removal at stake here. Connecting muscles and nerves take a hit, which can create a lot of pain and inflammation, and cats often have to wear bandages for a while to keep the incisions clean.
Declawing cats can be done through one of two methods:
Blade declawing is when the vet uses a scalpel or guillotine clipper to remove the bone. It’s very invasive, creates a lot of pain, but is typically less expensive.
Laser declawing uses a laser to do the cutting. Laser declaws bleed less and have less pain, but not every clinic offers this option and if they do, it tends to cost more.
Health Impacts on Declawed Cats
Let’s face it, there are plenty of people out there missing the tip of a finger or two, and they live their lives just fine. For cats, it can be a different story. When you lose the tip of your finger, it doesn’t really alter how you use your hand, but when a cat loses their distal phalanx during declawing, it actually alters how they bear weight on their foot.
Normally, the brunt of the force is put on that distal phalanx. When it’s removed, it shifts the weight bearing back onto bones, muscles and connective tissues that aren’t built for or up to the task.
Physical Complications of Declawing a Cat
Obviously, changing how a cat bears weight has consequences. Besides the short-term pain from the procedure itself, cats can also develop arthritis in their feet and legs. The long-term pain can lead to lameness and unwillingness to exercise, which in turn may contribute to weight gain.
Also, picture where your cat’s paws go in a day. When they have 4-5 incisions on their toes, walking around on the floor or entering the litter box really increases the chances of infections.
Behavioral Changes in Declawed Cats
No, removing part of a cat’s toe doesn’t in some way affect their brain, but the resulting long-term pain can make an unhappy kitty that may be more aggressive or just less friendly overall. Declawing can also alter how they perform their normal scratching behavior, something that is important for spreading pheromones and stretching muscles as well.
Why is Declawing Cats Bad? Ethical Considerations for Declawing Cats
Hopefully, it’s clear that declawing cats is painful, both in the early days following surgery and potentially in the years that follow. You want to know how to tell if your cat is in pain, but you don’t want to see them hurting on a daily basis. That’s a big reason, but it’s not the only one.
The Role of Claws in a Cat’s Life
Claws aren’t there for show. Instead, cat claws serve many purposes: defense against predators, climbing, and catching prey. I realize that your housecat hopefully isn’t fighting off predators or hunting, but their claws also play a big role in their social interactions. Scratching with them spreads their own unique scent to mark their territory and communicate, and flashing them from time to time may ensure their place in the social hierarchy.
So, pain and claw importance aside, let’s end by saying, short of some uncommon medical conditions, there is no medical reason for declawing a cat. It’s most often an elective procedure, and there are other options out there.
Is Declawing Cats Illegal?
A growing number of jurisdictions recognize the ethical and welfare concerns surrounding declawing cats. A few states, including New York, Maryland, and Virginia, have enacted legislation banning the practice.
Additionally, numerous cities across the United States, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, and Washington D.C., have also outlawed declawing. This reflects a growing awareness of the procedure's impact on a cat's physical and emotional well-being and a commitment to prioritizing animal welfare. And more may follow.
Alternatives to Declawing Cats
Many veterinary associations—including the American Veterinary Medical Association—as well as many veterinarians discourage declawing, especially if alternative methods haven’t been tried first. Fortunately, there are many declawing alternatives for pet parents to try.
Providing Appropriate Scratching Surfaces
Your cat’s going to scratch, you’ll just need to accept that. What you don’t need to accept is them scratching things you don’t want them to. Instead, offer other surfaces to scratch and reward them when they do. There are so many cool and unique scratching posts out there that you will be sure to find one that you and your cat can agree on. Attract them to it with a little catnip and then offer lots of praise or rewards when they do what comes naturally.
Environmental Enrichment
Scratching checks a lot of boxes for cats. Besides nail health, it provides a healthy muscle stretch and pheromone distribution. Scratching can also help relieve boredom. So, if you want your cat to scratch less, keeping them entertained and stimulated throughout the day may help. Give your kitty lots of one-on-one attention, exercise and interactive toys to keep them occupied so that they’re less likely to take out their frustration on your carpet.
Nail Trims and Caps
Regularly trimming your cat’s nails can really cut down on the destruction they cause when scratching. For most cats, this means trimming the sharp tip every few weeks. If you’re unsure how to trim cat nails, speak to your veterinarian or groomer for tips.
If cats are still causing scratching issues, consider nail caps, such as Soft Paws, to cover the nail to keep them from damaging your property.
The Role of Pet Insurance
Choosing not to declaw your cat is a decision rooted in love and a desire to provide them with the best possible life. You're prioritizing their well-being and ensuring their natural behaviors are respected. This same dedication to your cat's health and happiness extends to providing them with exceptional care in every aspect of their life. That's where pet insurance becomes an essential part of responsible pet ownership.
Just as you've chosen to prioritize your cat's long-term health by exploring declawing alternatives, cat insurance empowers you to continue making decisions based on their needs, not your budget. Whether it's diagnostics, treatments, or medications, you can feel confident in providing the best possible care, ensuring your beloved feline companion lives a happy and healthy life.
Is Declawing a Cat Bad?
From understanding declawing's complexity to choosing humane alternatives, you've embarked on a journey of responsible cat ownership. The evidence strongly suggests that declawing is harmful to cats. A loving home doesn't require compromising your cat's well-being.
As you continue on this journey, remember that the true joy of cat ownership lies in the unique bond you share—the purrs, the cuddles, and the quiet moments of connection. These are the moments that truly make a house a home, and they are worth protecting.