Pros and Cons of Declawing Cats

December 19, 2024 By Salva Off

In this post we will discuss the pros and cons of declawing cats. If your kitten is shredding furniture or scratching excessively, declawing might seem like a quick fix. However, it’s crucial to consider the implications of this procedure and explore safer alternatives.

What Is Cat Declawing?

Declawing, or onychectomy, involves surgically removing the first joint of each toe, where the claws grow. This procedure is comparable to amputating the tips of human fingers at the first knuckle. Performed under anesthesia, recovery can take 10-14 days, though some cats may experience lifelong discomfort due to altered paw anatomy.

While declawing might prevent scratching, it significantly changes a cat’s natural behavior and can lead to chronic pain, mobility issues, and increased vulnerability outdoors. It is banned in many countries and several U.S. states due to ethical concerns.

Medical Alternative: Tendonectomy

Tendonectomy offers a less invasive alternative by cutting the tendons that control claw movement. While the claws remain intact, this procedure can lead to curling claws that require meticulous maintenance to avoid infection or injury. It also alters paw anatomy, increasing the risk of arthritis over time.

When Is Declawing Necessary?

Declawing should be a last resort, reserved for cases where scratching poses serious harm or cannot be managed with other methods. Some veterinarians may consider it if it ensures the cat remains in a safe, lifelong home rather than being abandoned.

Medically, declawing may be necessary to treat severe infections, tumors, or bone issues, but such cases usually involve removing only the affected digits, not all toes.

Consequences of Declawing

The most significant drawback of declawing is persistent pain that may go unnoticed for years. Declawed cats often experience changes in gait and are more prone to arthritis due to altered weight distribution on their paws. They may also struggle to stretch properly, which can impact their overall health.

Safer Alternatives to Declawing

Instead of opting for surgery, consider these humane solutions:

Nail Trimming: Regularly trim your cat’s claws every 2-3 weeks. If you’re unsure how to do this, a vet or groomer can help.
Nail Caps: Soft caps can be glued onto your cat’s claws to prevent damage. They need replacing every 4-6 weeks.
Behavior Training: Encourage your cat to use scratching posts by rewarding positive behavior and using catnip or pheromones to make them more appealing.

Safeguard Your Furniture

Protecting your home doesn’t have to involve declawing. Provide scratching posts and climbing structures that satisfy your cat’s natural instincts. Choose furniture materials like leather or tightly woven microfiber, which are harder for claws to penetrate. Temporary coverings, such as double-sided tape or aluminum foil, can deter scratching during training.

By understanding your cat’s needs and providing appropriate outlets, you can create a harmonious environment without resorting to declawing.

Pros of Declawing Cats

Protecting Furniture and Belongings:
Declawing can help prevent cats from damaging household items like furniture, carpets, and curtains, making it an option for owners concerned about property destruction.
Improved Relationship:
Declawing may reduce unwanted scratching, leading to a better, less stressful bond with your cat. This can create a more harmonious environment without the frustration of constant damage or painful scratches.
Preventing Harmful Scratches:
For individuals at risk of infections, declawing may prevent the cat from scratching and causing painful wounds. This is especially useful in households where injuries from claws can lead to health complications.
Avoiding Rehoming or Euthanasia:
Declawing can serve as a last resort for owners who fear their cat’s destructive behavior may result in abandonment or euthanasia. It can provide a solution that keeps the cat in the home rather than in a shelter or worse.
Retaining Mobility:
When done properly, declawing doesn’t prevent a cat from walking, climbing, or using its paws. It’s intended to leave the cat functional in everyday activities.

Drawbacks of Declawing Cats

Loss of Defense Mechanism:
Declawing removes a cat’s claws, which are crucial for self-defense. Without them, a cat may feel exposed and vulnerable, leading to fear and aggression in some cases.
Behavioral Challenges:
The trauma and discomfort caused by declawing can result in behavioral changes, such as avoidance of the litter box. This can lead to cleanliness issues and increased frustration for both the cat and its owner.
Painful Procedure:
Declawing is an invasive surgery that involves removing part of the cat’s toes. This can be excruciating and requires a painful recovery period, which may distress the cat for weeks.
Risk of Arthritis:
Declawing can alter how a cat moves and bears weight, potentially leading to joint issues like arthritis later in life. This can make the cat less active and more prone to pain and discomfort.
Potential Health Complications:
The surgical process can cause complications like infections, wounds reopening, or even abnormal growth of the remaining bone, leading to chronic pain or further medical issues.
Unnecessary and Extreme:
Many experts argue that declawing is an extreme measure that is not necessary in most cases. Less invasive solutions to scratching problems are available and should be considered first.
Possible Long-Term Problems:
Declawing can result in serious complications, including nerve damage, bleeding, and even paralysis. These risks are significant and may lead to ongoing health issues for the cat.

FAQS

What are the pros and cons of declawing a cat?

Declawing a cat can prevent damage to furniture and reduce scratching-related injuries, improving the owner-pet relationship. It may also help keep a cat in the home, avoiding abandonment or euthanasia. However, declawing removes a cat’s primary defense mechanism, which can lead to fear, aggression, and behavioral changes. The painful procedure can result in long-term issues like arthritis, infections, and nerve damage, while altering the cat’s natural movement. Many experts view declawing as an extreme measure, recommending less invasive alternatives to address scratching.

Can declawing stop cats from sctraching furniture?

Declawing is sometimes chosen by cat owners as a way to prevent scratching of furniture, people, or other pets, especially in households where the scratches could pose health risks, such as for people with weakened immune systems or bleeding disorders.

Should you declaw a cat?

Declawing a cat is a controversial practice, with supporters arguing that it can protect property, reduce scratching-related injuries, and improve the relationship between cats and their owners. It may also prevent abandonment or euthanasia in cases where scratching leads to severe behavioral issues. However, the procedure is primarily for the benefit of humans and has little medical value for the cat, except in rare cases where a pre-existing condition is present. Many veterinarians recommend exploring alternative methods before considering declawing, as it should only be viewed as a last resort.

What happens if a cat is declawed?

If a cat is declawed, it can still perform basic functions like walking, climbing, and feeling with its pads, as long as the procedure is done properly. While the cat may not be disabled, the removal of its claws alters its natural ability to scratch, which is an essential part of its behavior and communication.

Is declawing a cat ethical?

Declawing a cat is a widely debated issue among veterinarians, animal welfare groups, and pet owners. Many believe it constitutes cruelty, as it involves removing a cat’s claws, which are essential for its well-being. It is generally considered acceptable only when absolutely necessary for medical reasons.