What Is Declawing?
Cat declawing (also called onychectomy) is the amputation of the first digital (toe) bones in a cat’s paw, including the nail bed and claw. It’s done to stop a cat’s natural scratching behavior.
While it was once a common procedure, it has become discouraged in recent years. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the American Veterinary Medicine Association, and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) all oppose the procedure.
And though it’s less popular than it once was, an estimated 25% of the feline population in the United States is declawed.
Is Declawing a Cat Illegal?
In 2003, West Hollywood, California, became the first city in the United States to ban onychectomy. Many cities across the country followed. In 2019, New York became the first U.S. state to make declawing cats illegal: Violators face paying up to a $1,000 fine. The procedure is now also illegal in Virginia and the District of Columbia, as well as in a growing number of cities.
Around the world, the procedure is illegal in at least 41 countries.
Is Declawing Cats Bad?
A cat’s claws are their natural defense against predators, allowing them to fend off aggressive animals or climb up trees or other structures to escape.
Much like human fingernails, a cat’s claws continue to grow and need care to stay healthy. Cats are born with the instinct to extend their claws and scratch. This helps to remove worn outer claw layers and expose and sharpen the new claw. They also scratch to mark their territory by leaving their scent, which comes from glands on their paw pads.
Declawing a cat is a major surgical procedure. It involves amputating part or all of the cat’s toe bones along with the attached claws. This surgery comes with immediate risks, including:
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Excessive bleeding and pain
- Potential for serious infection
Even if the surgery is successful and the cat recovers, complications can affect a declawed cat for the rest of its life:
- Lameness
- Changes in the ability to walk and jump
- Lasting pain
- Paw tenderness
- Partial regrowth
- Fearful or aggressive behavior
Depending upon the method used, in some cases, the claws partly grow back, but deformed.
While declawing may prevent damage from scratching, other behavioral changes may present problems. Without their claws, cats may resort to biting to defend themselves when they feel threatened. They may also stop using the litter box, since the texture of the litter and act of moving it around cause pain in their paws.
What Happens During an Onychectomy (Declawing)?
During an onychectomy, the cat is sedated under general anesthesia and the third phalanx (essentially the first digit of the toe bone and nail) is amputated using a blade, clippers, or laser. Here are the main differences between these methods:
Blade declawing. This method uses a scalpel or guillotine clippers to cut between the joint and remove the third phalanx of the cat’s toes.
Cosmetic declawing. Cosmetic declawing uses a tiny, curved blade to remove the claw and bone to which the claw is attached. The soft tissue and pad are not removed.
Laser declawing. In laser declawing, the surgeon uses a carbon dioxide laser to remove the third phalanx of the cat’s toes. With this method, a small, intense stream of light is used to vaporize tissue, cutting through the joint.
Alternatives to Declawing a Cat
There are many ways to manage scratching habits that are destructive or harmful. It’s a natural instinct for a cat to sharpen its claws, so to expect your tiny leopard to change its spots is not realistic. A better strategy is to observe and respect your cat’s nature and adapt your surroundings in simple ways. Experts suggest trying one or more of these methods to help your kitty use their claws in a non-harmful way:
Provide scratching posts. If you don’t want claw marks in your antique coffee table, offer a more inviting place for Kitty to sink her claws. Scratching posts and pads come in all types of textures, materials, heights, and dimensions. Just make sure it’s sturdy and encourages full stretching. You may need to provide horizontal and vertical scratching posts.
Cats have varying preferences when it comes to scratching, so you may want to try a few options before you find the post your cat likes best. If they turn up their nose, try encouraging them by sprinkling their scratching post or pad with catnip.
Frequent nail trimming. Keeping your cat’s nails in check by trimming them every week or two won’t change their clawing instinct. But it may prevent their claws from becoming snagged on carpets, fabrics, or skin. To clip your cat’s nails, use clippers specifically designed for cats and clip off only the sharp tip or hook of the claw.
Nail caps. Disposable vinyl claw covers can keep sharp nails from doing harm to you, your furnishings, or another pet. You can trim claw covers to size and then attach them with a special glue over your cat’s nails. They typically last from four to six weeks. Wearing nail caps shouldn’t cause pain or discomfort to your cat. The covers also won’t curb their natural instinct to stretch and extend their claws.
Positive reinforcement training. Cats (especially kittens) can learn from positive reinforcement for good behavior. Instead of yelling at your cat for scratching the sofa or curtains, reward them with a treat or catnip toy when they dig their claws into their scratching post.
Pheromone sprays. If your cat is exhibiting aggressive behavior and clawing, they may be feeling stressed. You should talk to your veterinarian about any behavioral changes you see in your cat. But it may help to try pheromone-based sprays to calm them. The idea is that these artificial scents mimic a cat’s natural odor to calm aggressive behavior. You can buy them as sprays or diffusers from your vet or a pet supply store.
Protect your home and furnishings. You probably don’t want to redecorate your home according to your cat’s taste. But you may be able to adjust parts of your home in small ways to protect it without a major change in decor. You can protect chairs or sofas with slipcovers that cats can’t sink their claws into. Double-stick tape on hard surfaces such as table legs or door frames is also a turn-off for felines.
How to Care for a Declawed Cat
Cats who have been declawed may need special attention and accommodations in their homes to keep them safe. If you have a cat that’s been declawed, consider these tips for keeping them happy and healthy for years to come.
Keep them indoors. Without their claws, cats are at risk of being harmed or killed by predators, so it’s best to keep them indoors. If they get restless for the great outdoors, consider a safe outdoor environment, such as a catio or screened porch, where they’re outside but still protected.
Consider their litter. If your cat seems reluctant to use their litter box, try a softer litter that won’t get stuck in their tender paws. Experts suggest setting out several litter boxes with different types of litter to find which one they prefer.
Watch for signs of pain. Cats will most often keep discomfort to themselves. So you’ll need to be on the lookout for subtle signs of pain, such as:
- Biting or aggressive behavior
- Changes in posture
- Meowing or calling
- Excessive licking
- Decreased appetite
- Withdrawal
A declawed cat’s claws may regrow abnormally, which can be painful. If your cat begins limping or walking differently, it’s time to visit the veterinarian.
Try behavior modification. After declawing, some cats may act aggressively as a way to defend themselves. If you have other pets, watch over them to make sure they interact as peacefully as possible. Also keep in mind that even though your cat no longer has claws, it may still feel the instinct to stretch and scratch.
Takeaways
- Declawing cats is an invasive surgical procedure that involves amputating the first digital bone in a cat’s paw, including the nail bed and claw.
- Although an estimated 1 in 4 cats in the U.S. have been declawed, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the American Veterinary Medicine Association are opposed to and discourage this procedure as a means of stopping a cat’s natural scratching behavior.
- Sharpening claws is an instinct for cats, but there are many ways to discourage a cat from clawing.
- If a cat is declawed, they should have special care and attention, including being kept indoors for their safety.
Declawing FAQs
Is it cruel to declaw a cat?
Most experts in health care for cats believe that it is. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the American Veterinary Medicine Association, and the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) all oppose and discourage it.
Is it safe to declaw an indoor cat?
Declawing comes with immediate risks. These include a bad reaction to anesthetic, serious bleeding and pain, the potential for a serious infection, and other complications.
Even after successful surgery and recovery, the cat may show signs of stress and fearful behavior.
Do vets still declaw cats?
Some vets will perform the procedure, but many vets discourage it. Declawing is illegal in many U.S. cities, and in 2019, New York became the first state to make declawing cats illegal.
Are cats traumatized by declawing?
Once their claws are removed, many cats show signs of fearful or stressed behavior. They may resort to biting as a way to defend themselves or withdraw and avoid contact with people or other pets. They may also stop using the litter box since stepping in the litter can cause pain in their paws.
Can declawed cats still be happy?
Declawed cats may need special attention and changes to their environment to keep them safe. If your cat is declawed, it’s important to watch their behavior for possible pain or lingering effects of the surgery. Talk to your vet if your cat shows signs of stress or anxiety.
