Why You Shouldn’t Declaw Your Cat

You may consider these arguments against declawing a cat or declawing along with neutering if a veterinarian suggests it. However, before deciding on your pet’s surgery, have all the facts.

Declawing is not Nail Trimming

Declawing involves amputation of the first joint of the cat’s toes. Whether this procedure is performed with a scalpel, guillotine-type cutter, or laser, it is a major surgery.

Declawing is Painful

It is equivalent to 10 toe amputations (if only the front feet are declawed). In the early stages, pain medications may help, but phantom pain may persist as nerve endings heal. In contrast to neutering, declawing can be excruciating for an animal and lead to serious behavior problems.

Cats do not benefit from declawing

Declawing has no positive effects on the cat, unlike neutering, which is beneficial health-wise and behaviorally. Most owners do it out of convenience.

A Cat’s Chief Weapon of Defense is Robbed

The typical counter-argument is, “My cat is indoors only.” But, unfortunately, even indoor cats sometimes escape. If a cat is declawed, it cannot stand a chance against a large dog, a larger cat, or a predator. Even though it still has teeth, a declawed cat wouldn’t stand a chance against a predator.

Litter Box Problems May Result From Declawing

Due to their natural tendency to bury waste with claws, most cats use litter boxes relatively quickly. A declawed cat will likely associate the pain associated with digging in litter or other substances with the litter box. As a result, they may not use the litter box at all.

Biting problems can sometimes occur after declawing

If cats cannot give a quick warning scratch, they often rely on the next line of defense: their teeth. A declawed cat may resort to biting when in danger or feeling scared.

Toes and claws provide cats with exercise

Observe a cat stretching on a carpet or vertically with a scratching post. Using its claws, it will grab the carpet or sisal, pulling and stretching its muscles. Claws play an essential role in cats’ muscle tone and agility.

Declawing could lead to joint problems later on

Cats walk on their toes — also known as digitigrade. Your cat will walk differently if the first digit of its toe is removed, and its joints may be affected. Your cat may eventually develop arthritis in its hips and other joints. Your cat’s long-term health can be seriously compromised if you remove its claws.

Declawing Has Humane Alternatives

Before making such a drastic and permanent decision, consider your cat’s needs seriously, and there may be more humane alternatives. For example, vinyl nail caps are a healthy and relatively easy alternative. Smooth caps that glue over your cat’s claws come in various colors, including clear, glitter, and glow-in-the-dark. The nail caps are generally well tolerated by cats, but they may take some time to get used to. Each set of caps lasts four to six weeks as your cat’s claws grow.