WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER DECLAW A CAT

What Happens During a Cat Declawing Surgery

Cat declawing, or onychectomy, is a surgical procedure that removes a cat’s claws. However, it is far more invasive than just trimming or removing the claw itself. Here’s what happens:

1. Surgical Procedure:

- Declawing involves amputating the last bone of each toe (analogous to removing the last joint of a human finger).

- The claws cannot grow back because the growth tissue (claw matrix) is permanently removed.

2. Methods Used:

- Guillotine Trimmer Method: A blade is used to sever the bone and claw.

- Blade or Scalpel Method: The last bone is surgically cut and removed.

- Laser Declawing: A laser burns and removes the bone and claw. While it may reduce bleeding, it is still an amputation.

3. Recovery:

- Cats often experience significant pain, swelling, and difficulty walking during recovery.

- They may need to relearn how to walk and balance due to the altered structure of their paws.

Why Declawing Should Never Be Done

Declawing is not just a cosmetic procedure—it has serious physical and psychological consequences for cats:

1. Physical Consequences

Chronic Pain:

- Declawing alters the way a cat walks, putting strain on other parts of the body. This can lead to arthritis and chronic pain.

- Infection and Nerve Damage:

- Post-surgery complications like infection, nerve damage, or improper healing are common.

Behavioral Changes:

- Without claws, cats may resort to biting as a defense mechanism.

2. Loss of Natural Behavior

Scratching Is Essential:

- Cats scratch to stretch, mark territory, and keep their claws healthy. Declawing robs them of this instinctive behavior.

Stress and Anxiety:

- Declawed cats often feel defenseless and vulnerable, leading to increased stress and anxiety.

3. Long-Term Behavioral Issues

Litter Box Avoidance:

- Declawed cats may avoid the litter box because digging in the litter can cause pain.

Aggression:

- Some declawed cats become more aggressive, using biting as a means of protection.

4. Ethical Concerns

- Declawing is considered inhumane by many veterinary organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which discourages the practice unless medically necessary.

- The procedure is already banned or restricted in many countries and U.S. cities due to its cruelty.

Alternatives to Declawing

If scratching is a concern, there are humane alternatives:

- Scratching Posts: Provide vertical and horizontal scratching options.

- Claw Caps: Soft, removable caps that cover the claws.

- Regular Nail Trimming: Keep your cat’s claws short to minimize damage.

- Behavioral Training: Redirect your cat to appropriate scratching surfaces using toys or catnip.

Declawing is a painful, unnecessary procedure that significantly impacts a cat’s physical and emotional well-being. By providing proper training and scratching alternatives, you can protect your furniture while respecting your cat’s natural behavior.