Cat declawing, once a common practice, has come under increased scrutiny in recent years. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) strongly opposes the procedure, recognizing the significant potential it has for causing long-term harm. The Stanton Pet Hospital team encourages cat owners to explore all possible alternatives before considering a declaw. Here is an overview of what the procedure entails, why you should avoid it, and how to stop problem scratching without surgery.

What is cat declawing?

Declawing is not as simple as it sounds. In cats, the claws and nail beds are attached to the toe bones. To remove the claw and prevent it from re-growing, the entire last toe bone must be removed. Essentially, a declaw is a toe amputation involving all four weight-bearing digits on the rear feet. In humans, a similar procedure would entail removing the entire finger or toe tip from the last knuckle.

Cat declawing complications and consequences

Research shows that declawed cats can suffer long-term physical and behavioral consequences. Pain occurs immediately following the surgery and can be difficult to adequately control, often necessitating an overnight hospital stay. Bleeding after surgery is also common and infection at the incision sites is possible. Most cats need antibiotics and strong pain medications following surgery.

In addition to acute post-surgical pain, declaws can cause long-term orthopedic problems. Removing the toe bones causes tendons to contract and alters the foot shape, which changes how a cat moves and bears weight. Over time, abnormal forces on the toes, feet, hips, and spine can cause arthritis and chronic pain, which is linked to behavior problems. Cats in pain may become aggressive or develop an aversion to the litter box. Some studies show that declawed cats are more likely than their clawed counterparts to develop serious behavior problems and lose their homes as a result.

Cat declawing alternatives

Cats scratch for several important reasons, including caring for their claws, stretching their muscles, and marking their territory. Cats may also scratch to relieve tension and stress. Pet owners must recognize that the behavior is deeply ingrained in their feline friend and that trying to stop it will only cause stress, which can make the behavior worse. Instead, cat owners should focus on redirecting scratching behavior to an acceptable outlet. Here are the most effective alternatives to declawing in cats:

  • Regular nail trimming — A simple and effective solution, regular nail trimming reduces the potential for damage to surfaces around your home while still allowing natural behaviors.
  • Scratching posts — Providing cats with multiple scratching surfaces, including vertical and horizontal scratching posts, allows them to fulfill their instinctive need to scratch. Place scratchers in prominent locations around your home so your cat feels their messages are seen and smelled. Attract your cat to the area with catnip or play and reward them for using the posts.
  • Nail caps — Soft nail caps are a temporary solution to destructive scratching that can reduce damage while you work on breaking bad habits. These are glued onto the nail tip and naturally fall off when the outer nail sheds.
  • Pheromones — Spraying synthetic facial pheromones, such as Feliway, onto surfaces you want your cat to stop scratching can trick them into thinking they already marked the area. Using a pheromone diffuser in your home may also reduce your cat’s general stress level and may help reduce excessive scratching.
  • Environmental enrichment — A cat whose environmental needs have been met is less likely to scratch destructively. Engage your cat in interactive play, provide toys, offer food puzzles, and provide spaces to jump and climb to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

When declawing is acceptable

Very few situations warrant cat declawing surgery. The main reasons would be if the cat develops a nail bed disorder or tumor that causes them pain or threatens their overall health, or if the cat lives with a severely immunocompromised person. Cat scratches can be dangerous for people with poor immune systems, such as those who have undergone an organ transplant. Declawing is not an acceptable first option when used to prevent or limit a cat’s natural scratching behaviors.

By exploring and implementing alternative strategies, cat owners can avoid resorting to a procedure that may cause harm to their furry pal. Contact the Stanton Pet Hospital team to learn more about declawing alternatives or to schedule a consultation to address your cat’s problematic or excessive scratching.