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Is Declawing Your Cat Bad? Discover Why It’s Harmful

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Declawing your cat might seem like an easy solution to protect your furniture or prevent being scratched, but it’s an outdated practice that has major ethical and medical concerns. Discover why declawing your cat is harmful and what humane alternatives are available for you.

What is declawing?

Declawing a cat is not just a simple nail trim. It involves amputating the last bone of each toe, akin to cutting off a human finger at the last knuckle. This major surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, and while it may prevent scratching, the repercussions for the cat can be severe.

Physical Consequences

  • Pain and Discomfort: Post-surgery pain is inevitable, but it can extend far beyond the immediate recovery period. Cats may experience chronic pain in their paws, which can lead to altered gait and posture.

  • Infection and Complications: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection. Complications such as regrowth of improperly removed claw fragments can cause severe pain and require additional surgeries. Laser declaw is no different, as it can also lead to post-surgery complications.

  • Joint and Muscle Issues: Altering the natural structure of a cat’s paws can lead to long-term musculoskeletal issues. Cats may develop arthritis or lameness due to the unnatural distribution of weight on their altered paws.
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Animal welfare organizations oppose declawing except as a last resort for medical reasons.

Psychological Impact

  • Behavioral Changes: Declawed cats often exhibit significant changes in behavior. Without their primary means of defense, they may become more aggressive or develop anxiety-related behaviors.

  • Litter Box Avoidance: The pain from declawing can make using a litter box uncomfortable, leading some cats to avoid it altogether, which can result in inappropriate elimination around the house.

  • Loss of Instinctual Behaviors: Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, serving as a way to mark territory, stretch muscles and shed old claw sheaths. Declawing deprives them of these instinctual activities, which can lead to frustration and stress.

Ethical Considerations

Declawing is considered inhumane and is banned or restricted in many countries and in some U.S. states and cities. Animal welfare organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), oppose declawing except as a last resort for medical reasons.

Humane Alternatives

There are several ways to manage scratching behavior without resorting to declawing:

  • Regular Nail Trimming: Keeping your cat’s nails trimmed can reduce the damage caused by scratching.

  • Scratching Posts and Pads: Providing ample scratching posts and pads encourages cats to scratch appropriate surfaces.

  • Training Your Cat: Positive reinforcement can help train your cat to scratch in designated areas.

  • Environmental Enrichment: Ensuring your cat has a stimulating environment can reduce the likelihood of destructive scratching. Toys, climbing trees and interactive play can divert their energy and satisfy their instincts.

Protecting both your home and your cat’s well-being is possible without resorting to declawing. Learn more about how you can protect your furniture from being scratched, and other ways to solve unwanted cat behaviors.

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