THIS IS A TORTUROUS PROCEDURE FOR YOUR CAT!!!!

Declawing isn’t a nail trim. It isn’t the equivalent of permanently removing ‘just’ the claws. It is amputation of the entire first joint of each of a cat’s toes

Declawing is surgery! Despite what you may have been led to believe, declawing is painful for the kitty, expensive and irreversible.



Amputation of the third phalanx or the first toe bone that houses the nail drastically alters the confirmation of the feet, which can lead to a whole host of physical complications such as chronic small bone arthritis, degenerative joint disease, and neuralgia.

Declawing Can Have Emotional as Well as Physical Consequences


Many cats experience emotional difficulties from declawing surgery.

It is common for a pet owner to notice personality changes in their cat after declawing surgery. These changes probably stem from feelings of insecurity after having their primary defense mechanism against predators taken away from them.

Recently declawed cats often become nervous, fearful and aggressive, often resorting to use of their last remaining means of defense – their teeth.

Some declawed kitties, once they discover they can no longer mark with their claws, begin to urinate around the house in order to mark their territory. This can result in long-term inappropriate elimination problems.

Many declawed cats who were confident on the ground when they still had their claws, begin spending all their time on elevated surfaces like the top of the refrigerator, countertops, or high shelving in closets.

There are Only Risks – No Benefits – for Cats Who are Declawed


The main reason pet owners cite for requesting declawing surgery is concern over their home furnishings, flooring and window coverings.

And a main reason veterinarians perform the procedure is out of fear the owner may become abusive or neglectful if the cat damages household belongings, relinquishing their cats to shelters, or banning them from the home.

Because there are so many risks and absolutely no benefit to the animal from declawing surgery, the procedure has been outlawed in many European countries and is a hot topic of debate in many local jurisdictions in the U.S.

Alternatives to Declawing


My motto is 'Educate, don't amputate.'

The humane solution to unwanted scratching is to provide sensible, appealing options for the cat.

I explain to all my clients with kittens that felines have claws for a reason, and as long as they have them, they'll use them.

I explain that just as most humans need to trim their nails weekly, it may be necessary to trim your cat's nails weekly or at least quite frequently.

In addition to weekly nail trims, I also recommend cat owners provide at least two different scratching surfaces, including:
•A tall, sturdy scratching post
•A horizontal scratching mat

My cats prefer floor mats, as well as a log I drug in from outside. My cats also love a commercially available cardboard paper scratcher I bought for them.

In addition to providing your kitty with appropriate surfaces to scratch, you must also take steps to protect any off-limits areas your cat is scratching. You can use aluminum foil or double-sided tape to discourage your cat.

You can also consider covering your cat's nails with a commercially available nail cap, which will protect both you and your belongings from kitty's sharp claws.

Thanks to Dr. Karen Becker