Although cat declawing has been banned in the U.K., Brazil, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries, some feline parents in the United States still request this controversial surgical procedure.
But cat declawing procedures carry a host of risks and the potential to cause long-term pain and discomfort for the cat. Therefore, some states and U.S. cities have also banned it.
Read on for a look at the pros and cons of cat declawing, and learn about some safe alternatives.
What is Cat Declawing?
The term declawing is misleading, because declawing a cat involves more than simply removing a cat's nails. Cat declawing is a surgical amputation of the final digit or “knuckle" in the feet of the cat.1 The entire nail bed is removed, including the last digit of a cat's toes. In most cases, only the front feet of a cat are declawed.
Why Do Cat Owners Consider Declawing?
Declawing is often sought out as a solution for stopping cats from scratching furniture, people (those with immunodeficiencies or bleeding disorders are especially affected), or other animals.
Age for Cat Declawing
When declawing is done at the kitten age rather than as an adult, cats may adjust better.2 Still, most organizations, such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) discourage cat declawing.3 To date, the only states in the U.S. to ban cat declawing are New York and Maryland, while at least 13 cities have banned it.4
Cost to Declaw a Cat
The cost to declaw a cat varies depending on the type of declawing procedure as well as the location of your veterinary clinic, but the average price ranges between $600 and $1,800.5 This amount does not include treating any complications that arise from declawing your cat, which can quickly add up depending on the complication.
Types of cat declawing procedures
Although there are different types of cat declawing (also known as onychectomy), all involve removing the "knuckle" or last digit on a cat's feet.6 Here's a look at the three main types of declawing, and an alternative surgery some veterinarians use.
1. Clippers
The first and most common surgical method uses a sterile clipper which cuts through the third digit.
2. Disarticulation
The second method—disarticulation—involves removing the entire third bone by disconnecting ligaments attached to it.
3. Lasers
A third method uses lasers instead of a scalpel to cut off the third digit. This method causes almost no bleeding and possibly less pain, but it costs much more.
4. Tendonectomy
Some veterinarians perform a tendonectomy instead. They cut tendons on each toe to prevent cats from extending their claws. However, there can be complications if you don't regularly trim your cat's claws for the rest of their life.
Cons of Declawing Cats
The decision to declaw a cat might seem like a harmless, quick fix to an annoying and destructive problem. However, it doesn't consider the effect a declawing surgery has on the cat or the health risks it may introduce.
Here are some of the cons of declawing your cat:2
- Because declawing is a type of surgery, it brings risks of infection and risks from the anesthesia.
- Sometimes there are long-term, painful complications. These can include paw pain, nerve damage, an abnormal gait, or chronic back pain.
- A declawed cat might stop using his litter box to minimize soreness in his feet.
- Surgery can be expensive, including a physical exam to determine the cat's general health, the procedure itself, anesthesia, antibiotics, and possibly an overnight stay. The cost can range from $600 to $1,800.5 Complications will end up increasing costs.
- Some cats may become stressed and have trouble adjusting.
- A cat that is scratching to protect himself may bite more frequently after losing his claws.7
- Cats can't climb, catch prey, or defend themselves well without claws. For this reason, declawed cats should be kept inside.1
Cats Have a Natural Need to Scratch
One of the tough issues about declawing is that it's a permanent, sometimes painful solution to something cats need to do for their physical and mental health.
Cats have a natural need to scratch. They do so for four main reasons, including:
- To remove the dead outer layer of their claws.
- To mark their territory by leaving both a visual mark and a scent (cats have scent glands on their paws).
- To stretch and flex their feet and claws.
- When they're excited to see their owner or they're reacting to something happening around them.
It's often more advantageous to teach your cat to scratch appropriately than to remove scratching altogether.
Are There Any Pros to Declawing Cats?
Typically, the pros of cat declawing consist of benefits to the owners rather than to the cat itself. The anticipated benefits include:8
- Stopping destructive scratching of furniture or rugs.
- Not scratching people, such as children or people on blood thinners.
- A potentially better relationship with your cat if scratching caused serious issues, and your cat doesn't develop behavioral issues after the surgery.
- Some cats may heal completely without complications, although this is not guaranteed.
There are some rare occasions when a veterinarian may recommend declawing, such as "when a cat's excessive or inappropriate scratching behavior causes an unacceptable risk of injury or remains destructive despite conscientious attention to behavioral modification and alternatives," according to the AVMA.3
These pros of cat declawing are frequently outweighed by the cons listed in the section above. That's why many cat owners prefer to look at the alternatives listed below.
Safe Alternatives to Cat Declawing
There are several common solutions cat owners can implement instead of declawing a pet.
1. Trim your cat's nails
Set a reminder to trim your cat's nails every two to three weeks. It's not too difficult if you follow the proper grooming steps.
If you're laughing at the likelihood of this happening, take your cat to a veterinarian or groomer on a regular basis to have it done professionally.
2. Use nail caps
Consider purchasing vinyl nail caps for your cat's claws.3 These won't stunt the natural growth of your cat's nails, but they need to be replaced every four to six weeks as your cat's nails grow out. Like with anything new you introduce to your cat, positive reinforcement with treats and love will make it easier for your cat to adapt.
3. Provide more appealing places to scratch
Sometimes all your cat needs to change unwanted behavior is a more appealing outlet for scratching.9 Set up scratching posts around the areas where he prefers to scratch. Use vertical and horizontal scratchers, and different textures, to discover which your cat prefers. Try sprinkling them with catnip to make them more enticing.
4. Train your cat
The best way to avoid a problem is to stop it before it begins. Proper training early in your cat's life can teach them to use a scratching post versus your furniture, curtains, or carpet.
Try making a hissing sound when your cat scratches in the wrong area to show displeasure. Some pet parents have success putting aluminum foil on their furniture to deter their cat because many don't like the noise or feel of the foil. There are several products available in pet stores, ranging from double-sided tape to sprays, that also serve as effective deterrents to scratching.
5. Look for stressors in the home
Sometimes cats resort to destructive scratching of property or humans because they're stressed or bored. If this is the case, they may also spray inappropriately or meow excessively.
Determine what's making them feel unsafe and try to minimize the issue. If it's another pet, you may need to slowly reintroduce them again. Or perhaps someone in your house needs lessons on the best way to interact with your cat. It might also be something as simple as recently changed furniture or feral cats wandering outside at night.
Playing with your cat more can help him feel confident and entertained, so he scratches less. Set up cat trees and interactive toys, and get your cat to chase you around the house daily. Calming sprays that mimic cats' pheromones can also help.
Cat owners don't consider declawing just for fun. The topic usually comes up when scratching becomes a serious issue. However, there are plenty of positive, safe alternatives to try that will leave both you and your cat happier.
Discuss Declawing and Alternatives With Your Veterinarian
Undetected illnesses can also cause stress and lead to excessive scratching. Being diligent about your cat's health with regular veterinary checkups can help them live a longer, healthier life.
Detecting symptoms and signs of diseases early can provide the best outcome for your cat's health. Pets Best offers customizable cat insurance plans to help reimburse you for unexpected accidents and illness so you can afford the best treatment available. Get a quote and begin protecting your pet today!*
*Terms and conditions apply; see policy for details.
References
1. Osmanski, Stephanie, "What Is Cat Declawing? The Pros, Cons, and What to Know About Declawing Cats." Parade, May 22, 2021, https://parade.com/1208891/stephanieosmanski/declawing-cats. Last accessed July 17, 2022.
2. Hughes, Kate, "7 Negative Side Effects of Declawing Your Cat." Pet MD, February 19, 2018, https://www.petmd.com/cat/care/7-negative-side-effects-declawing-your-cat. Last accessed July 17, 2022.
3. "Alternatives to Declawing." American Veterinary Medical Association, https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/alternatives-declawing. Last accessed July 17, 2022.
4. "Keep Cats' Claws on Their Paws." Alley Cat Allies, https://www.alleycat.org/take-action/ban-declawing-keep-cats-claws. Last accessed July 17, 2022.
5. Campbell, Lisa K., DVM, "How Much Does It Cost to Declaw a Cat?" LoveToKnow, https://cats.lovetoknow.com/Cost_to_Declaw_a_Cat. Last accessed July 17, 2022.
6. "Declawing and Its Alternatives." Mar Vista Animal Center, updated September 3, 2021, https://www.marvistavet.com/declawing-and-its-alternatives.pml. Last accessed July 17, 2022.
7. Fox, Michael, "Declawed Cats Can Resort to Biting." Washington Post / United Feature Syndicate Inc., August 17, 2006, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2006/08/17/declawed-cats-can-resort-to-biting/50e5da24-db34-4c0d-95d7-b5ed79e2bdf1/. Last accessed July 17, 2022.
8. "Declawing Cats: Examining the Pros and Cons." Animal Health Care Center, June 25, 2021, https://ahccmadison.com/blog/301454-declawing-cats-examining-the-pros-and-cons. Last accessed July 17, 2022.
9. Wildman, Matt. "Cats: Destructive Scratching." Humane Society, https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/cats-destructive-scratching. Last accessed July 17, 2022.