Why Declawing Cats is More Harmful Than You Think

For many cat owners, scratching can be a challenging behavior to manage.

Cats scratch to mark territory, stretch, and maintain healthy claws.

Unfortunately, some people turn to declawing as a solution to protect furniture or avoid scratches.

However, declawing is a complex surgical procedure with significant consequences for the cat.

Many owners aren’t aware of the physical and psychological impacts that declawing can have.

In this article, we’ll explore the real effects of declawing, why it’s harmful, and alternative methods that respect your cat’s well-being.

The Physical Pain of Declawing

The procedure itself

Declawing isn’t as simple as trimming a nail; it’s a painful, invasive surgery that removes each claw along with the last bone of each toe.

According to the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, declawing, or onychectomy, involves amputating part of the bone, not just the nail.

Imagine if the last joint of each of your fingers were cut off—that’s the equivalent of what cats experience.

This procedure is irreversible and fundamentally changes how a cat walks, moves, and interacts with the world.

Post-operative pain

Declawing surgery often results in immediate post-operative pain that can last for weeks.

Cats are masters at hiding pain, so they might appear to “recover” quickly, but the discomfort is often significant.

Studies show that even with pain management, cats experience heightened stress and sensitivity following declawing, and many continue to feel pain long after the surgery.

Cats recovering from declawing may develop phantom limb pain, similar to what amputees experience, and they can remain sensitive to touch on their paws.

Long-term physical effects

Arthritis and joint pain

Declawing alters a cat’s natural gait, putting extra stress on the joints in their legs, shoulders, and spine.

Over time, this abnormal posture can lead to arthritis and chronic joint pain.

Research in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that declawed cats are at a higher risk for long-term pain and arthritis due to the unnatural pressure on their joints.

Difficulty walking and jumping

Without claws, cats struggle with balance and may have trouble walking or jumping.

They lose one of their primary mechanisms for traction and balance, which can make even simple movements uncomfortable and unsteady.

Increased risk of litter box problems

Declawed cats are more likely to develop litter box aversion, partly due to paw pain and sensitivity.

Walking on litter can be extremely painful for them, leading to accidents outside the box.

According to a study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science, declawed cats are twice as likely to have litter box problems compared to non-declawed cats.

The Psychological Impact of Declawing

Behavioral changes

Declawing doesn’t only affect a cat’s paws—it can also have a serious impact on their behavior and well-being:

Increased anxiety and stress

Cats depend on their claws for protection and self-defense.

When they’re declawed, they lose that security and may feel more vulnerable.

This often leads to anxiety and stress, as they no longer have a way to defend themselves, which can lower their quality of life and cause behavioral problems.

Aggression and biting

Declawing can actually make cats more aggressive.

Without claws, they might turn to biting as their main way of defending themselves.

Studies have shown that declawed cats are more likely to bite than cats with claws.

Unfortunately, cat bites can be more serious and harder to treat than scratches, so this puts both the cat and its owners at greater risk.

Fear and avoidance

Declawed cats often become fearful or withdrawn, avoiding activities or areas that might cause pain.

Some may even shy away from people or other pets, which can make them more isolated and anxious over time.

Loss of natural behaviors

Declawing can take away a cat’s natural instincts and behaviors, which can really impact their happiness and well-being:

Struggles with self-defense and grooming

Cats use their claws for self-defense.

Without them, they can’t protect themselves as well, leaving them feeling more exposed or anxious.

Claws are also part of their grooming routine, so declawed cats may have trouble cleaning certain areas, which can make them uncomfortable.

Challenges with social interaction

Cats use their claws for communication, especially with other cats.

Scratching is a way they mark territory and express themselves.

Declawed cats may struggle to interact naturally with other cats, leading to misunderstandings, isolation, or even tension with other pets in the home.

Lower quality of life

Losing these natural behaviors often leads to both physical pain and emotional stress for declawed cats.

Without the ability to scratch, defend, or groom comfortably, they miss out on behaviors that bring them comfort and security.

Over time, this can significantly lower their overall quality of life.

Alternatives to Declawing

There are many kinder ways to manage a cat’s scratching behavior without resorting to declawing.

Here are a few effective alternatives:

Training and behavior modification

Teaching your cat to use a scratching post can make a big difference.

With positive reinforcement—like rewarding them for scratching the post instead of furniture—most cats can learn to redirect their scratching.

Cats are smart and respond well to consistent training, so this approach can be successful with a little time and patience.

Regular nail trimming

Keeping your cat’s nails trimmed can also reduce the damage from scratching.

Many cats tolerate nail trimming, especially if you’re gentle and get them used to it gradually.

If trimming your cat’s nails at home feels daunting, professional groomers or vets can help.

Regular trims are a simple, safe way to manage sharp claws.

The Ethical Implications of Declawing

Declawing cats is a controversial issue, and there are some important ethical considerations to keep in mind:

Animal welfare concerns

Many animal welfare groups and veterinarians believe that declawing is harmful to cats.

Organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) discourage the procedure unless it’s medically necessary for the cat’s health.

To them, declawing often feels like it puts human convenience ahead of the cat’s well-being since the procedure can lead to pain, discomfort, and behavioral issues.

Legal restrictions

Recognizing the ethical issues, some places have made declawing illegal.

Declawing is banned in over 20 countries, including the UK, Australia, and Germany.

In the U.S., certain cities and states have also banned declawing, with New York leading as the first state to enact a statewide ban in 2019.

Final Thoughts

Declawing may seem like an easy fix to protect furniture, but the effects on a cat’s physical and psychological well-being are profound and lasting.

From chronic pain and behavioral changes to the loss of natural behaviors, declawing fundamentally alters a cat’s life, often for the worse.

Thankfully, there are humane alternatives that allow you to keep both your cat and your furniture safe.

With a little effort and the right tools, you can train your cat to scratch appropriately and maintain a happy, healthy pet.

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