Declawing Cats: What It Really Involves and Humane Alternatives

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Few topics in cat care are more contested than declawing. Some people think it is a quick fix for damaged furniture, but veterinary organizations and animal welfare groups explain that it is a major surgery with real risks. Knowing what is involved can help you to choose humane alternatives that protect both your cat and your home.

What declawing is

A cat's claw grows from the last bone of the toe. Declawing, or onychectomy, removes the claw along with that bone, so that it cannot grow back. A cat has ten or eighteen claws, so the operation can involve ten toes. Done by scalpel, laser or clippers, it is equivalent to cutting off each finger at the last knuckle. A related operation, tendonectomy, cuts the tendon that controls the claw. It is not recommended either, since the claws still grow and the cat can no longer retract them.

Pain and risks

Declawing is painful, and cats may feel pain during recovery and sometimes for longer. Possible problems include:

• Short-term: bleeding, swelling, infection, limping and reluctance to walk.
• Long-term: chronic pain, nerve damage, bone fragments left behind that cause regrowth, and arthritis or altered gait. See arthritis in cats.
• Behavior: some studies link declawing to more biting, aggression and litter box problems, since a cat with sore paws may avoid digging litter. See why is my cat peeing outside the litter box and how to stop a cat from biting.

Research results vary, but the overall message from veterinary bodies is that declawing offers no medical benefit to the cat and carries risk.

What the experts say

The American Veterinary Medical Association discourages declawing as an elective procedure, and says it should be considered only when other options have failed and the alternative is relinquishment, or when there is a medical need, such as a diseased toe. The American Association of Feline Practitioners opposes it. Some countries, including many in Europe, ban it, and several US states and cities have restricted it. Check your local law, since rules change. Many clinics refuse to perform the operation.

Why cats scratch

Scratching is vital for claw health, stretching and marking. Removing claws does not remove the urge to scratch. See why do cats scratch furniture.

Humane alternatives

Scratching posts. Provide tall, stable posts in the right places. See how to choose a scratching post and how to choose a cat tree.

Regular nail trims. Trimming every two to three weeks blunts the tips. See how to trim cat nails.

Soft nail caps. Vinyl caps glued over the claws that last about four to six weeks. Many cats tolerate them, though some chew them. Ask your vet or groomer for advice.

Deterrents. Double-sided tape, plastic sheets or citrus-scented products on furniture. Choose cat-safe products. Avoid essential oils, which can be toxic. See cat poisoning: what to do.

Protect furniture. Furniture covers or throws on favorite targets.

Training. Reward use of posts, and redirect gently. See clicker training a cat.

Play and enrichment. A bored cat may scratch more. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.

Renting and declawing clauses

Some landlords ask about declawing, but you can usually reduce damage with alternatives. Show your landlord your plan for posts and trims, and ask if a pet deposit can cover any minor wear.

Adopting a declawed cat

If your cat is already declawed, keep it indoors, because it cannot defend itself or climb well. Provide soft litter, pain checks and a safe environment. Watch for arthritis. See senior cat care guide and cat vet visit costs.

When declawing may be medically needed

In rare cases, a vet may remove a single toe or claw because of tumor, severe infection or injury. This is different from elective declawing, and requires careful pain control.

Teaching children

Explain that cats scratch for good reasons. Supervise play and teach kids to respect warning signs. See cat tail language.

Recovery and pain control, if surgery has been done

If you have adopted a cat that was declawed, or if surgery is medically necessary, ask your vet about multimodal pain control, including medication and, in some cases, nerve blocks and laser therapy. Use soft, non-dusty paper litter in the recovery period, since sharp or dusty litter hurts sore toes. Watch for limping, licking of the paws, hiding or avoiding the litter box. Chronic pain may appear months or years later, so tell the vet about any change in jumping or mood.

Talking to others

If friends or family suggest declawing, explain what it involves and offer the alternatives. Many people change their minds when they learn that it is an amputation.

When to see a vet

Talk to your vet about scratching problems and alternatives. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.