Declawing a cat might sound like just trimming their nails permanently, but it's actually a pretty intense procedure. It involves amputating part of each toe—basically removing the last bone where the claw grows. It's kind of like cutting off your finger at the last knuckle.
Because of that, it can lead to some serious issues like pain, behavior changes, or even trouble walking. That's why it's banned or discouraged in a lot of places now.
At PetSavers, we never declaw cats. It's a cruel and unnecessary procedure that leads to long-term issues including:
- Physical pain and trauma
- Loss of natural defense
- Behavioral changes (anxiety, biting, litter box avoidance)
- Arthritis and deformities in the paws
If you're trying to deal with scratching, here are some solid alternatives:
Scratching Posts & Pads
Cats need to scratch—it's how they stretch, mark territory, and keep their claws healthy. Give them good outlets like vertical posts, horizontal cardboard pads, or sisal-wrapped furniture.
Regular Nail Trims
Trimming your cat's nails every few weeks can really cut down on damage, especially if they're indoor cats.
Soft Claws (Nail Caps)
These are little rubbery caps you glue onto their claws. They blunt the tips and fall off naturally as the claws grow. Not every cat loves them, but they work well for many.
Furniture Protection
You can use double-sided tape or deterrent sprays on furniture to make it less appealing. Pair that with a tempting scratching post nearby.
Training
Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Reward your cat when they scratch where they're supposed to. Catnip helps too.
In short, cats can keep their claws and still live peacefully in your home—with a little compromise and the right setup. Declawing is wrong because it causes unnecessary pain, harm, and suffering to cats, both physically and emotionally. It's not a simple grooming task—it's a permanent, invasive surgery that affects a cat's ability to live a full, healthy life. The ethical choice is to provide cats with alternatives like regular nail trimming, scratching posts, and positive behavior redirection, all of which allow them to live naturally without harm.
Image source: https://cfa.org/cat-talk/explaining-declawing-to-potential-pet-owners/