Why Cat Declawing is a Controversial and Cruel Procedure

This pet health content was written by a veterinarian, Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD. It was reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, and was last updated on July 13, 2024

Cat Declawing Controversy Among Veterinarians

Veterinarians hate talking about cat declawing. For us, it's like talking about abortion, religion, or politics in a hostile environment. Opinions are strong, and most of us who still perform cat declawing readily admit that we hate to do them. But our main reason for performing them is to provide great homes for more cats, even if those great homes insist on declawing.

Declawing as a Necessary Evil?

I’ve been in rescue and shelter situations where unwanted cats sit in cages for years or wind up in kill shelters. I would rather perform a few declaws a year and have those kitties in safe homes than think about the alternative. However, many other veterinarians, particularly newer grads, simply refuse to do declaws. The procedure is outlawed in the United Kingdom, so many English veterinarians here in the United States think the idea of surgically removing a cat’s toes is absurd and inhumane.

Changing Trends in Veterinary Practices

Ten years ago, a small animal veterinarian would probably have been in the minority if he or she refused to declaw cats. Now it is commonplace for a veterinarian to refuse to do the procedure. The same is true for ear cropping and tail docking.

When I began practicing, back in the dark ages, declaw appointments were made routinely like spay, neuter, or dental appointments. No questions asked. Spay/declaw and neuter/declaw combinations were commonplace for young cats. Urban practices always did more declaws than suburban/rural practices, and still do since these cats are 100% indoor (we hope).

Educating Clients on Declawing

Now many veterinarians put the client requesting a declaw through a rigorous crash education course on the nature of the surgery, and the pros and cons associated with it, making sure the client knows what declawing means. Here's what it means: We actually surgically amputate 10 toes.

• There is always some degree of pain and discomfort despite pain medication.
• There is a relatively high complication rate as compared with other “routine” procedures.
• Finally, we educate the client on trying to retrain the cat to use various types of scratching posts, trimming nails, Soft Paws

Client Categories and Awareness

Clients fall into three categories:

• Those adamantly against declawing, believing it is cruel (the majority).
• Those having second thoughts about declawing but extremely worried about an issue they believe is legitimate (like their furniture or their toddler’s face).
• Those who believe a house cat is an acceptable pet only if it doesn’t have its front claws (the minority). Some vets still declaw all four paws, which I believe is wrong. Nobody can make an argument for serious damage done by rear claws.

Public awareness of the controversial nature of declawing has changed dramatically in the past 10 years, all for the better. When we began “counseling” clients who requested a declaw a decade ago, we were usually met with anger and resentment. I’m quite sure I lost a handful of clients because we tried to “talk them out of it.” That’s okay. If they are not willing to discuss important ethical issues with me, they don’t belong at my practice.

Now, for the most part, cat owners either know cats are not routinely declawed or are very receptive to hearing about the pros and cons of the procedure. They are still surprised to learn that many veterinarians refuse to do the procedure. That makes my job easier. They realize that this is a serious matter that deserves a lot of thought.

So You Want to Declaw Your Cat?

When clients call to make an appointment for a cat declawing, they must first speak with a technician, and then a doctor, before the surgery. Many owners change their minds after discussing the procedure with a knowledgeable technician. It is important to note that we only declaw young cats, typically around 4-5 months old.

Why Declawing is Easier for Young Cats

• Declawing is much easier on a young cat than an older or overweight cat.
• In a young cat (4-5 months), there is much less bleeding and much less pain.
• The kitten is usually carefully walking around the next morning after surgery, eating and attempting to play.

However, many veterinarians have stopped declawing due to the ethical concerns and the suffering it causes.

The Rationale Behind Cat Declawing

The primary reason for performing cat declawing is to place more cats in happy homes, reducing the number of homeless cats, shelter populations, and needless euthanasia.

• Declawing can prevent cats from being homeless or euthanized.
• In certain cases, despite knowing the controversy, if the owner is set on declawing and will provide a good home, the procedure is performed.

Ironically, most people who insist on a declaw are great owners; they just prioritize their furniture.

Protecting Furniture from Cat Claws

Clearly, the majority of owners wanting to declaw their cats are worried about damage to their furniture, rugs, woodwork, etc. While I don’t share the same value system about house furnishings, I can understand it. Many owners adore their cats but also their leather chairs, Brazilian floors, and oriental rugs. If the cat is going to live in the lap of luxury in an adoring home without claws, I have to say okay.

Alternatives to Declawing

Many people are willing to learn to: Clip claws

• Discuss Soft Paws (although this isn’t for everyone)
• Experiment with scratching posts

Also, many cats do less damage as they age. Most cats turn happily into couch potatoes after a few years, decreasing damage to surfaces.

Behavioral Modifications

If a client is extremely house-proud and obsessive about their surroundings, none of the behavioral modifications and nail clipping will solve the problem. A veterinarian who refuses to declaw would ultimately have to admit that the people who love their furniture and drapes and rugs so much don’t deserve to have a cat. This might be a valid perspective.

Cats With Attitude

Some owners are afraid of cat scratches and believe cat declawing will fix the problem. However, most cats do not scratch their owners. If the cat is aggressive, a cat bite is often a bigger worry than a scratch. Really aggressive cats will use their claws to grab onto your hand, but it’s the bite they inflict while holding your arm that’s the real problem. Many owners eventually let these difficult cats outside to try and defray aggression. If the cat is declawed, letting it out is a real problem for self-defense.

Medical Concerns and Exceptions for Declawing

If the owner has a serious medical concern where a cat scratch poses a health risk, declawing may be considered. This is probably the only time I will make an exception and declaw an older cat. For example:

• If an owner has had a cat for five years but the owner’s diabetes has become severe.
• A casual cat scratch could cause a life-threatening infection and put the owner in the hospital.

In such cases, to keep the cat with the owner, declawing might be a valid option.

The Ethical Debate Surrounding Cat Declawing

The ethical debate surrounding cat declawing is intense and multifaceted. Many veterinarians, animal rights organizations, and cat owners argue that declawing is an inhumane practice that should be banned.

• Animal Welfare Concerns: The primary ethical concern is the welfare of the cat. Declawing is seen as causing unnecessary pain and suffering, altering the cat's natural behavior and ability to defend itself.
• Natural Behavior: Clawing is an innate behavior for cats, essential for marking territory, climbing, and self-defense. Removing claws can lead to frustration and behavioral issues.
• Alternatives: Ethical arguments emphasize the availability of alternatives such as nail trimming, claw caps like Soft Paws, and providing appropriate scratching posts.
• Legal Bans: Reflecting the ethical concerns, many regions have banned cat declawing. For example, the practice is illegal in the United Kingdom and several cities in the United States.
• Veterinary Oaths: Veterinarians take an oath to do no harm. Many argue that performing declawing contradicts this oath due to the procedure's painful nature and potential for long-term harm.

Understanding the ethical arguments against cat declawing can help owners make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of their pets.

The Complications of Declawing a Cat

Many veterinarians who have performed numerous declaws aim for excellent results. However, there are many possible complications with a declaw, and even if done perfectly, complications can still arise.

Methods and Risks of Cat Declawing

• There are a few different ways to perform a declaw, including traditional methods and laser surgery.
• Carefully removing the nail and small bone attached to the nail (P3) is crucial. If not done perfectly, the nail can grow back deformed and painful, causing infection and growing through the skin.
• Removing too much bone or hurting the pad can lead to poor outcomes, making it essential to find a proficient veterinarian.

Potential Complications

• Even when everything is done perfectly, complications with healing can still occur.
• Cats may limp after surgery or hold up a paw for years.
• There can be neurologic pain, “phantom limb” pain, and paralysis.
• Declawed cats may suffer from arthritis later in life due to altered natural gait.
• Some cats react to the suture material or glue, developing swellings or infections.

Healing and Recovery

• More complications seem to arise now due to extensive pain control used during the procedure.
• Cats may feel good and start using their feet too soon, delaying healing.
• More cage rest for the first week might help, but declawing is generally done only on young cats.
• Some cats may develop problems a year or more after the surgery.

Health Risks and Long-Term Effects of Declawing

Cat declawing involves significant health risks and long-term effects that owners must consider. While the immediate surgical procedure might seem successful, the complications can persist for the rest of the cat's life. These complications include:

• Chronic Pain: Many declawed cats experience chronic pain in their paws. This can lead to limping or reluctance to walk, play, or jump.
• Behavioral Changes: Declawed cats may become more aggressive due to the pain and discomfort they experience. They might bite more as their primary means of defense.
• Arthritis: The altered gait from losing their claws can cause joint issues and arthritis, significantly impacting the cat's quality of life.
• Phantom Limb Pain: Some cats may suffer from phantom limb pain, similar to what amputees experience in humans.
• Infection Risks: There is always a risk of infection after surgery, and improperly done declawing can lead to painful regrowths or bone spurs.

It's crucial for cat owners to understand these potential risks before deciding on cat declawing, as the long-term welfare of the cat can be severely impacted.

Conclusion

Anyone who chooses to declaw their cat should be fully aware of the possibility that the procedure may cause harm. The hope is that most cat owners will put their furniture in perspective and learn to live with a cat with claws. For those who can't tolerate any damage, the declaw surgeries should aim to cause the least amount of pain. The mission is more homes for more cats, and sometimes that means compromising on perfect furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

• Declawing.” Belton Veterinary Clinic. https://www.beltonvetclinic.com/services/cats/declawing
• “Why Declawing Is Bad for Your Cat.” The Humane Society of the United States. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/why-declawing-bad-your-cat
• “Declawing.” Ingleside Animal Hospital. https://www.ingleside.com/services/cats/declawing
• “Cat Declawing: Pros, Cons, and Safer Alternatives.” Shallowford Animal Hospital. https://shallowfordvet.com/cat-declawing-pros-cons-and-safer-alternatives/