Declawing is bad for cats because it amputates the last bone of each toe, which can cause pain, walking problems, and behavior problems, and it is banned in many places.
What declawing is
It is not just nail removal. It amputates the last bone of each toe.
Harms
- Pain, nerve damage and infection.
- Walking problems and arthritis.
- Biting and litter box avoidance.
Legal status
Banned in many countries, including the UK, and in New York, Maryland, Virginia and some cities in the US.
Veterinary view
The AVMA discourages it. The ASPCA opposes it.
Alternatives
Scratching posts, nail trims and soft nail caps.
What the surgery involves
Declawing (onychectomy) is not a nail trim. It amputates the last bone of each toe, equivalent to cutting off a human finger at the last knuckle. It is done under general anesthesia on 10 toes for front paws, sometimes also the back ones.
- Complications reported in studies include pain, infection, bone fragments, nerve damage and lameness. A 2017 study in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found declawed cats had higher odds of back pain, biting and inappropriate urination.
- The American Association of Feline Practitioners opposes declawing as an elective procedure.
- Declawing is banned in over 40 countries, including the UK and much of the EU, and in New York State (since 2019) and Maryland, as well as cities such as Los Angeles.
Alternatives
Regular nail trimming every 2 to 3 weeks, scratching posts of sisal and cardboard, and soft nail caps (such as Soft Paws, replaced every 4 to 6 weeks) reduce damage. Placing posts near where cats sleep or near furniture they scratch helps. Rewarding with treats shapes behavior, and double-sided tape on furniture discourages use. Scratching is natural, as it marks territory and stretches muscles.
What declawing involves
Declawing (onychectomy) is not a nail trim. It is amputation of the last bone of each toe, equivalent to removing the tip of each finger at the last knuckle. It is performed under general anesthesia, and cats can suffer pain, infection and nerve damage. Reported long term complications include chronic pain, lameness and a higher rate of biting and litter box avoidance.
Laws and alternatives
Declawing is banned in many countries, including most of Europe and the UK, as well as in New York State (2019), Maryland (2022) and Virginia (2022 in some cases), and in several US cities. The American Veterinary Medical Association discourages it. Alternatives are regular nail trims every 2 to 3 weeks, scratching posts, soft nail caps and training.
Pain and long term effects
Studies in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found declawed cats had higher rates of back pain, aggression and urinating outside the litter box than non declawed cats. Surgical techniques include scalpel, laser and tendonectomy, an alternative that cuts the tendon but leaves the claw, and which also has risks.
Where it is banned
Declawing is illegal in many places including New York (2019), Maryland (2022), Virginia (2023 with exceptions), Denver, Los Angeles and several Canadian provinces, and in over 40 countries. The Humane Society of the United States and the Cat Fanciers’ Association discourage the practice. Training, scratching posts with sisal, soft paws and trimming every 2 to 3 weeks protect furniture.
Based on data from the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Humane Society
