To De-Claw or Not To De-Claw: Weighing the Pros and Cons

To declaw or not to declaw, is a heated discussion.  

There are strong opinions on both sides, with some people believing that declawing is a necessary procedure for keeping cats as pets, while others see it as cruel and unnecessary.  I will explore both sides of the argument and discuss the pros and cons of each approach

What are the Effects of De-clawing?

Let’s first define what declawing is.  Declawing, also known as onychectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a cat’s claws.  

The procedure is typically done for two reasons:  to prevent the cat from scratching furniture, people, or other animals, or to prevent injury or injection if the cat has a medical condition that causes its claws to grow abnormally.  

Those in favor of declawing argue that it is a necessary procedure for keeping cats as pets.  They point out that cats have a natural instinct to scratch and that this behavior can lead to damage to furniture, carpets, and other household items.  

It can be very destructive, especially if you are partial to expensive furniture.  Declawing is seen as a way to prevent this damage while still allowing the cat and human to coexist in the home.

There are instances that declawing can be beneficial for cats that are prone to injuring themselves or others with their claws.  

This can be important in households with children, elderly individuals, or people with compromised immune systems, as scratches from cats can lead to serious infection.  Included are those who are on blood thinners and any bleeding could lead to a medical emergency.  

Those who are against declawing argue that the procedure is cruel and unnecessary.  They point out that declawing involves the amputation of the last bone of a cat’s toes and can cause pain and discomfort for the animal.  In some cases, declawing can also lead to long-term physical and behavioral problems.

After the procedure, you can’t use regular cat litter as it can get into the surgical sites and cause infection.  It does appear that cats are experiencing pain or discomfort but this is hard to know for sure.  The unnatural feeling they are experiencing will cause them to walk differently until they get used to it.  

There are arguments that some cats may continue to experience chronic pain or discomfort after being declawed.  They may develop behavior problems such as litter box aversion or aggression.  

More importantly, because declawing removes a cat’s primary means of defense, declawed cats may be more vulnerable to injuries or attacks from other animals.  This is especially true if they are outside some of the time.  As a result, it is recommended that if declawing is the final decision, only the front claws be removed so that the cat still has a means of defense.  

As with many controversial issues, declawing is illegal or strongly discouraged in many countries.  It is banned in several US states and Canadian provinces, as well as in countries like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. 

These countries have the stance that declawing is a painful and unnecessary procedure that could cause long-term harm to cats.  Many animal welfare organizations and veterinary associations don’t recommend declawing except in cases where it is medically necessary.  

Instead, they recommend using positive reinforcement training to encourage cats to use scratching posts and other designated scratching surfaces.  They also suggest providing cats with plenty of playtime and exercise to help reduce their urge to scratch. 

What are the Effects of Not De-clawing?

For those who are against declawing, several alternatives can help prevent cats from scratching furniture and other household items.  One option is to provide the cats with those scratching posts or other designated scratching surfaces.  

These can be made from materials like sisal rope or cardboard and can be placed in areas where the cat is likely to scratch.  There are products available that can help protect or deter cats from scratching furniture or other valuable items.  

These include double-sided tape, spray deterrents, and special covers for furniture legs or corners.  While these products may not work for every cat, they can be useful tools for preventing damage.  

Another option is to trim the cat’s nails regularly.  This can be done safely with a special set of clippers or by taking the cat to the veterinarian or groomer.  Regular nail trimming can help prevent damage to furniture and carpets, while also reducing the risk of scratches to people or other animals.  

In conclusion, the decision of whether or not to declaw is a complex one with strong pros and cons on each side.  It should be carefully considered.  It is important to consider the potential long-term effects on the cat’s health and behavior.  At the end of the day, the most important thing is to prioritize the health and well-being of our feline companions.  By providing them with proper care, love, and attention, we can create a happy and harmonious home for both the cats and their humans.