Declawing - What You Need to Know

Declawing is an inhumane and incredibly painful procedure for cats to endure. It can lead to lifelong pain, discomfort, and behavioral issues. The procedure involves removing the first joint of the cat’s toe, equivalent to amputating the tip of a person's finger from the first knuckle on. As a result, cats can suffer from symptoms such as chronic foot pain, infection, arthritis and difficulty walking.

Owners may declaw their cats in an attempt to prevent unwanted scratching, but sometimes the declaw procedure will actually cause cats to exhibit new problematic behaviors. Declawed cats are more likely to urinate outside of the litter box because the litter becomes painful to walk on, and declawed cats may be more likely to bite because they can no longer use their paws and claws for protection. Furthermore, scratching is an important natural cat behavior that helps them exercise and tone their muscles.

Proponents of declawing claim that the practice keeps cats in homes. However, data from U.S. cities that have banned declawing shows a decline in the number of relinquished cats since the bans were enacted. Because of the problems that declawing can bring, it may actually make an owner more likely to relinquish their cat.

​Effective and humane alternatives to the declawing exist, and ACR implores you to explore these alternative options and refrain from this torturous procedure.