Should you declaw your cat?

Cat scratching is a normal way for your feline friend to communicate, clean and condition their claw beds, and stretch their leg and toe muscles. However, destructive scratching can be annoying when your kitty is tearing up your furniture — and dangerous when it involves your skin. Removing their claws is one option, but it's important to understand what declawing actually involves and explore alternatives first.

What Is Cat Declawing?

Feline declaw surgery is the permanent removal of the nails by amputation of the toe bone up to the first joint. The surgery usually involves only the front feet and must be performed under general anesthesia. Although relatively common, declawing is major orthopedic surgery, and your cat will need special post-surgical care to recover as comfortably and quickly as possible.

Is Cat Declawing Painful?

Your pet should be given an injectable pain reliever after surgery, and their feet will be bandaged overnight. Your veterinarian will also prescribe pain medication and possibly antibiotics for home care.

Some degree of discomfort and soreness is expected after surgery. Your cat may be reluctant to walk or jump. In younger cats, pain should lessen within 10 days and limping should improve within a week. For older cats, recovery takes a little longer.

Never give your cat, or any pet, human pain medication — including aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. These drugs are toxic to cats and dogs and could be fatal if ingested.

Is Declawing the Right Choice for Your Cat?

It's best to consider permanent claw removal only as a last resort — when other strategies have been unsuccessful and to avoid surrendering or euthanizing your cat. The decision is a personal one; consult with your veterinarian and speak to others who have been through the process.

Cats who have had their front claws removed should remain as indoor-only cats to avoid injury from other animals or rough terrain.

Alternatives to Cat Declawing

Before considering surgery, try these solutions to redirect your cat's scratching to appropriate targets. The goal isn't to stop scratching — it's a natural behavior — but to redirect it.

• Buy or build scratching posts or pads with a similar shape, direction, and material to your cat's preferred scratching spots. Look for horizontal or vertical options in woven fabric, carpet, soft wood, or sisal rope.
• Position scratching posts near your cat's favorite target, resting spot, or pathway.
• Make posts appealing by sprinkling catnip on them, playing with cat toys around them, and rewarding your cat with treats after use.
• Cover inappropriate targets with double-sided tape or a commercial repellant spray. A spray bottle of water can also serve as a gentle deterrent.

Never hit or physically reprimand your cat for scratching. It's a natural process, and physical discipline will only confuse them.