Cat Declawing is Not a Manicure - PART 1-Cat Care, Breeds and Resources Blog

Declawing a cat is major surgery. Declawing is actually 10 separate, painful amputations in which the last joint of each toe, including the bones — not just the nails — are cut out. This procedure, at it’s best, makes a cat’s life miserable and at it’s worse, can actually kill the cat. Here’s why:

1. Declawing involves general anesthesia and some cats may have an adverse reaction to the anesthetic.
2. When the surgery is over, the cat will need to relearn to walk.
3. The cat can get gangrene, which can lead to limb amputation.
4. Other possible medical problems include, permanent nerve damage, persistent pain, scar tissue formation, Sequestrum (bone chips) requiring additional surgery, and skin disorders.
5. A declawed cat will experience a weakening of her legs, shoulders, and back muscles because she used to scratch objects, which stretched all of her body. And, this will also cause a problem with her balance.
6. Some cats will stop using the litter box.

Other Problems Created
Declawed cats may have a change in personality. They may become morose, reclusive, and withdrawn or irritable, aggressive, and unpredictable. Furthermore, since claws are a cat’s first line of defense, they may start to bite.

In a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) it was reported that 33 percent of declawed cats, developed at least one behavioral problem and 80 percent had more than one medical complication.

Even Thinking About Declawing Makes My Eyes Cross!

Declawed Cats More Likely To Be Dumped
According to PETA, declawed cats are also more likely to be surrendered to shelters. So, the people put their cats through this horrible amputation ordeal, then when they can’t handle the personality change THEY caused, they get rid of her.

Some Vets Will Not Declaw
Many vets will refuse to declaw a cat. They look at it as inhumane and not in the best interest of the cat. In fact, there are many countries that ban declawing. Amen!

PART 2 - Alternatives to Declawing
In my next entry, I’ll cover alternatives to declawing and give you lots of resources. While you’re waiting for that, check out Training Cats Where To Scratch for an article on how to train your cat and for some great cat trees, scratching posts, and other cat things.

Purrs, Frankie

Kira here. YEOW! Declawing is cruel and unusual punishment for a cat simply being a cat — scratching objects. Heck, even Lee — who’s dumb as a brick — learned where not to scratch, with a little persistence from Mom and Dad. I wouldn’t wish declawing on even Snoball, and that shows you just how horrible declawing is. She’s a pill, but I’m not a monster. I was gonna take a nap after I wrote this, but quite frankly, I’m freaked and I’m afraid to shut my eyes right now. Kira

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