10 Reasons Why You Should Never Declaw Your Cat

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

cat
Gustavo Fring/Pexels

Declawing a cat might sound like a simple solution to avoid scratches on your furniture, but the reality is far from it. This process isn’t just about taking out a cat’s claws—it’s a painful removal of the last bone in each toe. According to a studies, declawing can lead to long-term physical and psychological issues in cats. If you’re considering declawing, here are ten reasons to think twice and explore humane alternatives.

1. Declawing Is Not Just Nail Trimming

cat paws
hhach/pixabay

Declawing isn’t just the removal of a claw. It’s an amputation of the last bone in your cat’s toes, equivalent to cutting off a human finger at the first knuckle. This invasive procedure not only causes significant pain but also permanently alters the way a cat walks. Imagine having to adjust to walking with an injury that never truly heals. Cats rely on their claws for balance and movement, so this procedure can make simple activities like climbing or jumping uncomfortable for them.

2. Pain Doesn’t End After Surgery

Cat
Hamza Khan/Pexels

While anesthesia prevents pain during the surgery, the aftermath can be excruciating. Cats experience throbbing pain and may take weeks or even months to recover. Even with pain management, some cats continue to experience discomfort that interferes with daily activities. According to research, declawed cats are more likely to experience chronic pain due to nerve damage and improper healing. This kind of persistent discomfort can also make cats irritable and anxious, leading to a negative change in their behavior. The emotional toll this takes can strain the bond between a cat and its owner, creating lasting challenges.

3. Declawed Cats May Have Behavioral Problems

Cat
Pitipat Usanakornkul/Pexels

One of the myths about declawing is that it will solve behavioral issues, but it can create new ones. Without claws, cats often feel defenseless and may become aggressive as a way to compensate. They might bite more frequently since they lack their primary defense mechanism, which can be more harmful than a scratch. Studies have shown that declawed cats are also more likely to avoid the litter box because walking on litter feels painful on their tender paws. This can lead to increased stress for both the cat and the owner, often resulting in a breakdown of the pet-owner relationship.

4. Claws Are Crucial for a Cat’s Physical Health

Cat
Wild Shots By Irina/Pexels

Cats use their claws for more than just scratching—they’re essential for climbing, stretching, and even exercising. Cats scratch naturally to stretch their muscles and maintain healthy claws. By removing their claws, you’re taking away a vital aspect of their well-being. This can lead to stiffness, joint problems, and a decrease in overall mobility as the cat ages.

5. Increased Risk of Arthritis

Cat
Pixabay/Pexels

Declawed cats are more likely to develop arthritis due to the unnatural pressure on their paws and joints. When the structure of their toes is altered, it impacts the alignment of their entire body, forcing them to adjust their posture unnaturally. Over time, this can lead to chronic joint pain and limited mobility. Research has linked declawing to a higher incidence of arthritis, especially in older cats, making it a decision that affects your cat’s health for years to come. This chronic pain often reduces a cat’s ability to play and interact, further diminishing their quality of life.

6. Declawing Can Lead to Infections

Cat
Omar Ramadan/Pexels

After declawing, many cats find it painful to walk on litter, causing them to avoid the litter box altogether. They might start relieving themselves on carpets, beds, or other soft surfaces where their paws feel less tender. Over time, this can create hygiene issues and frustration for the owner. The constant stress of managing these accidents can strain the human-animal bond, making the situation challenging for both parties. Additionally, untreated infections from surgery can worsen the discomfort, further discouraging the cat from using the litter box. These problems often lead to broken homes for cats, as owners struggle to manage their behavior and find themselves overwhelmed by the consequences.

7. Litter Box Problems Are Common

Cat
Наталья Севрук/Pexels

After declawing, many cats find it painful to walk on litter, causing them to avoid the litter box altogether. They might start relieving themselves on carpets, beds, or other soft surfaces where their paws feel less tender. This is not only stressful for the cat but also for you as a pet owner. A study found that declawing significantly impacts cats’ chances of being adopted from animal shelters due to litter box problems.

8. Cats Use Claws for Communication

Cat and dog playing
Helen1/Pexels

Cats communicate through body language, and claws play an essential role in that. Scratching isn’t just a way to sharpen their claws—it’s a way to mark territory, release stress, and communicate with other cats. Without claws, a cat loses an important part of its natural behavior, which can lead to frustration and behavioral changes over time.

9. Declawing Can Shorten a Cat’s Lifespan

Cat
Nothing Ahead/Pexels

Cats that are declawed are often kept indoors because they can’t defend themselves outside. However, even indoor cats may face health and behavioral challenges that affect their quality of life. Stress from being unable to engage in natural behaviors can weaken their immune system over time, making them more susceptible to illnesses. While declawing itself doesn’t directly shorten a cat’s lifespan, the complications and stress it causes can indirectly impact their longevity.

10. Humane Alternatives Exist

Black Cat
Ruca Souza/Pexels

Declawing may seem like a quick fix to protect furniture or prevent scratches, but there are humane alternatives that address these concerns while ensuring your cat stays healthy and content. Regularly trimming your cat’s claws with a cat-specific trimmer can keep their sharp tips in check, reducing the risk of scratches without disrupting their natural behavior. Providing scratching posts or pads lets cats satisfy their instinct to stretch, mark territory, and shed claw layers. For furniture protection, simple measures can redirect unwanted scratching, while soft nail caps, like those from Soft Paws, offer a gentle and effective solution to minimize damage.

Love Pets as Much as We Do?

Cat Follow
Giant Design/Canva.com

Scroll up and click the ‘Follow’ button to stay updated with the latest heart-warming, hilarious, and helpful pet posts from Pawdown, delivered straight to your Microsoft Start feed and MSN homepage!

Related Posts

"Some cats thrive with dogs, while others prefer solitude. Choosing the right breed ensures a peaceful, happy multi-pet home."
Some cats are born hunters, while others prefer to be pampered. Discover which feline fits your home—hunter or royal foodie!
Discover 10 dog & 10 cat breeds needing expert grooming care—learn top tips to keep your pet stylish, healthy, and truly charming!
Discover 10 stunning blue-fur and 5 white-coated cat breeds, each with unique beauty and lovable personalities.
Discover feline mysteries, quirky antics, and the profound bond shared by cat owners—a magical journey of love and laughter!! Wow!
Some cat breeds form deep bonds with their owners and hate being alone. Here are 14 affectionate felines that crave constant companionship!
Discover 12 companion cat breeds that love staying close, watching your every move, and providing constant, loving company.
Looking for the perfect toy to match your cat’s personality? From interactive play to solo fun, here are 10 cat toys designed to satisfy every feline's unique needs.
Not all cats are distant or independent—these ten affectionate cat breeds thrive on companionship, cuddles, and constant interaction with their owners.

Leave a Comment