Time to debunk declawing! This can be a touchy topic for some people because, even though the idea of a snuggly lap cat is appealing, demolished furniture is less than ideal. Many people declaw as a solution to this potential problem. However, they don’t realize the full picture of what declawing entails or the alternative options.

Whether you’re in full support of declawing or on the fence, consider these ten reasons not to declaw before you make that appointment.

1     It’s painful

This is something that adamant pro-declawers do not want to hear or accept. Unfortunately, many people simply don’t know that declawing is painful procedure and can cause a lifetime of painful consequences down the road. Surely no one would knowingly hurt their beloved pet, so this is an important point to get across.

Declawing is not just a nail trim. Declaw surgery is an amputation of the last bone in each paw digit or “toe.” It’s the equivalent of cutting each finger off at the knuckle. The big difference here is that they walk on, hold items, and groom themselves with those knuckles every single day. They constantly put pressure on their paws, which are very sensitive post-declaw.

There are multiple ways to declaw a cat (laser, scalpel, etc), but each comes with this same problem, whether short-term, long-term, or both. For more information on the procedure, visit here or watch The Paw Project.

2     Surgery risks

As with human surgery, any animal surgery comes with its risks. Declaw is a legitimate amputation surgery that involves anesthesia and any accompanying risks.

Beyond this, botched declaw surgery is a real and frightening thing. So what you think is just a one-time surgery could lead to multiple follow-up appointment and surgeries. Sometimes the nail isn’t completely removed or begins to grow back. Oftentimes when the nail does grow back, it does so at an odd angle and results in a necessary amputation. Not only is this costly to you, but it’s painful and stressful on the animal, not to mention an unnecessary risk.

3     Litter box problems

This is a big one. The vast majority of cats surrendered to humane societies are brought in because of litter box issues. Besides medical issues such as urinary tract infections or triple phosphate crystals, declawing is the number one reason for litter box issues. This is especially true when an adult cat is declawed. If an adult cat suddenly doesn’t have claws, the sensation of (sensitive) knuckles to litter is unusual and unpleasant, so they look to softer places to relieve themselves.

Even when a kitten is declawed, the risk of litter box issues is prevalent. Claws are a natural, necessary asset for cats and it’s unnatural enough for them to use a small box as a bathroom rather than the great wide open. Eliminating their claws only adds to the difficulty in consistent litter box elimination. See more about declaw litter box issues and how to resolve them here.

4     Arthritis

Declawed cats are more prone to arthritis because there is so much more pressure on their knuckles, and their bones are weakened from a decrease in scratching, kneading, and stretching. Not only does this contribute to litter box problems, but it also impacts the overall health and wellness of your cat as he/she ages. While arthritis is unpleasant for humans, it can be debilitating in cats since they rely so much on their paws for movement and daily function.

5     Behavioral problems

A declawed cat is far more likely to bite than a cat with claws. Logically, this makes sense because when you remove one line of defense (scratching/swatting), you resort to other options, namely biting.

One of the most frustrating and frightening things about cat behavior is how well they hide their pain. A dog will whine and fuss if in pain, but a cat may purr to self-sooth, if anything. When cats (or humans!) are in pain, they are more irritable and more likely to lash out seemingly for no reason. There is a strong correlation between change in behavior and “increased grumpiness” after a cat declaw.

6     Lowered defenses

If you have another animal in the house, you have an indoor-outdoor cat, or if your cat ever gets escapes, claws are essential for survival. In the case of a multi-animal household, swatting is your cat’s first way of saying “I need my space”, after growling. Remove claws,  and your cat resorts to biting or running away, and no one wants an aggressive or scaredy cat.

In the case of outdoor cats, whether incidental or intentional, cats rely on their claws to climb, scent mark, and help them catch food. A declawed cat is completely defenseless and stripped of their natural abilities to survive outdoors. It’s the equivalent of throwing someone in the middle of “The Hunger Games” without any tools, weapons, or access to resources. They’re pretty much sitting ducks.

7     Permanent solution to a temporary problem

Declawing is a permanent, irreversible surgery. Scratched arms and torn furniture is a temporary, fixable problem. Considering what your cat goes through during surgery, immediately after surgery, and throughout his/her life after declaw, it is a pretty drastic step to take when there are more humane options.

8     So many other options!

Several people are on the fence or dislike the idea of declawing but do it anyway because they simply don’t know just how many alternatives there are. No one wants their expensive couch demolished or their child’s arms bloodied. But rather than resort to a permanent, painful, expensive surgical procedure, consider other options.

Kitty Caps or Soft Claws are plastic caps you can put on the nails to remove the threat of damage while still allowing your cat to act naturally. Add scratching posts and utilize scratch deterrents to ensure your cat only scratches appropriate items. Teach your children how to read cat body language and respect when a cat needs space so scratching is not a risk. This is just the tip of the declaw alternatives iceberg. Get a comprehensive list of other more humane, less expensive options here.

9     It’s illegal

….Depending on where you live. Cat declawing is outlawed in many countries including England, Scotland, Italy, Australia, Germany, France, Israel, and more. Several states and areas of Canada have also banned declawing. Nova Scotia, British Columbia, New York, New Jersey, and Denver have all passed bills that ban cat declaw, viewing it as “ethically unacceptable.” Learn more here.

10     Just because you can doesn’t mean you should

Even if lawmakers didn’t agree, declawing is unnecessary at best and inhumane at worst. Lots of people fall back on the idea, “Well, my vet says it’s ok!” But what is medically allowed is not always in the best interest of the animal. Consider euthanasia. Veterinarians are legally allowed and obliged, in some cases, to euthanize upon request. This is true whether it is medically necessary or not. Every day, veterinarians euthanize perfectly healthy kittens and puppies upon request, but that doesn’t make it in in the best interest of the animal.

From a completely cynical (yet, unfortunately, not untrue) perspective, vets will do what makes them money. In the case of declawing, they make money from the presurgical consult, surgical procedure, and post-op meds. Should anything go wrong medically afterwards- continued bleeding, amputation, arthritis medication- that all comes back to them as more business. This is most certainly not the mentality of all vets. Several practices refuse to declaw, even though it could have made them money- go them! However, the point is that it doesn’t financially benefit a veterinarian to refuse to declaw, so vet approval to declaw to stop nuisance scratching is not a hall pass.