Frequently Asked Questions

What is declawing?

The term declawing causes some confusion because it's not simply removal of the claw but requires amputation up to the first knuckle of the declawed toes. That's because cats' claws don't grow like humans' nails. Nails grow from the skin, but claws grow from the bone, and that's because cats are meant to climb trees and grab and hold onto prey.

To remove cats' claws and ensure they don't regrow, amputation of the bone where they grow from is required, and that means cutting through tendons, blood vessels, nerves, and bone.

The scientific term for declawing is onychectomy, and it's a major surgery requiring general anesthesia and carrying numerous risks.

What are the risks of declaw surgery?

There are both immediate and long-term risks of declawing a cat. Short-term, the risks include those associated with general anesthesia as well as excessive bleeding, infection, opening of the incisions, extreme pain upon waking up, nerve damage, tissue death and gangrene, and death.

Long-term potential side effects include chronic pain, arthritis, lameness, personality changes, and behavior problems like inappropriate urination.

Why is declawing so common?

The most common reason for declawing is to eliminate scratching damage to items in the home. Sometimes, it is done to eliminate the potential for scratching injury to humans or other pets in the home.

Declawing can seem like a quick, easy way to be done worrying about cat scratching, but many people aren't aware of exactly what the surgery entails and what the potential side effects are.

Is declawing illegal in New York?

As of July 22, 2019, it's illegal for a veterinarian to perform a declaw surgery on a cat in the state of New York. There are a few specific exceptions that include the presence of an abnormal claw condition or injury. Learn more here: "Declaw Ban in New York."

Do declawed cats have difficulty defending themselves?

Yes. Cats use their claws as a primary means of defense because they can swipe at something while it is much further away than the proximity it must be before they can bite it. They use a swipe with their claws to encourage an attacker to stay back, and that is enough to end most scuffles.

Many people think a cat can still defend himself with the back claws, but the cat must lie on his back to do that, putting him in a vulnerable position.

Is it cruel to declaw a cat?

Yes. A declaw surgery involves amputations of each of the toes up to the first joint. Tendons, blood vessels, and bone is cut, and the recovery is excruciatingly painful. Cats are digitigrade animals, which means they walk up on their toes, unlike humans, who are plantigrade and walk on the bottoms of their feet. That makes it even more painful for a declawed cat to recover.

Declawing is done almost exclusively for the benefit of humans and does not benefit the cat but only causes them pain and suffering. Over the long term, cats often develop chronic pain, gait changes, personality shifts, and behavior problems like inappropriate urination after declawing. Learn more here: "Walk Through a Declaw Surgery with a Kitten."

Is declawing illegal?

Declawing cats is legal in most of the United States. However, it became illegal in New York on July 22, 2019, and it is illegal in some US cities. Additionally, there is legislation being considered in several other states that would ban declaws.

Declawing cats is illegal in many countries of the world. Learn more: "Countries That Outlaw Declawing."

Is declawing painful for cats?

Yes, declawing is excruciatingly painful for cats because it involves amputation of each toe at the first joint. The cat must then walk directly on those amputation sites upon waking up. Over time, chronic pain develops due to arthritis and gait changes.

Declawing a cat is the same as amputating a person's fingers at the first joint with the addition of the cat needing to walk on and use the amputation sites directly and immediately.

Because declawing is such a common procedure, owners and veterinarians often minimize the idea of how painful it is in their minds. Additionally, cats are masterful at hiding pain as an evolutionary mechanism to avoid being perceived as weak. So, unfortunately, cats endure excruciating recovery from declawing surgery, often without proper pain medication.

Are declawed cats more aggressive?

The claws are a primary means of protection for a cat. Even if the kitty never scratches people or other pets defensively, having claws creates a sense of security for the cat and increases self-confidence. When the claws are removed, cats can feel insecure about the ability to protect themselves, making them more prone to biting.

Additionally, other personality changes are common in declawed cats. They can become more nervous and reclusive and less friendly. They may also develop behavior problems related to stress and pain such as inappropriate elimination (urinating and defecating outside the litter box.)

Is there a law against declawing cats?

There are laws against declawing in many countries, including but not limited to England, Scotland, France, Portugal, Spain, and New Zealand (https://www.declawing.com/countries-that-outlaw-declawing). There are some US cities where declawing is banned, including Denver, LA, and San Francisco. Declawing is illegal, as of July 22, 2019, in the state of New York.

In what states is declawing cats illegal?

Currently, declawing is illegal in the state of New York, but there is legislation in several other states attempting to ban the procedure.

Is laser declawing painful?

Laser declawing is the same as blade declawing when it comes to pain. It's still the amputation of the toes to the first joint.

Do vets declaw cats anymore?

Many veterinarians still perform declaws on cats, but there are a growing number who are discontinuing the procedure. You can find a list of vets who do not declaw cats here: http://www.declaw.com/veterinarians-who-do-not-declaw/list-of-veterinarians. We are always adding to the list as we become aware of vets who don't declaw, so please contact us if you know of one.

What is a good alternative to declawing?

Cats need to scratch to stay physically and emotionally healthy. Alternatives to declawing focus on ways to allow your cat the necessary scratching behavior while avoiding damage to household items.

Soft Paws® vinyl claw caps are a great way to mitigate scratching damage in your home. They're easy to apply and once you and your cat are used to them, can last up to six weeks. They're affordable, non-toxic, and don't interfere with a cat's ability to extend or retract their claws. Learn more: "Soft Paws FAQ."

Great quality scratching posts covered with sisal fabric and placed in high traffic areas of your home can also allow your cats the benefits of scratching while protecting your household items. Learn more: "Scratching Posts and Why Cats Need Them."

How can I get declawing outlawed in my state?

There are people in every state working to get legislation banning declaws passed. You can join them or start your own local movement. We recommend you check out Paw Project, an organization that works hard to get out information about declawing and its negative consequences. This page lists things you can do to help: https://pawproject.org/contribute/things-you-can-do/