Declawing (Onychectomy) Position Statement: The American Animal Hospital Association is opposed to the declawing of domestic cats unless all other attempts have been made to prevent the cat from using its claws destructively or when clawing presents a significant health risk for people within the household. Read more

 

Declawing is an irreversible surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian while the cat is under general anesthesia. Hospitalization for one to two days may be required. As the back feet are rarely used for scratching, the front feet are usually the only ones declawed. It is best to declaw cats at a young age of about five months old. Young cats tend to recover more quickly and adapt better to the loss of their claws. Many veterinarians discourage the declawing of older cats who often experience prolonged and recurrent pain from the procedure. Most declawed cats will resume normal activities, including performing scratching motions. With rear claws intact, cats can still climb small trees, hunt, and even defend themselves when necessary.

 

How Declawing Works:
A cat’s toe has three bones; the claw grows from the end of the last bone. In declawing, the veterinarian amputates the end section of the last bone, along with the nail. This removes the claw and prevents it from growing back. The toe
is then sewn shut with absorbable sutures or closed with surgical skin glue. Each paw is bandaged snugly to control bleeding. Bandages may be removed within one to two days.

 

Laser Surgery Option:
Surgical lasers have been used in declawing for several years at veterinary colleges, but it has just recently become an affordable option for veterinary hospitals to offer clients. Laser declaw surgery requires anesthesia and amputation of the bone and nails as described in “How Declawing Works” above. However, laser surgery offers advantages. As it cuts, the laser automatically seals small blood vessels and nerve endings around the cut, so there is less bleeding and pain. As a consequence, cats recover faster from laser declawing.

Care After Surgery:
Declawed cats require special care immediately after surgery. Pain medications are often administered for three to five days following the operation. Although difficult, owners need to restrict their cat’s activity, especially jumping, for
several days. Until healing is complete, the cat should be kept indoors and the litter box should be filled with shredded newspaper or non-granular litter. Even after the cat has fully recovered, it is wise to restrict its outdoor access because
it really has no adequate means of defense.

 

Complications:
Complication rates are low if declawing is performed correctly. Most cats will walk fairly well within two to three days. Their feet, however, will be tender for a week or two following surgery. It is normal for a cat to limp or favor a paw
following surgery. If this behavior stops and then starts again, contact your veterinarian. Also contact a veterinarian if any of these symptoms are present:

 

Declawing is controversial, as it provides no health benefit to the cat and is done strictly for human benefit. Opponents say it is unnatural and cruel, and can result in psychological damage to the cat. Proponents say that declawing has no more negative effects than does any other surgical procedure. Furthermore, by ending unwanted behavior, declawing could increase the chances for a cat to enjoy a safe, permanent indoor home.

 

Flexor tendonectomy is a surgical procedure that leaves the claws intact but prevents cats from extending them. The tendon controlling claw extension is cut and a small portion removed while the cat is under general anesthesia. Following surgery, owners must monitor the cat’s toenails and keep them clipped, because the cat’s ability to shed and sharpen its claws is limited.

 

Regular nail trimming can diminish the destruction caused by a cat’s scratching. This is a procedure your veterinarian can show you how to do. It must be performed carefully and routinely.

 

Nail coverings attach to the claws with a nontoxic adhesive and provide a blunt nail tip so scratching doesn’t cause damage. About once a month, the coverings must be removed, nails trimmed, and new coverings applied. You can do this procedure yourself or have it done in your veterinarian’s practice.

 

Training your cat only to scratch certain objects, such as a scratching post, can be done. Consult your veterinarian, a pet behaviorist, or a good book on cat care and training for more information.