Cats have claws when they are born just like humans have fingernails. They need claws for marking and scratching territory just as humans use fingernails to scratch. This scratching is a basic need for cats. Given that, should you declaw your cat?

What is Declawing

Declawing removes all of the claws of the cat. This is equivalent to amputating the fingertips of humans. Although the cat may physically recover in a few weeks, psychological effects can remain for the rest of the cat’s life.

Pain and Complications

Cats experience severe pain following the surgery. A sizeable number of felines also experience complications such as abscess, lameness, and regrowth of the claws. Joint stiffness is also a result since the tendons will retract after surgery causing the joints to eventually freeze so that the feline can no longer extend his or her toes.

Cat Arthritis

Since a declawed cat will begin shifting their body weight backward, causing joint stress in the leg and spine which can lead to arthritis.

Biting

Since declawing removes the cat’s favorite defense mechanism, many will resort to biting if they feel threatened. This behavior won’t be welcomed by owners and could potentially cause the cat to be given up to a shelter. Also, serious consequences could result if the feline goes outside. Fighting with another cat while not having claws puts your kitty at a grave disadvantage and could even lead to death.

Instead of being a routine procedure, declawing should be avoided because of the drawbacks to the cat’s health and behavior.