The Truth About Declawing

What Is “Declawing”?

Most people, on the first account of being introduced to the term “declawing” (medical term- Onychectomy), think that it is just a procedure that removes the claws from a feline, which doesn’t sound all that pleasant either. What they don’t know is that it is much more serious than that. Unlike humans, cats’ claws are connected to the third bone of every toe, which is called the phalanx. Declawing is the surgical amputation procedure that is done by removing not only the claw but also the phalanx, often with a scalpel or a laser, removing it entirely.

The Lasting Consequences

Many negative effects come with declawing. A few examples are when cats get declawed, they start to stray from or avoid their litter boxes. When they dig or walk around in the litter, it can become very irritating for them, as their nerves are left raw and sensitive. Another negative effect is when they have to resort to a different defense mechanism. For cats, their primary way to defend themselves is by scratching. Without their claws, they feel vulnerable, which can heighten their anxiety and make them more prone to biting. The most concerning part is the risk and the pain. Not only is there a risk that the surgery is not done right, but after the procedure is finished, a lot of cats have to deal with issues like walking. Cats naturally walk on their toes, so not having a bone, especially the bone closest to the end of their toes, will serve as a pretty big issue when it comes to moving around. They will eventually be forced to shift that weight over to their second joints, which can cause joint pain and arthritis. They also deal with something called phantom pain, in which, like human amputees, they have a sensation of pain or itching in the area that has been removed due to the nerves becoming hypersensitive.

Safer Solutions That Actually Work

Instead of choosing to declaw your cat, as a solution, there are other non-harmful ways to go about solving the issue. One example is by using nail caps, which are essentially covers that go on the nail. It is not advised to use cheap plastic ones, as they can cause trouble when retracting their claws; instead, use flexible vinyl or soft resin and replace them every 4-6 weeks. If the issue is the scratching up of the furniture, it is advised to use double-sided tape or aluminum foil around the corners because cats don’t like the feeling, so they will likely avoid scratching. You can also get a scratching post so that they have something else to take their excitement or anxiety out on, instead of you or your furniture. It is also very healthy for them, as it helps remove the dead outer layers of the claw. The most common way to go about solving this issue is simply by trimming your cat’s nails. While this can be done in the comfort of your own home, some might find it too intimidating because they’re afraid of trimming the nail too short. If this is you, you can get a veterinarian to trim them instead.