Cat’s Claws
Unlike most mammals who walk on the soles of the paws or feet, cats are digitigrade, which
means they walk on their toes. Their back, shoulder, paw and leg joints, muscles, tendons,
ligaments and nerves are naturally designed to support and distribute the cat's weight across
its toes as it walks, runs and climbs. A cat's claws are used for balance, for exercising, and
for stretching the muscles in their legs, back, shoulders, and paws. They stretch these
muscles by digging their claws into a surface and pulling back against their own clawhold -
similar to isometric exercising for humans. This is the only way a cat can exercise, stretch
and tone the muscles of its back and shoulders. The toes help the foot meet the ground at a
precise angle to keep the leg, shoulder and back muscles and joints in proper alignment.
Removal of the last digits of the toes drastically alters the conformation of their feet and
causes the feet to meet the ground at an unnatural angle that can cause back pain similar to
that in humans caused by wearing improper shoes.
Understanding Declawing (Onychectomy)
The anatomy of the feline claw must be understood before one can appreciate the severity of
declawing. The cat's claw is not a nail as is a human fingernail, it is part of the last bone
(distal phalanx) in the cat's toe. The cat’s claw arises from the unguicular crest and
unguicular process in the distal phalanx of the paw (see above diagram). Most of the
germinal cells that produce the claw are situated in the dorsal aspect of the ungual crest. This
region must be removed completely, or regrowth of a vestigial claw and abcessation results.
The only way to be sure all of the germinal cells are removed is to amputate the entire distal
phalanx at the joint.
Contrary to most people's understanding, declawing consists of amputating not just the
claws, but the whole phalanx (up to the joint), including bones, ligaments, and tendons! To
remove the claw, the bone, nerve, joint capsule, collateral ligaments, and the extensor and
flexor tendons must all be amputated. Thus declawing is not a “simple”, single surgery but
10 separate, painful amputations of the third phalanx up to the last joint of each toe. A
graphic comparison in human terms would be the cutting off of a person's finger at the last
joint of each finger.
Unlike most mammals who walk on the soles of the paws or feet, cats are digitigrade, which
means they walk on their toes. Their back, shoulder, paw and leg joints, muscles, tendons,
ligaments and nerves are naturally designed to support and distribute the cat's weight across
its toes as it walks, runs and climbs. A cat's claws are used for balance, for exercising, and
for stretching the muscles in their legs, back, shoulders, and paws. They stretch these
muscles by digging their claws into a surface and pulling back against their own clawhold -
similar to isometric exercising for humans. This is the only way a cat can exercise, stretch
and tone the muscles of its back and shoulders. The toes help the foot meet the ground at a
precise angle to keep the leg, shoulder and back muscles and joints in proper alignment.
Removal of the last digits of the toes drastically alters the conformation of their feet and
causes the feet to meet the ground at an unnatural angle that can cause back pain similar to
that in humans caused by wearing improper shoes.
Understanding Declawing (Onychectomy)
The anatomy of the feline claw must be understood before one can appreciate the severity of
declawing. The cat's claw is not a nail as is a human fingernail, it is part of the last bone
(distal phalanx) in the cat's toe. The cat’s claw arises from the unguicular crest and
unguicular process in the distal phalanx of the paw (see above diagram). Most of the
germinal cells that produce the claw are situated in the dorsal aspect of the ungual crest. This
region must be removed completely, or regrowth of a vestigial claw and abcessation results.
The only way to be sure all of the germinal cells are removed is to amputate the entire distal
phalanx at the joint.
Contrary to most people's understanding, declawing consists of amputating not just the
claws, but the whole phalanx (up to the joint), including bones, ligaments, and tendons! To
remove the claw, the bone, nerve, joint capsule, collateral ligaments, and the extensor and
flexor tendons must all be amputated. Thus declawing is not a “simple”, single surgery but
10 separate, painful amputations of the third phalanx up to the last joint of each toe. A
graphic comparison in human terms would be the cutting off of a person's finger at the last
joint of each finger.
Many vets and clinic staff deliberately misinform and mislead clients into believing that
declawing removes only the claws in the hopes that clients are left with the impression that
the procedure is a "minor" surgery comparable to spay/neuter procedures and certainly
doesn't involve amputation (partial or complete) of the terminal-toe bone, ligaments and
tendons. Some vets rationalize the above description by saying that since the claw and the
third phalanx (terminal toe bone) are so firmly connected, they simply use the expression
"the claw" to make it simpler for clients to "understand". Other vets are somewhat more
honest and state that if they used the word "amputation", most clients would not have the
surgery performed! Onychectomy in the clinical definition involves either the partial or total
amputation of the terminal bone. That is the only method. What differs from vet to vet is
the type of cutting tool used (guillotine-type cutter, scalpel or laser).
Onychectomy (Declawing) Surgery
The below is a clinical description of the the declawing surgery taken from a leading
veterinary surgical textbbook. Contrary to misleading information, declawing is not a
"minor" surgery comparable to spaying and neutering procedures, it is 10, seperate, painful
amputations of the distal phalanx at the joint (disjointing).
declawing removes only the claws in the hopes that clients are left with the impression that
the procedure is a "minor" surgery comparable to spay/neuter procedures and certainly
doesn't involve amputation (partial or complete) of the terminal-toe bone, ligaments and
tendons. Some vets rationalize the above description by saying that since the claw and the
third phalanx (terminal toe bone) are so firmly connected, they simply use the expression
"the claw" to make it simpler for clients to "understand". Other vets are somewhat more
honest and state that if they used the word "amputation", most clients would not have the
surgery performed! Onychectomy in the clinical definition involves either the partial or total
amputation of the terminal bone. That is the only method. What differs from vet to vet is
the type of cutting tool used (guillotine-type cutter, scalpel or laser).
Onychectomy (Declawing) Surgery
The below is a clinical description of the the declawing surgery taken from a leading
veterinary surgical textbbook. Contrary to misleading information, declawing is not a
"minor" surgery comparable to spaying and neutering procedures, it is 10, seperate, painful
amputations of the distal phalanx at the joint (disjointing).
The claw is extended by pushing up under the footpad or by grasping it with Allis tissue
forceps. A scalpel blade is used to sharply dissect between the second and third phalanx
over the top of the ungual crest . The distal interphalangeal joint is disarticulated (disjointed),
and the deep digital flexor tendon is incised (severed). The digital footpad, is not incised. If a
nail trimmer is used, the ring of the instrument is placed in the groove between the second
phalanx and the ungual crest. The blade is positioned just in front of the footpad. The blade
is pushed through the soft tissues over the flexor process. With the ring of the nail trimmer
in position behind the ungual crest, the blade is released just slightly so that traction applied
to the claw causes the flexor process to slip out and above the blade. At this point, the flexor
tendon can be incised and disarticulation of the joint (disjointing) completed. Both
techniques effectively remove the entire third phalanx." (Excerpted from: Slatter D;
Textbook of Small Animal Surgery 2nd ed vol I, p.352 W.B. Saunders Company
Philadelphia.)
Complications
Declawing is not without complication. The rate of complication is relatively high compared
with other so-called routine procedures. Complications of this amputation can be
excruciating pain, damage to the radial nerve, hemorrhage, bone chips that prevent healing,
painful regrowth of deformed claw inside of the paw which is not visible to the eye, and
chronic back and joint pain as shoulder, leg and back muscles weaken.
Other complications include postoperative hemorrhage, either immediate or following
bandage removal is a fairly frequent occurrence, paw ischemia, lameness due to wound
infection or footpad laceration, exposure necrosis of the second phalanx, and abscess
associated with retention of portions of the third phalanx. Abscess due to regrowth must be
treated by surgical removal of the remnant of the third phalanx and wound debridement.
During amputation of the distal phalanx, the bone may shatter and cause what is called a
sequestrum, which serves as a focus for infection, causing continuous drainage from the toe.
This necessitates a second anesthesia and surgery. Abnormal growth of severed nerve ends
can also occur, causing long-term, painful sensations in the toes. Infection will occasionally
occur when all precautions have been taken.
"Declawing is actually an amputation of the last joint of your cat's "toes". When you
envision that, it becomes clear why declawing is not a humane act. It is a painful surgery,
with a painful recovery period. And remember that during the time of recuperation from the
surgery your cat would still have to use its feet to walk, jump, and scratch in its litter box
regardless of the pain it is experiencing."
Christianne Schelling, DVM
"General anesthesia is used for this surgery, which always has a certain degree of risk of
disability or death associated with it. Because declawing provides no medical benefits to
cats, even slight risk can be considered unacceptable. In addition, the recovery from
declawing can be painful and lengthy and may involve postoperative complications such as
infections, hemorrhage, and nail regrowth. The latter may subject the cat to additional
surgery." The Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights (AVAR)
Two recent studies published in peer-reviewed veterinary journals (Vet Surg 1994 Jul-Aug;
23(4):274-80) concluded “Fifty percent of the cats had one or more complications
immediately after surgery.... 19.8% developed complications after release.” Another study (J
Am Vet Med Assoc 1998 Aug 1;213(3):370-3) comparing the complications of declawing
with Tenectomy concluded “Owners should be aware of the high complication rate for both
procedures." Many cats also suffer a loss of balance because they can no longer achieve a
secure foothold on their amputated stumps.
Vet Surg 1994 Jul-Aug;23(4):274-80
Feline Onychectomy at a Teaching Institution: A
Retrospective Study of 163 Cases.
Tobias KS
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences,
Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine,
Pullman 99164-6610.
"One hundred sixty-three cats underwent onychectomy..... Fifty percent of the cats had one
or more complications immediately after surgery. Early postoperative complications included
pain..., hemorrhage...., lameness...., swelling...., or non-weight-bearing..... Follow-up was
available in 121 cats; 19.8% developed complications after release.
Late postoperative complications included infection...., regrowth...., P2 protrusion....,
palmagrade stance...., and prolonged, intermittent lameness....".
forceps. A scalpel blade is used to sharply dissect between the second and third phalanx
over the top of the ungual crest . The distal interphalangeal joint is disarticulated (disjointed),
and the deep digital flexor tendon is incised (severed). The digital footpad, is not incised. If a
nail trimmer is used, the ring of the instrument is placed in the groove between the second
phalanx and the ungual crest. The blade is positioned just in front of the footpad. The blade
is pushed through the soft tissues over the flexor process. With the ring of the nail trimmer
in position behind the ungual crest, the blade is released just slightly so that traction applied
to the claw causes the flexor process to slip out and above the blade. At this point, the flexor
tendon can be incised and disarticulation of the joint (disjointing) completed. Both
techniques effectively remove the entire third phalanx." (Excerpted from: Slatter D;
Textbook of Small Animal Surgery 2nd ed vol I, p.352 W.B. Saunders Company
Philadelphia.)
Complications
Declawing is not without complication. The rate of complication is relatively high compared
with other so-called routine procedures. Complications of this amputation can be
excruciating pain, damage to the radial nerve, hemorrhage, bone chips that prevent healing,
painful regrowth of deformed claw inside of the paw which is not visible to the eye, and
chronic back and joint pain as shoulder, leg and back muscles weaken.
Other complications include postoperative hemorrhage, either immediate or following
bandage removal is a fairly frequent occurrence, paw ischemia, lameness due to wound
infection or footpad laceration, exposure necrosis of the second phalanx, and abscess
associated with retention of portions of the third phalanx. Abscess due to regrowth must be
treated by surgical removal of the remnant of the third phalanx and wound debridement.
During amputation of the distal phalanx, the bone may shatter and cause what is called a
sequestrum, which serves as a focus for infection, causing continuous drainage from the toe.
This necessitates a second anesthesia and surgery. Abnormal growth of severed nerve ends
can also occur, causing long-term, painful sensations in the toes. Infection will occasionally
occur when all precautions have been taken.
"Declawing is actually an amputation of the last joint of your cat's "toes". When you
envision that, it becomes clear why declawing is not a humane act. It is a painful surgery,
with a painful recovery period. And remember that during the time of recuperation from the
surgery your cat would still have to use its feet to walk, jump, and scratch in its litter box
regardless of the pain it is experiencing."
Christianne Schelling, DVM
"General anesthesia is used for this surgery, which always has a certain degree of risk of
disability or death associated with it. Because declawing provides no medical benefits to
cats, even slight risk can be considered unacceptable. In addition, the recovery from
declawing can be painful and lengthy and may involve postoperative complications such as
infections, hemorrhage, and nail regrowth. The latter may subject the cat to additional
surgery." The Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights (AVAR)
Two recent studies published in peer-reviewed veterinary journals (Vet Surg 1994 Jul-Aug;
23(4):274-80) concluded “Fifty percent of the cats had one or more complications
immediately after surgery.... 19.8% developed complications after release.” Another study (J
Am Vet Med Assoc 1998 Aug 1;213(3):370-3) comparing the complications of declawing
with Tenectomy concluded “Owners should be aware of the high complication rate for both
procedures." Many cats also suffer a loss of balance because they can no longer achieve a
secure foothold on their amputated stumps.
Vet Surg 1994 Jul-Aug;23(4):274-80
Feline Onychectomy at a Teaching Institution: A
Retrospective Study of 163 Cases.
Tobias KS
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences,
Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine,
Pullman 99164-6610.
"One hundred sixty-three cats underwent onychectomy..... Fifty percent of the cats had one
or more complications immediately after surgery. Early postoperative complications included
pain..., hemorrhage...., lameness...., swelling...., or non-weight-bearing..... Follow-up was
available in 121 cats; 19.8% developed complications after release.
Late postoperative complications included infection...., regrowth...., P2 protrusion....,
palmagrade stance...., and prolonged, intermittent lameness....".
Psychological & Behavioral Complications
Some cats are so shocked by declawing that their personalities change. Cats who were lively
and friendly have become withdrawn and introverted after being declawed. Others, deprived
of their primary means of defense, become nervous, fearful, and/or aggressive, often
resorting to their only remaining means of defense, their teeth. In some cases, when
declawed cats use the litterbox after surgery, their feet are so tender they associate their new
pain with the box...permanently, resulting in a life-long adversion to using the litter box.
Other declawed cats that can no longer mark with their claws, they mark with urine instead
resulting in inappropriate elimination problems, which in many cases, results in
relinquishment of the cats to shelters and ultimately euthanasia. Many of the cats
surrendered to shelters are surrendered because of behavioral problems which developed
after the cats were declawed.
Many declawed cats become so traumatized by this painful mutilation that they end up
spending their maladjusted lives perched on top of doors and refrigerators, out of reach of
real and imaginary predators against whom they no longer have any adequate defense.
A cat relies on its claws as its primary means of defense. Removing the claws makes a cat
feel defenseless. The constant state of stress caused by a feeling of defenselessness may
make some declawed cats more prone to disease. Stress leads to a myriad of physical and
psychological disorders including supression of the immune system, cystitis and irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS)..
"The consequences of declawing are often pathetic. Changes in behavior can occur. A
declawed cat frequently resorts to biting when confronted with even minor threats. Biting
becomes an overcompensation for the insecurity of having no claws. Bungled surgery can
result in the regrowth of deformed claws or in an infection leading to gangrene. Balance is
affected by the inability to grasp with their claws. Chronic physical ailments such as cystitis
or skin disorders can be manifestations of a declawed cat's frustration and stress" David E.
Hammett, DVM
Moral, Ethical and Humane Considerations
The veterinary justification for declawing is that the owner may otherwise dispose of the
cat, perhaps cruelly. It is ethically inappropriate, in the long term, for veterinarians to
submit to this form of moral blackmail from their clients.
"The Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights is opposed to cosmetic surgeries and to
those performed to correct 'vices.' Declawing generally is unacceptable because the suffering
and disfigurement it causes is not offset by any benefits to the cat. Declawing is done strictly
to provide convenience for people. The Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights
(AVAR)
Some veterinarians have argued that some people would have their cats killed if declawing
was not an option. We should not, however, allow ourselves to taken 'emotional hostage'
like this. If a person really would kill her or his cat in this case, it is reasonable to question
the suitability of that person as a feline guardian, especially when there are millions of non-
declawed cats living in harmony with people."
Most people are vehemently opposed to declawing due to a combination of reasons: 1)
because the end (owner convenience) doesn't justify the means (causing unnecessary pain to
the cat); 2) because other, less harmful alternatives to declawing exist and 3) because claws
are part of the nature or "catness" of cats. Overall, the view is that it is ethically
inappropriate to remove parts of an animal's anatomy, thereby causing the animal pain,
merely to fit the owner's lifestyle, aesthetics, or convenience without any benefit to the cat.
It should be emphasized that "most people" includes virtually the entire adult population of
Europe and many other countries around the world.
Many countries are particularly concerned about animal welfare and have banned declawing
as abusive and causing
unnecessary pain and suffering with no benefit to the cat.. One highly regarded veterinary
textbook by Turner and Bateson on
the biology of cat behavior concludes a short section on scratching behavior with the
following statement: "The operative removal of the claws, as is sometimes practiced to protect furniture and curtains, is an act of abuse and should be forbidden by
law in all, not just a few countries."
The following is a partial list of countries in which declawing cats is either illegal or
considered extremely inhumane and only performed under extreme medical circumstances:
England - Scotland - Wales - Northern Ireland - Germany - Austria - Switzerland - Norway
- Sweden - Netherlands - Denmark - Finland - Brazil - Australia - New Zealand
CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) perceives the declawing of cats (onychectomy ) and the
severing of digital tendons (tendonectomy) to be elective surgical procedures which are
without benefit to the cat. Because of post operative discomfort or pain, and potential
future behavioral or physical effects, CFA disapproves of declawing or tendonectomy
surgery."
World Small Animal Veterinary Association
Section 10-Non-therapeutic Surgical Operations on Pet Animals
i) Surgical operations for the purpose of modifying the appearance of a pet animal for non-
therapeutic purposes should be actively discouraged.
ii) Where possible legislation should be enacted to prohibit the performance of non-
therapeutic surgical procedures for purely cosmetic purposes, in particular;
d. Declawing and defanging.
iii) Exceptions to these prohibitions should be permitted only if a veterinarian considers that
the particular surgical procedure is
necessary for veterinary medical reasons."
The Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights (AVAR) position on declawing cats:
"A major concern that the AVAR has about declawing is the attitude that is evident in this
situation. The cat is treated as if he or she is an inanimate object who can be modified, even
to the point of surgical mutilation, to suit a person's perception of what a cat should be. It
would seem more ethical and humane to accept that claws and scratching are inherent feline
attributes, and to adjust one's life accordingly if a cat is desired as a companion. If this is
unacceptable, then perhaps a different companion would be in order."
Dr. Nicholas Dodman, Professor of Behavioral Pharmacology and Director of the Behavior
Clinic at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and internationally known
specialist in domestic animal behavioral research, explains declawing:
"The inhumanity of the procedure is clearly demonstrated by the nature of cats' recovery
from anesthesia following the surgery. Unlike routine recoveries, including recovery from
neutering surgeries, which are fairly peaceful, declawing surgery results in cats bouncing off
the walls of the recovery cage because of excruciating pain. Cats that are more stoic huddle
in the corner of the recovery cage, immobilized in a state of helplessness, presumably by
overwhelming pain. Declawing fits the dictionary definition of mutilation to a tee. Words
such as deform, disfigure, disjoint, and dismember all apply to this surgery. Partial digital
amputation is so horrible that it has been employed for torture of prisoners of war, and in
veterinary medicine, the clinical procedure serves as model of severe pain for testing the
efficacy of analgesic drugs. Even though analgesic drugs can be used postoperatively, they
rarely are, and their effects are incomplete and transient anyway, so sooner or later the pain
will emerge." (Excerpted from The Cat Who Cried For Help, Dodman N, Bantam Books,
New York).
Declawing robs a cat of an integral means of movement and defense. Because they cannot
defend themselves adequately against attacks by other animals, declawed cats who are
allowed outdoors may be at increased risk of injury or death. Scratching is a natural instinct
for cats and declawing causes a significant degree of privation with respect to satisfying the
instinctive impulses to climb, chase, exercise, and to mark territory by scratching. Cats
simply enjoy scratching. The sensible and humane solution to undesirable scratching is to
modify the cat's conduct by making changes in the environment and direct the cat’s natural
scratching behavior to an appropriate area (e.g., scratching post) rather than surgically
altering the cat, thereby causing the animal pain, merely to fit the owner's lifestyle,
aesthetics, or convenience.
The fact that many cats recover from the hideous experience of declawing without untoward
effects, and even though they may not hold grudges, that doesn't seem sufficient
justification for putting a family member through such a repugnant experience. In short, a
declawed cat is a maimed, mutilated cat, and no excuse can justify the operation. Your cat
should trust you, and depend upon you for protection. Don't betray that trust by declawing
your cat.
Some cats are so shocked by declawing that their personalities change. Cats who were lively
and friendly have become withdrawn and introverted after being declawed. Others, deprived
of their primary means of defense, become nervous, fearful, and/or aggressive, often
resorting to their only remaining means of defense, their teeth. In some cases, when
declawed cats use the litterbox after surgery, their feet are so tender they associate their new
pain with the box...permanently, resulting in a life-long adversion to using the litter box.
Other declawed cats that can no longer mark with their claws, they mark with urine instead
resulting in inappropriate elimination problems, which in many cases, results in
relinquishment of the cats to shelters and ultimately euthanasia. Many of the cats
surrendered to shelters are surrendered because of behavioral problems which developed
after the cats were declawed.
Many declawed cats become so traumatized by this painful mutilation that they end up
spending their maladjusted lives perched on top of doors and refrigerators, out of reach of
real and imaginary predators against whom they no longer have any adequate defense.
A cat relies on its claws as its primary means of defense. Removing the claws makes a cat
feel defenseless. The constant state of stress caused by a feeling of defenselessness may
make some declawed cats more prone to disease. Stress leads to a myriad of physical and
psychological disorders including supression of the immune system, cystitis and irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS)..
"The consequences of declawing are often pathetic. Changes in behavior can occur. A
declawed cat frequently resorts to biting when confronted with even minor threats. Biting
becomes an overcompensation for the insecurity of having no claws. Bungled surgery can
result in the regrowth of deformed claws or in an infection leading to gangrene. Balance is
affected by the inability to grasp with their claws. Chronic physical ailments such as cystitis
or skin disorders can be manifestations of a declawed cat's frustration and stress" David E.
Hammett, DVM
Moral, Ethical and Humane Considerations
The veterinary justification for declawing is that the owner may otherwise dispose of the
cat, perhaps cruelly. It is ethically inappropriate, in the long term, for veterinarians to
submit to this form of moral blackmail from their clients.
"The Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights is opposed to cosmetic surgeries and to
those performed to correct 'vices.' Declawing generally is unacceptable because the suffering
and disfigurement it causes is not offset by any benefits to the cat. Declawing is done strictly
to provide convenience for people. The Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights
(AVAR)
Some veterinarians have argued that some people would have their cats killed if declawing
was not an option. We should not, however, allow ourselves to taken 'emotional hostage'
like this. If a person really would kill her or his cat in this case, it is reasonable to question
the suitability of that person as a feline guardian, especially when there are millions of non-
declawed cats living in harmony with people."
Most people are vehemently opposed to declawing due to a combination of reasons: 1)
because the end (owner convenience) doesn't justify the means (causing unnecessary pain to
the cat); 2) because other, less harmful alternatives to declawing exist and 3) because claws
are part of the nature or "catness" of cats. Overall, the view is that it is ethically
inappropriate to remove parts of an animal's anatomy, thereby causing the animal pain,
merely to fit the owner's lifestyle, aesthetics, or convenience without any benefit to the cat.
It should be emphasized that "most people" includes virtually the entire adult population of
Europe and many other countries around the world.
Many countries are particularly concerned about animal welfare and have banned declawing
as abusive and causing
unnecessary pain and suffering with no benefit to the cat.. One highly regarded veterinary
textbook by Turner and Bateson on
the biology of cat behavior concludes a short section on scratching behavior with the
following statement: "The operative removal of the claws, as is sometimes practiced to protect furniture and curtains, is an act of abuse and should be forbidden by
law in all, not just a few countries."
The following is a partial list of countries in which declawing cats is either illegal or
considered extremely inhumane and only performed under extreme medical circumstances:
England - Scotland - Wales - Northern Ireland - Germany - Austria - Switzerland - Norway
- Sweden - Netherlands - Denmark - Finland - Brazil - Australia - New Zealand
CFA (Cat Fanciers Association) perceives the declawing of cats (onychectomy ) and the
severing of digital tendons (tendonectomy) to be elective surgical procedures which are
without benefit to the cat. Because of post operative discomfort or pain, and potential
future behavioral or physical effects, CFA disapproves of declawing or tendonectomy
surgery."
World Small Animal Veterinary Association
Section 10-Non-therapeutic Surgical Operations on Pet Animals
i) Surgical operations for the purpose of modifying the appearance of a pet animal for non-
therapeutic purposes should be actively discouraged.
ii) Where possible legislation should be enacted to prohibit the performance of non-
therapeutic surgical procedures for purely cosmetic purposes, in particular;
d. Declawing and defanging.
iii) Exceptions to these prohibitions should be permitted only if a veterinarian considers that
the particular surgical procedure is
necessary for veterinary medical reasons."
The Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights (AVAR) position on declawing cats:
"A major concern that the AVAR has about declawing is the attitude that is evident in this
situation. The cat is treated as if he or she is an inanimate object who can be modified, even
to the point of surgical mutilation, to suit a person's perception of what a cat should be. It
would seem more ethical and humane to accept that claws and scratching are inherent feline
attributes, and to adjust one's life accordingly if a cat is desired as a companion. If this is
unacceptable, then perhaps a different companion would be in order."
Dr. Nicholas Dodman, Professor of Behavioral Pharmacology and Director of the Behavior
Clinic at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and internationally known
specialist in domestic animal behavioral research, explains declawing:
"The inhumanity of the procedure is clearly demonstrated by the nature of cats' recovery
from anesthesia following the surgery. Unlike routine recoveries, including recovery from
neutering surgeries, which are fairly peaceful, declawing surgery results in cats bouncing off
the walls of the recovery cage because of excruciating pain. Cats that are more stoic huddle
in the corner of the recovery cage, immobilized in a state of helplessness, presumably by
overwhelming pain. Declawing fits the dictionary definition of mutilation to a tee. Words
such as deform, disfigure, disjoint, and dismember all apply to this surgery. Partial digital
amputation is so horrible that it has been employed for torture of prisoners of war, and in
veterinary medicine, the clinical procedure serves as model of severe pain for testing the
efficacy of analgesic drugs. Even though analgesic drugs can be used postoperatively, they
rarely are, and their effects are incomplete and transient anyway, so sooner or later the pain
will emerge." (Excerpted from The Cat Who Cried For Help, Dodman N, Bantam Books,
New York).
Declawing robs a cat of an integral means of movement and defense. Because they cannot
defend themselves adequately against attacks by other animals, declawed cats who are
allowed outdoors may be at increased risk of injury or death. Scratching is a natural instinct
for cats and declawing causes a significant degree of privation with respect to satisfying the
instinctive impulses to climb, chase, exercise, and to mark territory by scratching. Cats
simply enjoy scratching. The sensible and humane solution to undesirable scratching is to
modify the cat's conduct by making changes in the environment and direct the cat’s natural
scratching behavior to an appropriate area (e.g., scratching post) rather than surgically
altering the cat, thereby causing the animal pain, merely to fit the owner's lifestyle,
aesthetics, or convenience.
The fact that many cats recover from the hideous experience of declawing without untoward
effects, and even though they may not hold grudges, that doesn't seem sufficient
justification for putting a family member through such a repugnant experience. In short, a
declawed cat is a maimed, mutilated cat, and no excuse can justify the operation. Your cat
should trust you, and depend upon you for protection. Don't betray that trust by declawing
your cat.
| Declawing |
| Declawing your cat = amputating your feet and hands! Please read what your vetenarian does not want you to know! |