Please Don't Declaw Your Cat

If there is no medical reason for the procedure, we will not do it. Many vets will not do this procedure due to the ethical, behavioral, and physical issues associated with it. The cat's claw isn't just a nail like it is on humans - it's part of the last bone in the cat's foot. Declawing is equivalent to cutting off a person's finger at the first knuckle. This may seem like a convenience for cat owners, however it can cause chronic behavioral and medical problems for the cat. Some of these problems include chronic pain, lameness, infection, and necrosis. It often causes cats to stop using the litterbox due to the pain caused by stepping on the litter.

Scratching and the use of their claws is part of a cat's lifestyle and is not a habit of any sort. The best way to control your cat's scratching would be to provide multiple acceptable places to scratch, such as scratching posts or cardboard boxes . There are also plastic nail covers that can be put over the nails, which can be found at many chain pet stores or for cheap online. Weekly or monthly nail trimming at a groomer or at home can also alleviate the problem.