Is Declawing Cats Surgery Safe? A Comprehensive Guide

Over the subsequent years, animal protection organizations have been actively opposing the practice of declawing. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) both consider the ban on declawing to be a significant policy stance. They have played a crucial role in advocating for legislation and raising awareness about the true nature of the declawing procedure.

Why do cats scratch? In essence, the debate over declawing is actually about a completely different topic – scratching. Anyone who has ever owned a cat can attest to their love for scratching. The HSUS points out that cats have multiple uses for their claws. They do not mark furniture out of malice; instead, they seek textured surfaces to mark their territory or to file down the outer layer of their claws as a stress relief mechanism. This behavior is instinctual and almost unavoidable. Once cats start scratching (usually around 8 weeks old), their owners can begin to train them appropriately to avoid property damage and the need for surgery.

How does declawing work? This surgery is vastly different from simply trimming a cat's nails. It involves the complete removal of a cat's toes and claws. Typically, veterinarians only perform the procedure on the front paws, using either surgical knives or lasers. Opponents of declawing argue that it is akin to cutting off a person's fingers at the knuckle joint.

Opponents' views on declawing: Declawing is a controversial practice for a reason. It is closely associated with numerous physical and behavioral side effects. During the recovery period, cats may suffer from pain, infection, lameness, and even more severe issues such as nerve damage. For the rest of their lives, they may walk differently, which could lead to ongoing pain and discomfort for some cats. Studies also suggest that declawed cats may start to exhibit other destructive behaviors, such as biting people or forgetting to use the litter box.

Supporters' views on declawing: While there is not much strong support for declawing, the fact remains that most veterinarians and veterinary associations tend to favor the procedure as a potential last resort. In 2015, Dr. Alan M. Beck wrote in The New York Times that "some strategies can mitigate cat behavior problems, but many cats are unable to resist scratching, leading owners to abandon them or take them to shelters." Beck suggests that declawing is a "reasonable choice" compared to abandonment or euthanasia of pets.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) holds a similar stance. Although they do not endorse declawing as a choice or cosmetic surgery, they acknowledge that there are some situations where the procedure is necessary. They advise veterinarians to help cat owners understand the potential risks and drawbacks of declawing, as well as alternative methods available.

The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) fought against the state's initial ban on declawing for several years. It even briefly overturned West Hollywood's antideclawing law. However, the organization did not mention the impact of the surgery on animal welfare. Instead, CVMA opposed the law on the grounds that it violated veterinarians' personal rights.

Declawing bans: Many communities and states have followed West Hollywood's lead:

1. California: Several major cities, including Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, began banning declawing before 2010, and these laws are still in effect. Nationally, petfriendly building owners cannot require tenants to declaw their cats.

2. Colorado: Denver banned declawing as a cosmetic surgery in 2017.

3. New York: Governor Andrew Cuomo banned the procedure statewide on July 22, 2019.

4. Rhode Island: Since 2013, petfriendly building landlords cannot require tenants to declaw their cats.

Although antideclawing laws are still relatively rare in the United States, public opinion has shifted significantly over the past decade. A 2010 Associated Press poll found that 60% of pet owners and 55% of cat owners supported the surgery. With New York's recent ban, a recent veterinary news survey found that the vast majority of pet owners and veterinary professionals in both groups support a ban on declawing.

Alternatives to declawing: For cats that excessively scratch, owners can address this behavior early on. Cats are inevitably going to stick their paws into furniture and household items – after all, they can't help it. Remember, punishment and negative reinforcement are not beneficial to your cat. Here are some tips to help you find alternatives to declawing:

1. Consult your veterinarian about available nail caps or deterrent sprays.

2. Regularly trim your cat's nails to minimize the risk of being scratched.

3. Redirect scratching behavior to new, appropriate surfaces, such as scratching posts, using toys and catnip to help.

4. Provide positive reinforcement for appropriate scratching.

Like other controversial surgeries, declawing is generally not encouraged unless recommended by a veterinary professional. Organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) suggest trying all of these alternatives before discussing declawing with your veterinarian.