Declawing a cat is a controversial and harmful procedure that involves amputating a catโs toes at their first joint. Often performed to prevent cats from scratching furniture, people, or other animals, this procedure can have serious consequences for a cat’s physical and emotional well-being.
Not only does it cause immediate pain and discomfort, but declawing can also lead to long-term health issues such as arthritis, nerve damage, and behavioural concerns. Cats rely on their claws for balance, climbing, and self-defense, so removing them significantly impacts their quality of life.
Litter Box Challenges
Declawed cats may experience pain and discomfort in their paws, making it difficult for them to dig in their litter box. This can result in inappropriate elimination, such as avoiding the litter box altogether.
Itโs important to understand that declawing is a serious and irreversible procedure. Fortunately, there are humane and effective alternatives to address scratching behaviour without resorting to declawing.
Understanding Your Cat’s Natural Needs
By recognizing a catโs instinctual behaviours and providing appropriate outlets, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for them to thrive. Declawing also leaves cats vulnerable to threats and unable to engage in natural behaviours like climbing, grooming, and self-defense.
Superior Alternatives to Declawing
- Scratching Posts
Cats have a natural instinct to scratch to mark their territory, stretch their muscles, and maintain their claws. Providing multiple scratching posts around your home gives them appropriate outlets for this behaviour. - Regular Nail Trims
Keeping your catโs nails trimmed can prevent damage to furniture and reduce the risk of injury. You can do this at home or have it done by a professional groomer or veterinarian. - Soft Paws (Nail Caps)
As a last resort, consider Soft Paws, which are plastic nail caps applied to your catโs claws to prevent scratching. These caps are temporary and provide a safe, effective way to protect your furniture while allowing your cat to exhibit natural scratching behaviours. - Environmental Enrichment
Providing toys, hiding spots, climbing structures, and interactive playtime keeps your cat mentally and physically stimulated. Redirecting their energy through play and exercise can reduce unwanted scratching behaviours. - Positive Reinforcement Training
Use treats and praise to encourage your cat to use scratching posts and other appropriate surfaces. Rewarding good behaviour reinforces positive habits.
By meeting your catโs natural needs and using positive reinforcement techniques, you can address unwanted scratching behaviours without resorting to declawing. Respect your catโs instincts and provide a safe, enriching environment for them to thrive.
Join the Movement to Ban Declawing in Ontario
Want to help ban declawing in Ontario? Sign the petition now: Sign the Petition
For more information, visit the Paw Project website.
Article by Krista Schulte
I am a fear-free, force-free, and positive reinforcement Certified Cat Trainer and Behaviour Specialist in Canada. I volunteer in shelters and work on feline enrichment and socialization, and behaviour modification for TLC cases. I threw myself into the Cat Behaviour community and began a path of rigour study, gaining various certificates to attain this goal and will always continue my education. After helping get cats out of the shelters, I transitioned to a Behaviour Counsellor with Toronto Cat Rescue (still with them) to keep cats from going back to the shelter. I am passionate about these cats and their welfare.
www.felinebehaviourcoach.com
Instagram: FelineBehaviourCoach
Facebook: FelineBehaviourCoach
