Declawing is not a nail trim but it's a surgical amputation. It removes the last bone of each toe and permanently alters a cat's anatomy and behavior.
Declawed cats are 4.5 times more likely to bite and more prone to litter box avoidance, chronic pain, and behavioral issues.
Over 60% of declawed cats experience at least one long-term complication, such as back pain, lameness, or nerve damage.
Declawing is banned or severely restricted in over 30 countries, including the UK, Australia, Germany, and Brazil. In many regions, it's legally classified as animal cruelty.
Humane alternatives exist. Scratching posts, nail caps, behavioral redirection, and environmental enrichment are proven to work — without harming your pet.
62% of U.S. cat owners support a national ban on declawing when given access to safe alternatives.
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Key Takeaways:
Why Cats Have Claws and Why They Matter
The Hidden Costs of Declawing
Why Declawing Is Banned Around the World
What to Do Instead: Humane Alternatives to Declawing
Conclusion
Declawing may sound like a simple fix… just a little nail trim, right? Unfortunately, it's far more invasive than most pet parents realize. Declawing a cat isn't the equivalent of cutting nails. Declawing a cat is the equivalent of amputating the last bone of each toe, and the consequences can last a lifetime!
According to the AVMA, declawing is not medically necessary in most cases and should only be considered as a last resort. Yet tens of thousands of cats are still declawed every year, many of them without full disclosure of the long-term risks.
🧠 Research shows declawed cats are more likely to suffer from chronic pain, arthritis, aggression, and even litter box avoidance. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found that declawed cats were significantly more likely to bite than cats with their claws intact. These aren't small side effects… they're serious, often lifelong consequences. And yet, many cat parents still don't know what declawing really involves or what they can do instead.
That's why in this article, we'll explore:
Why your cat's claws are so much more than scratching tools
What really happens during declawing
The physical and emotional fallout
And the proven, humane alternatives every cat parent should know
Why Cats Have Claws and Why They Matter
Cats don't just have claws - they are claws 😸 Claws are built into almost everything your cat does, from grooming to stretching to communicating with the world around them.
Here's what your cat's claws help them do every day:
Climb and balance: Whether scaling a tree or a bookshelf, claws give cats traction, agility, and the confidence to explore.
Stretch their muscles: Scratching isn't just about sharpening nails, but it's a full-body stretch that keeps muscles toned and joints flexible.
Mark their territory: Cats have scent glands in their paws. When they scratch, they leave both a visual and chemical marker behind. These glands release pheromones.
Self-defense and confidence: Even indoor cats rely on claws as a natural defense if they feel threatened or scared.
Grooming: Cats use their claws to clean themselves, especially their faces and ears. Without them, daily hygiene becomes frustrating, even distressing.
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A 2017 study emphasized that claws are vital to a cat's musculoskeletal health. Removing them disrupts gait, posture, and long-term mobility.
Declawing takes away a biological tool that cats evolved to depend on.
The Hidden Costs of Declawing
Declawing isn't a nail trim. It's a surgical amputation which removes not just the claw, but the entire last bone of each toe. Imagine losing your fingers at the last knuckle -> That's what it's like for your cat. And the fallout goes far beyond their paws.
🩺 According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, declawed cats are more likely to experience:
Chronic pain and lameness: Removing part of their toes can permanently alter how cats walk, placing unnatural strain on their joints and spine.
Arthritis and stiffness: A study published in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery found declawed cats had significantly higher rates of back pain and degenerative joint disease.
Nerve damage and paw sensitivity: Even years later, many cats exhibit signs of discomfort or overgrooming due to persistent nerve pain.
Behavioral issues: Declawed cats may become more defensive or anxious. Research shows they are 4.5 times more likely to bite — likely because their primary defense mechanism has been removed.
Litter box avoidance: Cats with sore paws often avoid using the litter box, associating it with pain.
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One 2017 study found that over 60% of declawed cats showed at least one behavior or physical complication post-surgery.
It's no wonder that many countries (including the UK, Australia, Germany, and Brazil) have banned or severely restricted declawing, labeling it as inhumane and medically unnecessary.
And here's the thing: Declawing is usually done not for the cat's health, but for furniture protection or convenience. That's a permanent, painful price for a temporary problem, so it's no surprise that around the world, more and more countries are saying no to declawing entirely. Let's take a closer look at why this practice is being banned and what that tells us about how seriously it impacts cats.
Why Declawing Is Banned Around the World
The answer to this question is simple: because the evidence is overwhelming. Declawing causes unnecessary pain, long-term physical harm, and emotional distress in cats. That's why dozens of countries and a growing number of U.S. states and cities have banned it altogether.
In many places, it's now legally considered animal cruelty.
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Declawing is banned or severely restricted in over 30 countries, including: United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Israel.
These bans are based on research and animal welfare principles:
The European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals prohibits surgical procedures for aesthetic or convenience purposes, including declawing.
In many of these countries, declawing can carry legal penalties, such as fines or prosecution for animal cruelty.
In Canada, over 10 provinces and territories have banned it since 2018, including British Columbia and Québec.
Even in the U.S., the message is starting to get through:
New York became the first state to outlaw declawing in 2019.
Maryland followed in 2022.
Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, and Austin have also enacted bans.
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A 2023 survey found that 62% of U.S. cat owners support a nationwide ban, provided humane alternatives are available.
And the veterinary community agrees:
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) discourages elective declawing.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) opposes it entirely, except in rare, medically necessary cases.
At the heart of it, this is about choosing kindness. Our beloved cats trust us to protect them, and that means understanding their needs, not reshaping them to fit ours. When we listen to the experts, and to our cats themselves, the answer becomes clear: they’re perfect just as they are.
What to Do Instead: Humane Alternatives to Declawing
You don't need to choose between your cat's wellbeing and your furniture. There are safe, vet-approved ways to prevent scratching damage without ever touching a scalpel.
Here's what actually works:
1. Provide Proper Scratching Surfaces
Cats scratch because it's instinctual and not just to be “bad”. Give them places to unleash that urge:
Vertical posts (tall enough to stretch fully)
Horizontal scratch pads (for floor scratchers)
Different materials like sisal, cardboard, and carpet
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Pro tip: Place scratchers where your cat already likes to scratch, like next to the couch or by a sunny window.
2. Trim Their Nails Regularly (If You Really Need To)
In most cases, cats don't need their nails trimmed, especially if they're using scratchers regularly and staying active, but a quick trim every 2–3 weeks keeps claws from getting too sharp. Start slow, use treats, and make it a calm experience.
Not sure how? Your vet or groomer can show you, or do it for you.
3. Use Nail Caps
Soft, flexible caps can be glued over your cat's claws. They're painless, safe, and protect your furniture while still allowing natural stretching and behavior.
4. Redirect, Don't Punish
If your cat starts scratching the wrong thing:
Gently move them to a scratching post
Praise them when they use it
Use double-sided tape or deterrent sprays where needed, but never punish or yell
5. Enrich Their Environment
Bored cats are more likely to scratch destructively. Try:
Cat trees or climbing shelves
Puzzle feeders and toys
Interactive play (especially for indoor cats!)
Cats scratch more when they're stressed, so give them safe places to hide, perch, and de-stress, and it will make a huge difference.
Conclusion
Declawing may still be legal in some places, but that doesn't make it right. The more we learn about what this surgery really does to a cat's body, their behavior, their ability to live fully,the harder it becomes to justify.
Your cat's claws aren't a flaw to be removed. They're a vital part of who they are, how they stretch, play, climb, balance, and express themselves. Taking them away doesn't just stop scratching. It changes everything.
If your cat's claws are causing stress or damage at home, there are humane, proven ways to manage it without sacrificing your pet's health or happiness.
Veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, and entire countries are saying the same thing: declawing isn't necessary, and it isn't kind. And now you know, too.
So if you've read this far, thank you.
You're part of a growing movement of informed, compassionate cat lovers who are choosing better for their pets, their homes, and their hearts. 🐾
📚 Sources & References American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Veterinary Surgery (2017) Humane Society of the United States European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
Written by
Alexandra Soanca
I’ve gained a deep understanding of the challenges and emotions that come with searching for a missing pet, and I’m here to provide guidance, support, and a little bit of hope along the way.
When I'm not helping reunite lost pets with their pet parents, you’ll likely find me spending time with my own furry companion, Valla - a curious gray tabby with a **very** independent spirit.
