Declawing is the innocuous word used to describe an onychectomy or the surgical removal of a cat’s nails. The most common and least expensive declawing method is known as the Guillotine Method and involves removing the end of the toe bone thus permanently removing the claw with it. This method can cause severe bleeding and when not done properly can crush the ends of the toes. The Blade Excision Method is similar; however, involves a surgical blade removal of the toe bone ends. The least common, most expensive and most time consuming method is the Laser Method. Laser removal reduces bleeding and recovery time for the cat, but is not as popular due to the expense involved.

There is considerable controversy around the topic of declawing and the decision to do so should not be taken lightly. In most European countries, Australia, Brazil, Japan and others, the practice of declawing has been deemed illegal under animal cruelty laws. There are groups mobilizing in the United States to prohibit the practice as well; however, it is still a legal and practiced procedure in the States. Advocates of the procedure argue that cats can be destructive and that declawing helps to ensure that the cat keeps his home over ending up in the shelter for destroying it. Others argue that their cat is kept indoors and does not need the use of her claws to hunt for food or for protection.

Opponents to this procedure argue that it is cruel and inhumane and its practice should be stopped altogether. With many cats escaping from their indoor homes they will need their claws to survive outdoors. Also, millions of cats are surrendered to shelters every year from their former indoor homes. While their previous owner felt it necessary to declaw them it might not be the choice of a potential adoptive family. This camp also maintains that cats use their claws for a variety of other necessary reasons including communication and exercise. They communicate with people and with other animals using their claws. They also use their claws to hang onto an object and stretch and strengthen their legs, lower back and other important body parts. Another argument from this side is that the surgery is simply needless and causes unnecessary pain and possible future complications for no good reason.

In most cases people opt to declaw to prevent damage to possessions; however, there are some cases in which experts agree that declawing is acceptable. In some extremely rare cases a cat may be relieved of a potential health problem by removing the claws. In cases which the owner of the cat has a compromised immune system as a result of HIV or a similar autoimmune related disorder or is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer declawing can be a life-saving procedure for the owner. These patients can not risk the bacteria or infection that could result if scratched by their cat. Again, these situations are rare, but they do happen and are sometimes good reasons for declawing.

Most experts will encourage you try other methods to control scratching before resorting to declawing. Considering declawing is painful and permanent there are other options that could work for you and your feline friend. Introduce your cat to a scratching post and praise her when she uses it. This will reduce her need to claw your drapes and furniture. This sometimes alleviates the problem completely; however, if it does not try placing nail caps on your cat’s claws. These small plastic nail covers slip over the cat’s existing nail and prevent digging into people or possessions for about a month or so. They are inexpensive and come in a variety of colors. If these options do not work consider taking her in for regular nail trimmings at the groomer to keep the nails at a shorter, more furniture-friendly length. There are options if you wish to take the time to explore them before resorting to surgery.

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