Declawing Cats: Our Position and Humane Alternatives
As an AAHA-accredited hospital and Gold-level Cat Friendly Practice in Lenexa, KS, Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center follows the declawing position of the American Animal Hospital Association. We want to help you protect your home while keeping your cat healthy and happy, and we are glad to guide you toward effective, humane alternatives to declawing (onychectomy).
Scratching Is Normal Feline Behavior
When people consider declawing, it is usually to protect furniture or because of safety concerns for other people or pets in the household. It helps to understand that scratching serves several important purposes for cats:
- It conditions the claws by removing old nail sheaths.
- It scent-marks objects using glands in the paws.
- It helps cats stretch and exercise their front legs.
- Cats simply enjoy how it feels.
How to Encourage Appropriate Scratching
You can help redirect your cat’s scratching with these recommendations:
- Provide suitable scratching options such as scratching posts, cardboard scratchers, lumber or logs, and carpet or fabric remnants attached to stable objects. Choose options tall or long enough for a full stretch and firmly anchored for resistance.
- Place scratching objects near furniture your cat has been scratching and make them more appealing than the furniture. Add scratchers near resting areas, since cats like to stretch and scratch after naps.
- Train with positive reinforcement such as treats, catnip and verbal praise.
- Trim your cat’s nails every one to two weeks.
- Consider artificial nail caps, such as SoftPaws.
- Avoid rough play that encourages scratching or biting people.
- Try pheromone products such as Feliscratch, listed on our recommended links page.
Making an Informed Decision
Anyone considering declawing should understand that:
- Declawing is not simply removing the claw. It is a major surgery that involves amputation.
- Declawing is rarely medically necessary. Like any surgical procedure, it carries risks, including anesthetic complications, side effects from pain medications, bleeding, infection and pain.
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not list declawing as a means of preventing disease in either healthy or immunocompromised individuals.
Position statement adopted by the American Animal Hospital Association Board of Directors, October 2003. Revised October 2009. Last revised August 2015.
Cat-Friendly Care at Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center
As a Gold-level Cat Friendly Practice, we are committed to caring for cats in ways that respect their natural behaviors. Our team can help with scratching solutions, nail trims and behavior-friendly home setup during kitten visits and adult wellness exams. Our feline resources include helpful guides on your cat’s environmental needs. Learn more about AAHA accreditation and our philosophy.
Declawing FAQs
Does Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center declaw cats?
As an AAHA-accredited hospital, we follow the American Animal Hospital Association position on declawing and focus on humane alternatives.
Why do cats scratch?
Cats scratch to condition their claws, mark territory with scent glands in their paws, stretch their front legs and because they enjoy it.
What are alternatives to declawing?
Alternatives include scratching posts and pads, positive reinforcement training, regular nail trims, nail caps such as SoftPaws and pheromone products.
Is declawing just a nail trim?
No. Declawing is a major surgery that involves amputation, not simply removal of the nail.
How often should I trim my cat’s nails?
Most cats benefit from nail trims every one to two weeks.
Can you help me stop my cat from scratching furniture?
Yes. Our team can recommend scratcher types, placement and training techniques to redirect scratching to appropriate surfaces.
Get Help With Your Cat’s Scratching
Our team is happy to help you find a solution that works for your cat and your home. Call (913) 825-3330 or request an appointment with Mariposa Veterinary Wellness Center.