Declawing : a toe story

This is a story about a toe. Not just any old toe: this is a story about a cat's toe. Unlike humans, who walk on the sole of their feet, cats walk on their toes. At the end of each toe is a claw, used by the cat for balance, stretching and protection. 

Of course, the cat also uses her claws to scratch - a natural feline behaviour. It sharpens her claws, helps stretch her front limbs and is used to mark her territory through glands on her pads. Your cat may scratch furniture and you may not like that. 

Now imagine taking away your cat's claws. You may believe that declawing is a simple procedure, but that is far from the truth. 

Declawing is a painful amputation for your cat and robs her of a natural defence mechanism. In fact, declawing is illegal or considered extremely inhumane in a great number of countries outside North America. Here, many cats are abandoned every year because their owners didn't get the proper information before going ahead with this procedure. 

Declawing to the bone 

The cat's claws, unlike our fingernails, are closely adhered to last bone of their toes, so declawing means amputating not only the claws, but also the phalanx (up to the joints). In a human, this is the equivalent of cutting off a person's fingers at the last knuckle. 

Truth and consequences 

The truth about declawing is that all cats experience pain right after surgery and during recovery. Also, since their balance is affected, declawed cats need to learn to walk all over again, just like a person who got their toes removed. This can be a serious problem, especially with heavier cats. 

Another truth is that complications can be serious. They include adverse reaction to anesthesia, hemorrhage, damaged nerves, chronic pain and abnormal regrowth of the nail. Declawing can also cause weakness in the leg, shoulder and back muscles. 

Complications can also arise on the behavioural front. Some declawed cats become fearful and aggressive and tend to use their teeth to defend themselves. Others will stop using their litter box permanently because it is too painful for them to use it right after surgery and they associate this pain with the litter box. 

Friendly alternatives 

If your cat uses her claws in a way that is not acceptable for you and yours, please remember that there are safe alternatives to declawing. 

First, you can trim your cat's claws (the white part) regularly, which will reduce her need to scratch. If your adult cat is reluctant, you can start by regularly handling her paws, pads and claws in a gentle way, before you try any trimming. 

You can also provide your cat with a scratching post, which should be located close to where she scratches and/or sleeps. You can buy one at the store or make one yourself out of plywood, a rolled carpet, a plain log or a carpeted log. The post should stand firm and be at least as tall as your cat when she stands on her hind legs. To make the post more attractive, sprinkle it with catnip.

You can also apply two-sided tape to the places your cat scratches on your furniture, or try removable acrylic claw coverings. 

An enlightened decision 

Along with many vets and humane societies, the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle considers that declawing should be a last resort and chosen only if all other options have failed and if it remains the last alternative to euthanasia. 

If you decide you still want to have your cat declawed, please make an enlightened decision and act responsibly. If your cat develops problems following surgery, assume the consequences of your decision. Don't euthanize or abandon her because of a decision you made. 

Before having your cat declawed, get informed about all other options. Consult with your veterinarian or call us at the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle, at (819) 326-4059. We want your toe story to end well.