What are the negative aspects of declawing besides that it is inhumane?

Question

This is for an indoor cat by the way.

Answer 1

Isn't that enough of a reason?

Having dealt with declawed cats surrendered to shelter for non litterbox compliance and biting I know those are two more reasons for not having a cat declawed.

Answer 2

Roughly 50% of cats that get declawed develop some kind of complication. Some of these are mild, but others are significant and permanent. There are the usual spectrum of infections, bleeding, opening of the incisions, protruding bones and partial claw regrowth which require additional treatment and cost to deal with. Notably, many declawed cats have foot pain which causes them to start avoiding the litter box; they may also develop 'hyper-defensive' behavior in which they lash out (usually biting) at just about anyone that approaches. A few become catatonic or near-feral; hiding out in dark corners or on top of furniture and never trusting humans again. Some develop extensor tendon contractions which cause almost constant pain, possibly killing their appetite to the point they starve themselves to death.

*THAT* is what 'inhumane' means, and that alone is more than sufficient reason not to do something that didn't need doing in the first place.

Answer 3

Well let's see.

1. infection in the wounds
2. nerve pain that potentially won't go away for the life of the cat
3. arthritis in the paws later in life
4. the cat knows it doesn't have claws so resorts to biting when threatened by other animals or people
5. can't catch themselves from going into a fall and must continue down till they hit the ground
6. can't climb trees to get away from predators (kids, dogs, etc.) if they get outside by accident
7. walking on only half a foot since bones were taken out
8. balance problem on tight spaces because of #7, potentially causing a fall that woulnd't normally have happened
9. it's irreversable surgery

Considering declawing is being made illegal and many vets refuse to do it (they consider it unnecessary and mutilation), I'd rethink having it done.

Answer 4

If by chance one day the cat gets outside, if it is declawed then it won't be able to defend itself. I have had many cats declawed and a few that werent. They seem more happy with the claws. That and they have something to use to rip your couch and hands up with. LOL

Answer 5

One more reason to add to the above. I work with a humane society and cats that are declawed are much harder to find adoption homes for. You never when a situation may arise and you have to rehome your cat and declawing definitely makes it harder.

Answer 6

There is the risk of infection, if the owner isn't prepared for the after care.

Also the affect to the cats ability to clean and groom itself is major!

And the expense is prohibitive, and also some vets will not preform it unless there is a serious medical reason.

Answer 7

possible litter box aversion, possible aggression, higher risk of infection, possible nerve damage, toes can grow back if not done properly, mutilated paws if not done properly, declawing takes away a cats first line of defense if it were to get outside, its a painful proceedeure, the recovery is painful especially in an older cat or over weight cat...

Answer 8

Also it ruins their ability to get a grip on anything when they land from a jump.

My cat actually injured herself with just those little claw cover things because she could not grip when she landed.

She's fine now, and happy to have her claws. : )

Answer 9

1. He will not have any defense protection if he might escape in the future.

2. He will not be able to grasp object easily.

Answer 10

cat won't be able to ever defend itself, if ever needed. He will be easy game.

Do you have a stairwell..my cat uses claws to grip when descending...and to prevent falling.