Declawing: What Every Cat Owner Should Know
At Corbin’s Cathouse, the health and welfare of our cats is always our top priority. One topic we feel strongly about educating families on is declawing. Many people are surprised to learn what the procedure actually involves and the long-term effects it can have on cats.
What Is Declawing?
Declawing (onychectomy) is not simply the removal of a cat’s nails It is a surgical amputation of the last bone in each toe.
This means the procedure removes the bone, claw, nerves, tendons, and surrounding tissue—comparable to amputating a human finger at the last knuckle.
Because cats walk directly on their toes, removing this bone permanently alters how they stand and move.
For this reason, most veterinary and animal welfare organizations strongly discourage the procedure except in extremely rare medical circumstances.
Problems That Can Occur After Declawing
Declawing can cause both short-term and lifelong complications, including:
- Pain and Surgical Complications
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Regrowth of claw fragments under the skin
- Long-Term Physical Issues
- Chronic paw pain
- Arthritis due to altered gait
- Difficulty walking or jumping
- Back pain caused by changes in posture
- Behavioral Changes
- Increased biting (their primary defense is removed)
- Litter box avoidance due to painful paws
- Stress and anxiety
- Reduced ability to climb or scratch normally
Scratching is a natural and necessary behavior for cats. It helps them stretch muscles, mark territory, and maintain healthy claws.
Where Is Declawing Illegal?
Because of welfare concerns, declawing has been banned in many places.
In the United States, several states have prohibited the procedure except for medical necessity, including:
New York
Maryland
Virginia
Numerous cities have also enacted bans, and many countries around the world—including the United Kingdom, Australia, and most of Europe—have outlawed declawing entirely.
This growing movement reflects a global shift toward protecting cats from this unnecessary procedure.
Humane Alternatives to Declawing
Safe Ways to Control Scratching
Regular Nail Trims
Trimming your cat’s nails every 2–4 weeks keeps them blunt and reduces damage.
At Corbin’s Cathouse, we begin handling paws and teaching kittens to tolerate nail trims at a young age, making this routine much easier for their future families.
Claw Caps
Soft nail caps (such as Soft Paws) can be applied to claws and typically last 4–6 weeks. These prevent scratching damage while still allowing the cat to extend and retract their claws normally.
Appropriate Scratching Surfaces
Cats need acceptable places to scratch. Providing a variety of options helps redirect natural behavior:
Vertical scratching posts
Horizontal scratchers
Cardboard scratch pads
Sisal scratching posts
Cat trees
Positive Training
Reward your cat for using scratching posts and gently redirect them if they scratch in unwanted areas. Consistency and patience go a long way.
Our Commitment
At Corbin’s Cathouse, we do not support declawing and our adoption agreements prohibit it.
We believe that educating families and providing the right tools allows cats and their humans to live happily together—without resorting to harmful procedures.
Scratching is a natural behavior, and with proper care, training, and enrichment, it can easily be managed in a healthy and humane way.
How to Trim Your Cat’s Nails
Regular nail trims are an important part of routine cat care. Trimming helps prevent accidental scratches, reduces damage to furniture, and keeps your cat’s claws healthy.
At Corbin’s Cathouse, we begin gently handling our kittens’ paws from a young age, so they are comfortable with nail trims before going to their new homes.
What You’ll Need
Cat nail clippers or small pet nail trimmers
A towel or blanket (optional for wiggly cats)
Treats to reward your cat afterward
Many owners like scissor-style clippers such as Safari Professional Cat Nail Trimmer or guillotine-style clippers like Resco Original Deluxe Cat Nail Clipper.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choose a calm moment
Pick a time when your cat is relaxed—after a meal, play session, or nap.
2. Gently hold the paw
Hold your cat’s paw and softly press the pad. This will cause the claw to extend.
3. Identify the quick
Inside each nail is a pink area called the quick. This contains nerves and blood vessels and should not be cut.
4. Trim the tip only
Using nail clippers, remove just the sharp, curved tip of the claw.
5. Reward your cat
Offer praise, treats, or playtime so your cat associates nail trims with positive experiences.
Helpful Tips
Trim every 2–4 weeks depending on how quickly your cat’s nails grow.
If your cat is nervous, start by trimming just one or two nails at a time.
Use scratching posts to help keep claws naturally worn down.
If you accidentally trim too short, styptic powder can help stop bleeding.
When to Ask for Help
If you’re unsure how to trim your cat’s nails, your veterinarian or a professional groomer can demonstrate the process. After seeing it done once or twice, most owners feel confident doing it at home.
