Relationship Between Declawing & Weight Gain Among Cats

Cat declawing is a very painful procedure that can having lasting consequences for the health and behavior of your pet. After being declawed, a cat may stop using the litter box, begin biting and become more sedentary. These are all natural responses to the physical and psychological trauma associated with declawing. Over time, a declawed cat may gain weight due to the decline in their physical activity and changes in their eating habits.

  1. Declawing Decreases Mobility

    • Although many mistakenly believe declawing to be a simple procedure, it is actually a very complicated surgery with a long recovery time. Cat declawing is nothing like a quick manicure. It involves the amputation of the last bone on each toe. This alters the way that a cat balances on its paws. Bones that were never meant to bear direct weight are forced to do so. This can be very painful, making it difficult for your cat to walk or even stand for extended periods of time. Although the pain dissipates after they have recovered, their paws will always bear their weight in unnatural way. Many cats become less active as a result.

    Declawing Alters Playing

    • After being declawed, many cats shift their weight to their back legs to alleviate the pain and stress being placed on the front paws. This causes their center of balance to shift, making it difficult for them to engage in normal cat behaviors such as jumping, stalking or climbing. As a result, they may spend more time sitting or sleeping. Additionally, claws play an important role in cat play. Without them, many cats will stop clawing at string or attacking stuffed toys.

    Declawing Alters Eating

    • The declawing procedure can greatly alter eating habits. Since cats use their paws and claws while eating, they may eat very little after the initial procedure to avoid extra pain. Some cats' appetites never increase back to its previous level; other cats will react in the opposite way. With their mobility limited, they may become bored and resort to overeating as a way to entertain themselves.

    Declawing is a Risk Factor for Obesity

    • Since declawing can limit mobility, decrease playful behaviors and change eating habits, it is a risk factor for obesity. Declawed cats that exercise infrequently and overeat will inevitably gain weight.