What Are the Benefits of Declawing My Kitten?

For cats, scratching a wall, chair or door isn't bad behavior -- it helps them remove aged cuticles and mark their territory. Not all cat owners appreciate this natural behavior, however. Declawing, a medical procedure which removes the claws and some of the surrounding toe bones, allows owners to stop their behavior. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, most owners who choose the declawing procedure say it met or exceeded their expectations.

  1. Health Reasons

    • People with health conditions that weaken their immune system, such as diabetes or AIDS, need their kittens declawed for their health. Their weakened immune systems make them susceptible to life-threatening complications from cat scratches. Declawing allows them to safely live with their kitten at home.

    Furniture

    • Kittens can leave scratch marks on chairs, table legs or other furniture, leaving permanent marks. Although the kitten sees this as a territorial marker, homeowners may find it distressing. Declawing prevents kittens from marking household valuables or furniture.

    Adoptability

    • According to the AVMA and a 1991 veterinarian survey, people are less likely to give up kittens that are declawed. Cat owners may find their kitten's scratching behavior uncontrollable and give them up to a local shelter, where kittens and cats are commonly euthanized. The AVMA believes that giving owners the option to declaw will prevent them from sending kittens to shelters, where they could die.

    Health

    • Kittens may undergo this procedure for medical conditions affecting their nails, such as a nail infection. For example, the nail infection paronychia can make it difficult to walk, affecting their quality of life. Removing the claws helps relieve the pain. Neoplasia, a type of abnormal growth, can also grow under their nails, making claw removal necessary to treat it.

    Less Downtime

    • Kittens recover faster than cats after the declawing surgery. TalktotheVet.com recommends declawing kittens when they are three to five months old to minimize downtime. Kittens are hospitalized overnight, whereas cats over eight months old require at least two days of hospitalization.