Long-Term Side Effects for Declawed Cats

Declawing is more than a kitty manicure. To declaw a cat, a veterinarian must amputate the top digit of each of the cat's toes. While this surgery is common in the United States, it's banned in many other countries because of post-operative pain and the lifelong effect it can have on the cat's health and quality of life.

  1. Litter Box Aversion

    • A 2001 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVA) found that more than 15 percent of declawed cats stop using their litter boxes. One theory suggests that digging in the litter box is painful immediately after declaw surgery, and some cats always associate the litter box with that pain.

    Biting

    • With their first line of defense--their claws--gone, many declawed cats become biters. The 2001 JAVA study found that nearly 18 percent of declawed cats either started to bite or increased the frequency of their bites after declawing.

    Balance

    • Without their claws to provide a strong foothold and pinpoint contact on surfaces, many declawed cats have difficulty balancing in narrow spaces or regaining their balance after jumping, says veterinarian Christianne Schelling on her website, Declaw.com.

    Back Pain

    • While most mammals walk on the soles of their feet, cats walk on their toes. Without the last digits of the toes, the cats' feet meet the ground at an unnatural angle, Dr. Schelling says. "That can cause back pain similar to that in humans caused by wearing improper shoes."

    Arthritis

    • Over time, the altered gait of a declawed cat can cause stress on the leg joints and spine, leading to damage and arthritis in multiple joints, says veterinarian Jean Hofve on her website, Littlebigcat.com.

    Chronic Pain

    • Speaking at a 2005 North American Veterinary Conference, Dr. James Gaynor, a veterinarian and diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiologists, said "it is becoming more and more apparent" that many declawed cats suffer from chronic pain. Signs of pain include walking lightly on the front feet or such behavioral changes as decreased activity or appetite and increased aggression.

    Gripping Prey

    • Without front claws, a cat has difficulty gripping prey, so a declawed cat that gets lost or is abandoned outside may not be able to hunt successfully enough to survive. Indoors, declawed cats are unable to grasp toys, making playtime more frustrating than fun.

    Grooming

    • Cats use their claws to scratch skin irritations, get rid of dead hair and comb out tangled fur. Declawed cats are unable to perform any of these grooming chores effectively.