Is it a Bad Idea to Adopt a Declawed Cat?

Cat declawing is a contentious topic. Some feline owners opt to declaw their cats as a means of preventing scratching injuries and in-home destruction. Others, on the other hand, are vehemently against it because of the various health and behavioral consequences that are sometimes associated with the surgery.

  1. About Declawing

    • Declawing isn't at all comparable to a basic nail trimming in which the nails quickly grow back. Once you declaw a cat, his nails never return again, as it just isn't possible. The surgery involves the extraction of the ungual crest, which is the bone segment from which claws emerge. The amputation surgery generally requires lasers, guillotine clippers or scalpel blades.

    Potential Negative Effects

    • Many people and organizations are against the procedure because of the negative effects that are often linked to it -- think severe foot discomfort post-surgery. This discomfort may trigger house soiling issues, as rooting around in the litter box sometimes becomes an unpleasant and ouch-inducing activity. Some cats also might realize that they no longer are equipped with defensive claws, and perhaps even take on protective biting habits instead -- yikes. Other cats might undergo walking difficulties, infection, backache or inordinate bleeding.

    OK to Adopt Already Declawed Cats

    • A lot of animal organizations and rescues are strongly anti-declawing. Some of them even require that potential adopters promise to never declaw their new pets. However, many of them also have plenty of already declawed cats up for adoption, whether they were surrendered by their original owners or found solo wandering the streets. Declawed cats, just like any other felines, desperately need homes, too.

    Caution in Adopting Declawed Cats

    • Declawed cats undoubtedly require love and shelter just like all other pets. However, they lack the built-in self-defense of claws, so it is absolutely imperative to never let them go outdoors without your close and constant monitoring. It is way too risky for declawed cats to go outside by themselves, so be extremely cautious about windows and doors in your home that might accidentally be left open. A sturdy and reliable gate for your yard is also a good idea. Declawed cats cannot defend themselves in the face of attacks from other animals, whether fellow cats or anything else. Don't allow your precious pet to ever be in that type of vulnerable situation.