Legality
Right now, this procedure is still legal in the US. However, it's been made illegal in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Brazil, Australia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, the Netherlands, etc. Many respectable US organizations also oppose declawing.
This map (below) shows the countries where declawing is known to be illegal.
Right now, this procedure is still legal in the US. However, it's been made illegal in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Brazil, Australia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Portugal, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, the Netherlands, etc. Many respectable US organizations also oppose declawing.
This map (below) shows the countries where declawing is known to be illegal.
Declawing = Onychectomy
Defined as an operation to surgically remove an animal's claws by means of amputating all or part of the distal phalanx, or end bones, of an animal's toes. It's typically performed on all digits on the front paws of an indoor cat - almost never done on hind toes or dogs. There are a couple different ways this procedure can be performed.
Guillotine (Scalpel) Method
This is the most common method. A sharp scalpel or blade is used to cut strait through the amputation line in the image above. It severs several tendons and ligaments, blood vessels and nerves, typically cuts the paw pad in half, and could even slice through the bone. This is the traditional method because it is quick, easy and cheap. It's not unheard of, if the third phalanx is cut through by accident, for the nail to try to grow back, causing complications. Since part of the paw pad is chopped off, the cat is in severe pain for a few weeks or longer after the operation. Many painkillers are necessary for cats going through this.
LASER Method
Also known as cosmetic declawing, this method is more expensive, but it's starting to be come more popular because it's more precise than the guillotine method and better for the cat in the long run. A laser is used to carve out the distal phalanx bone without harming the paw pad, significantly reducing pain. It also seals nerve endings and blood vessels to minimize bleeding and pain. However, no matter which method is used, the gait (how a cat walks) is permanently changed for the rest of it's life.
Health Risks
As with any surgery, there are risks when putting an animal under the effects of anesthesia. Therefore the best time to do this surgery is at the same time it's being spayed or neutered, around 6 months. Otherwise, it's best to avoid any unnecessary operations at all costs. There is also risk of infection, especially since the claws are one of the most bacteria-infested areas on a cat's body. This area cannot be sterilized.
Change in Gait
The weight distribution of the cat's front paws is what is most affected though. Instead of spreading their weight through the entire area of each paw pad, the large palm and all the toes - all of the weight must be shifted to the large pad. Even if the laser was used, a cat cannot bear weight on toes it doesn't have. Imagine putting all your weight on only half of your foot for the rest of your life. Not only does this cause walking to be uncomfortable and even chronically painful, but also arthritis in the legs and spine, as well as many joint issues. Particularly the joints between the second and third phalanges. These joints are now locked in a permanent position of contraction. They will never be able to extend their toes again, which causes severe stiffness. Some cats still go through the motions of scratching, which some people take for their cat not "missing" their claws. Another explanation could be that they are futilely trying to stretch those joints.
Defined as an operation to surgically remove an animal's claws by means of amputating all or part of the distal phalanx, or end bones, of an animal's toes. It's typically performed on all digits on the front paws of an indoor cat - almost never done on hind toes or dogs. There are a couple different ways this procedure can be performed.
Guillotine (Scalpel) Method
This is the most common method. A sharp scalpel or blade is used to cut strait through the amputation line in the image above. It severs several tendons and ligaments, blood vessels and nerves, typically cuts the paw pad in half, and could even slice through the bone. This is the traditional method because it is quick, easy and cheap. It's not unheard of, if the third phalanx is cut through by accident, for the nail to try to grow back, causing complications. Since part of the paw pad is chopped off, the cat is in severe pain for a few weeks or longer after the operation. Many painkillers are necessary for cats going through this.
LASER Method
Also known as cosmetic declawing, this method is more expensive, but it's starting to be come more popular because it's more precise than the guillotine method and better for the cat in the long run. A laser is used to carve out the distal phalanx bone without harming the paw pad, significantly reducing pain. It also seals nerve endings and blood vessels to minimize bleeding and pain. However, no matter which method is used, the gait (how a cat walks) is permanently changed for the rest of it's life.
Health Risks
As with any surgery, there are risks when putting an animal under the effects of anesthesia. Therefore the best time to do this surgery is at the same time it's being spayed or neutered, around 6 months. Otherwise, it's best to avoid any unnecessary operations at all costs. There is also risk of infection, especially since the claws are one of the most bacteria-infested areas on a cat's body. This area cannot be sterilized.
Change in Gait
The weight distribution of the cat's front paws is what is most affected though. Instead of spreading their weight through the entire area of each paw pad, the large palm and all the toes - all of the weight must be shifted to the large pad. Even if the laser was used, a cat cannot bear weight on toes it doesn't have. Imagine putting all your weight on only half of your foot for the rest of your life. Not only does this cause walking to be uncomfortable and even chronically painful, but also arthritis in the legs and spine, as well as many joint issues. Particularly the joints between the second and third phalanges. These joints are now locked in a permanent position of contraction. They will never be able to extend their toes again, which causes severe stiffness. Some cats still go through the motions of scratching, which some people take for their cat not "missing" their claws. Another explanation could be that they are futilely trying to stretch those joints.
Tendonectomy
This is not technically a declaw, because it's not an amputation of the actual bone. In this operation, the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon is severed, which has essentially the same effect except the cat can "keep" its claws. It has no more ability to move or control them, which causes the same weight-shifting and joint issues, same surgical risks, and the same long term health and behavior issues even though it seems a little better than a full-on amputation. The only difference would be that with every amputation, there is probably phantom pain just as in human amputees. However, these are cats, so they'll never be able to tell us if they experience that.
Behavior Changes - Litter
When the paw pad is damaged by the guillotine method, it's followed by an extremely painful recovery period. During this time, one of the most painful experiences for the cat (besides walking) will be using the litter box. If the owner is unaware of this, they probably won't change the litter to shredded newspaper which is much softer and gentler on the cat's paws. In this case, the cat will usually stop using the litter box because it's so painful. They'll typically go right outside the litter box, but it could be anywhere. This can become a bad habit. If the litter is changed to something softer, it's more comfortable for the cat, but any change in litter requires some training, or it will also result in accidents in the house.
Biting
Even though their claws are gone, the cat's temperament has not been adjusted. A naturally aggressive cat may then resort to biting with its teeth, the only tools it has left besides the hind nails. The misbehavior would still continue, it would simply assume a different form - bite marks on the owner instead of scratches.
Indoor Cat
Even those who support cat declawing agree that it's inhumane to allow a declawed cat outside. The front claws are a cat's most important tools of defense when faced with a predator, another cat competing for territory, neighborhood dogs, etc. Owners who declaw their cats must be responsible for keeping the cat indoors from that point on. If they decide to re-home the cat, they are also responsible for making sure the new owner is prepared to do the same. It's also important to realize that cats are hunters by nature. Outdoor cats hunt instinctively as their bodies are designed to, and declawed cats are not capable of hunting outdoors. If at some point they were abandoned outside, not only would they be defenseless but they would have no way of hunting for food.
Reasons to Declaw
There are many reasons an owner may choose to have their cat declawed. Whether they're worried about the safety of children, protecting property such as furniture, have allergies, someone in the family has a weak immune system or bleeding disorder, many owners mistake an involved surgical operation for a quick fix for some kind of problem. When worried about human safety, it should not be assumed that a surgical procedure will prevent all risks. There are still diseases to be caught from bites, fleas, sanitation, etc. Declawing should never be done as a "preventative" solution to a problem that may or may not exist. Not all cats scratch! Many cats never act aggressively towards their owners or chose furniture over their own personal scratching post.
There can be MEDICAL reasons to have toes amputated, such as a tumor, that should not be confused with an elective onychectomy. Choosing to have a surgical procedure done for reasons other than health benefits is a serious choice to make, with many life-long consequences.
This is not technically a declaw, because it's not an amputation of the actual bone. In this operation, the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon is severed, which has essentially the same effect except the cat can "keep" its claws. It has no more ability to move or control them, which causes the same weight-shifting and joint issues, same surgical risks, and the same long term health and behavior issues even though it seems a little better than a full-on amputation. The only difference would be that with every amputation, there is probably phantom pain just as in human amputees. However, these are cats, so they'll never be able to tell us if they experience that.
Behavior Changes - Litter
When the paw pad is damaged by the guillotine method, it's followed by an extremely painful recovery period. During this time, one of the most painful experiences for the cat (besides walking) will be using the litter box. If the owner is unaware of this, they probably won't change the litter to shredded newspaper which is much softer and gentler on the cat's paws. In this case, the cat will usually stop using the litter box because it's so painful. They'll typically go right outside the litter box, but it could be anywhere. This can become a bad habit. If the litter is changed to something softer, it's more comfortable for the cat, but any change in litter requires some training, or it will also result in accidents in the house.
Biting
Even though their claws are gone, the cat's temperament has not been adjusted. A naturally aggressive cat may then resort to biting with its teeth, the only tools it has left besides the hind nails. The misbehavior would still continue, it would simply assume a different form - bite marks on the owner instead of scratches.
Indoor Cat
Even those who support cat declawing agree that it's inhumane to allow a declawed cat outside. The front claws are a cat's most important tools of defense when faced with a predator, another cat competing for territory, neighborhood dogs, etc. Owners who declaw their cats must be responsible for keeping the cat indoors from that point on. If they decide to re-home the cat, they are also responsible for making sure the new owner is prepared to do the same. It's also important to realize that cats are hunters by nature. Outdoor cats hunt instinctively as their bodies are designed to, and declawed cats are not capable of hunting outdoors. If at some point they were abandoned outside, not only would they be defenseless but they would have no way of hunting for food.
Reasons to Declaw
There are many reasons an owner may choose to have their cat declawed. Whether they're worried about the safety of children, protecting property such as furniture, have allergies, someone in the family has a weak immune system or bleeding disorder, many owners mistake an involved surgical operation for a quick fix for some kind of problem. When worried about human safety, it should not be assumed that a surgical procedure will prevent all risks. There are still diseases to be caught from bites, fleas, sanitation, etc. Declawing should never be done as a "preventative" solution to a problem that may or may not exist. Not all cats scratch! Many cats never act aggressively towards their owners or chose furniture over their own personal scratching post.
There can be MEDICAL reasons to have toes amputated, such as a tumor, that should not be confused with an elective onychectomy. Choosing to have a surgical procedure done for reasons other than health benefits is a serious choice to make, with many life-long consequences.
This cat (above) is wearing pink nail caps.
Alternatives
Routinely trimming a cat's claws controls how sharp they are. If the owner is unable to do it themselves, a veterinary office will usually provide this service, as well as a groomer. It is also possible to train a cat not to scratch furniture or people. These training techniques would have to be researched, learned, and practiced. It's best to start when a cat is young. It's also important to learn cat body language and behavior, so that the owner can interact with their cat without accidentally provoking the cat to act aggressively. However, if something desperately needs to be done, there are soft plastic nail caps [shown above] that go over the cat's claws. They are no longer capable of breaking the skin or catching on furniture, but the cat still retains all of it's paw's capabilities. They can be removed or replaced as needed.
Statistics
-By roughly 5 months after surgery, 25% of cats developed complications from onychectomy and tendonectomy procedures.
-Approximately 1 in 4 domestic cats in North America have been declawed.
-In a 2001 study, 33% of cats that underwent onychectomy developed at least one behavior change immediately after surgery (with the most common problems being biting and litter box problems).
-Declawed cats are at an increased risk for relinquishment by their owners. 80% of declawed cats that are relinquished are put to sleep due to behavioral problems.
-Scratching is 100% correctable. "In over 20 years of behavior counseling, Cats International has never had a destructive scratching problem that could not be solved. It is the easiest behavior problem with which we deal."
Alternatives
Routinely trimming a cat's claws controls how sharp they are. If the owner is unable to do it themselves, a veterinary office will usually provide this service, as well as a groomer. It is also possible to train a cat not to scratch furniture or people. These training techniques would have to be researched, learned, and practiced. It's best to start when a cat is young. It's also important to learn cat body language and behavior, so that the owner can interact with their cat without accidentally provoking the cat to act aggressively. However, if something desperately needs to be done, there are soft plastic nail caps [shown above] that go over the cat's claws. They are no longer capable of breaking the skin or catching on furniture, but the cat still retains all of it's paw's capabilities. They can be removed or replaced as needed.
Statistics
-By roughly 5 months after surgery, 25% of cats developed complications from onychectomy and tendonectomy procedures.
-Approximately 1 in 4 domestic cats in North America have been declawed.
-In a 2001 study, 33% of cats that underwent onychectomy developed at least one behavior change immediately after surgery (with the most common problems being biting and litter box problems).
-Declawed cats are at an increased risk for relinquishment by their owners. 80% of declawed cats that are relinquished are put to sleep due to behavioral problems.
-Scratching is 100% correctable. "In over 20 years of behavior counseling, Cats International has never had a destructive scratching problem that could not be solved. It is the easiest behavior problem with which we deal."
My Personal View
I am strongly OPPOSED to elective onychectomies and tendonectomies. The justification for why it is legal in the US is that a declawed cat with a home is better off than a feral cat on the street. However I agree with the countries that categorize this as animal abuse. I would much rather have a cat involved in the population problem than in an abusive or painful situation. That is not an acceptable quality of life in my opinion. But I also do not think one issue should be used as a solution to another. I don't think any of the benefits are worth the price. With a little effort any scratching problems could be solved another way. Whether or not a cat is the right pet in your household is something to consider. If you're really willing to put your cat in pain for the rest of its life to help your furniture last longer, should you own a cat? If you're worried about your newborn baby, is now a good time to take an animal into your home?
If you consider this to be an issue, click below to see what you can do to help.
I am strongly OPPOSED to elective onychectomies and tendonectomies. The justification for why it is legal in the US is that a declawed cat with a home is better off than a feral cat on the street. However I agree with the countries that categorize this as animal abuse. I would much rather have a cat involved in the population problem than in an abusive or painful situation. That is not an acceptable quality of life in my opinion. But I also do not think one issue should be used as a solution to another. I don't think any of the benefits are worth the price. With a little effort any scratching problems could be solved another way. Whether or not a cat is the right pet in your household is something to consider. If you're really willing to put your cat in pain for the rest of its life to help your furniture last longer, should you own a cat? If you're worried about your newborn baby, is now a good time to take an animal into your home?
If you consider this to be an issue, click below to see what you can do to help.
16th of July, 2013