Onychectomy
Onychectomy, or declawing, is the removal of the first section of a cat's toes, including the claws, to prevent scratching of furniture and other objects. Declawing can be done by surgical blade, laser, or nail trimmer. It is painful to the cat and can be compared to having one's fingertip cut off. Cats are not able to stretch, jump, climb, and even walk naturally due to the effects of declawing. [1] Animal rights organizations like PETA and the ASPCA say not to do it, calling it "cruel" and "mutilation". It is outlawed in many places, and many veterinarians will not perform it.
Controversy
[change | change source]After being declawed, cats show signs of pain at the site of the surgery. Cats are not able to stretch, jump, climb, and even walk naturally due to the effects of declawing. [1] It can cause pain during the cat’s entire life, and it can get infected after the surgery. The ASPCA says not to do it.[2]
References
[change | change source]- 1 2 "The Risks and Alternatives to Declawing Cats". www.petmd.com. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
- ↑ "Position Statement on Declawing Cats | ASPCA". www.aspca.org. Retrieved 2025-11-23.
