Declawing Kittens:
Why It's Not the Best Option

Thinking about declawing kittens? You might want to think again. Sure, it can be a pain dealing with kittens scratching and tearing up your furniture. But, there are other options available. So, before you schedule a trip to the vet to declaw your kittens, learn about the basics of declawing.

The Basics of Declawing Kittens

It’s a fact that kittens will scratch. It’s simply
a natural behavior. Felines use scratching as a
form of communication, as a way of marking
their territory, and as a form of exercise.
Surgical removal of felines’ natural instinctual behavior has proved quite controversial.

In fact, declawing is banned in many countries. Many people believe that the procedure is inhumane. Even some veterinarians will not perform feline declawing due to the ethical concerns.

Declawing, also known as onychectomy, is the surgical removal of the last (third) bone of the toe and nail bed. The procedure is usually done only on the front paws and in rare circumstances the rear paws. Kittens mainly scratch with their front paws and use their rear paws for climbing.

There are three commonly used methods in declawing kittens: nail clipper onychectomy, scalpel disarticulation, and laser onychectomy.

• Nail Clipper Onychectomy

  The nail clipper onychetomy is performed by using a guillotine-like instrument (Resco nail clipper) to sever the third bone from the rest of the toe. Nail clipper onychetomy is major surgery that involves the use of general anesthesia. General anesthesia has its own risks (nausea, vomiting, cardiac and respiratory arrest, and even death).

  Nail clipper onychectomy is an invasive procedure and requires a couple nights stay at the animal hospital. There can be complications from the surgery itself, such as (bleeding, infection, and pain). There is also a slight risk of not destroying all of the nail bed which enables the nails to regrow. When the nails regrow, they can grow crooked and cause kittens pain.

• Scalpel Disarticulation

  Scalpel disarticulation involves using a scalpel to sever the last bone in the toe. Like nail clipper onychectomy, scapel disarticulation is an invasive procedure. It is performed under general anesthesia and carries much of the same risks as using the nail clipper method. However, with scalpel disarticulation there may be less risk of nail regrowth.

• Laser Onychectomy

  Laser onychectomy is the latest form of declawing kittens. The procedure involves using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to remove the third toe and nail bed. Laser surgery is touted as a being less invasive, painful, and traumatic for felines. It is also reported to cause less bleeding and to lower recovery time. However, laser surgery is more expensive. And with laser surgery, choosing a veterinarian who is adequately trained in the use of laser technology is important.

An Alternative Method

Flexor tendonectomy is a procedure in which a veterinarian cuts through the tendon that allows for a feline to extend and retract its claws. Flexor tendonectomy is less invasive. However, nails will still need to be clipped as uncut nails may growth into foot pads causing pain.

Trimming Kitten Nails

Photo by Kevin Dooley @ flickr.com

• Cut your kitten’s nails regularly (weekly or biweekly)
• Be careful not to cut the quick (the vascular center of the nail). Cutting the quick can be painful for your kitten
• Reward your kitten with treats after a successful clipping session. The kitten thinks, “Good things happened when I get my nails cut.”
• Get the proper tools and supplies
• If all else fails, wear thick gloves when clipping your kitten’s nails to prevent excessive scratching on your skin

Alternatives to Declawing Kittens

• Soft paws nail caps cover your kitten’s nails to prevent scratching
• Scratching posts encourage your kitten to scratch on an owner-approved surface
• Teach your kitten the word, ”No” and follow through with consequences if they continue scratching
• Use special double sided tape on surfaces you want to protect. Kittens hate it
• Put cheesecloth or plastic covering on items that you don’t want scratched
• Spray feline repellants such as bitter citrus or apple
• Spray water at your kitten when scratching
• Play games with your kitten. If you tire them out, they’ll be less likely to climb your curtains
• Behavioral modification medications (anti-anxiety and anti-depressants)

Reasons to Declaw

Sometimes, no matter what you do your kitten will scratch. You’ve tried everything you could to stop your kitten from scratching. But, none of the other options have worked.

Some kittens would be abandoned or euthanized if they are uncontrollable scratchers. Declawing kittens may be only choice, if nothing else works. Another reason declawing may be an option is if an owner or family member has a weakened immune system (HIV/AIDS, cancer) and feline scratches can make them very ill or die.

If You Must Declaw….

Keep in mind declawing kittens is involves making a serious medical decision. You must give consent for both the procedure and the anesthesia. Your vet will want to do presurgery and preanestheic testing to see if your kitten can tolerate surgery. Your vet will perform do a physical exam, electrocardiogram, and obtain blood work to see your kitten if healthy enough to get through the procedure.

It is best to perform onychectomy on kittens around 6 months of age, up to a year old. Older cats are less resilient and have longer healing times. Overweight cats and felines with circulatory problems also take longer to heal.

Speak with doctor about post surgical recovery. Your kitten will need pain medications after the procedure. You will need to purchase paper based kitty litter as clay or sand litter may get in surgical wounds. If you have children and other pets, make sure that they leave the kitten alone to rest after procedure. Your kitten may be in quite a bit of pain. Place your kitten in low traffic area for recovery.

Some owners notice a change in their kitten’s temperament after declawing. They find there kitten more easily frightened and anxious. Aggressiveness may also be noted as kittens no longer have their claws as defenses.

Kittens may not be able to walk for up to a month after nail clipper or scalpel onychectomy. Are you able to deal with the post-surgical care required for your kitten? Long term walking problems may develop. Posture problems can occur due to the severed tendons in the paw. Your kitten will have to learn to redistribute its weight in order to walk properly.

Lastly, kitten must be raised indoors. They may not be able to climb and to get out of harm’s way outdoors. They may be prone to predators.

Remember…declawing kittens is a serious procedure. Discuss with your vet the risks and benefits of choosing to declaw.

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