“Declawing a cat is the surgical process of removing/amputating the first ‘knuckle’ of a cat’s toes, thereby removing where the claw grows,” says Dr. Richardson. It’s similar to cutting off a...

Understanding the Context

“Why do some vets still declaw if it’s so controversial?” Some vets view declawing as a “lesser evil” if they believe a cat might be abandoned or euthanized otherwise. 12 Vets That Offer Cat Declawing Near Me ️ - Bestie Paws Onychectomy, popularly known as declawing, is an operation to remove an animal's claws surgically by means of the amputation of all or part of the distal phalanges, or end bones, of the animal's toes. Because the claw develops from germinal tissue within the third phalanx, amputation of the bone is necessary to fully remove the claw. Here's what you need to know about the risks of declawing cats, why some pet parents choose to declaw their cats, and popular vet-recommended alternatives.

Key Insights

Declawing cats is still LEGAL in most parts of America. The state of New York, the state of Maryland and a few cities and counties have banned the procedure. Everywhere else it’s legal. Some vets still perform declaw surgery, but it’s becoming more and more difficult to find them. Do Vets Still Declaw Cats in My State?

Final Thoughts

- Your Vet Friend Should you declaw a cat? The destruction of property and personal injuries created by scratching are problematic. While we might not like the idea of mutilating a cat, the outcome of declawing is very desirable to those who have had to put up with aggressive behavior and property damage.