Animal Humane Society opposes the declawing of cats. We advocate that people make their decision about declawing in consult with their veterinarian.
Scratching is a normal and necessary behavior. The goal is not to eliminate the behavior but to manage it in the safest and least destructive way possible.
Steps other than declawing can be taken to reduce destructive scratching.
- Provide a scratching post
- Frequent nail trims
- Positive redirection
- Make furniture and other items undesirable
- Synthetic nail caps
When destructive behavior cannot be modified, Animal Humane Society believes that declawing, as a last resort, is preferable to abandonment, euthanasia or relinquishing ownership of a cat.