by Mitchel Roy

Created on: March 01, 2007   Last Updated: September 04, 2010

Is declawing a cat ethical? Some argue that it isn't. I, however, disagree with that conclusion. I own three declawed cats. They are perfectly happy without their claws, and don't really notice that they're missing.

Now, let's assume you don't have ethical problems with declawing. What should you consider when deciding to do it or not? First of all, clarify if they are outside or inside cats.

Outside cats would be your barn cats, or your porch fed cats. Do no declaw outside cats, they will need their claws for natural survival and for catching mice, etc.

Inside cats are usually kept inside at night, have litter boxes, and food bowls inside the house or garage. For most inside cats, however, you will let them outside sometimes during the day. In fact, for some cats it would be cruel not to. Should you declaw these cats? There are several factors that affect this decision.

First, what would be some reasons why you would want your cats declawed. One big reason is furniture. Can you keep your cats from destroying your valued possessions? I know there are many people who train their cats not to scratch their furniture. Having scratching posts and being consistent and stern can bring success. However, this will take a lot of work and your furniture might take a beating before they're trained. Another reason would be the cats scratching you and your family. Don't laugh, this is a big consideration. Cats with claws will poke holes in your shirt or pants, and your belly or legs when they settle in your lap. I know, because I've had spotted legs from a very sweet barn cat. Also, some cats might be a little vicious or psycho, and sometimes lash out. I have a cat that will lash out while your patting her if your not careful. The blood drawn from the teeth is bad enough, I can't imagine what the swatting paws would do if they had claws. So, is it worth training your cats, and dealing with the claws? Let's see why you would want your cats to have claws.

If your cats love to go outside, you may wonder, will they need their claws to defend themselves? This is an important consideration. One of my cats loves to go outside. She is a very dainty, pretty, princess looking cat. But, she has definitely been in fights. She usually wins. If I was a cat, I wouldn't mess with her property. Yes, she does have a slit in her ear from a fight, but other than that she hasn't been injured. Except for when she was hit by a car, but her claws wouldn't have helped her with that. In fact, she now has a limp from a frozen elbow joint, but she still goes outside and rules her territory. Cats without claws adapt readily to skillfully use their teeth and back claws. I don't think they feel impaired one bit. They still fight, climb fences, climb trees, hunt, etc.

As with anything, research your options. but, In my opinion, don't declaw outside cats, declaw inside cats. You will benefit, and they won't suffer loss.

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