Declawing a cat is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the last bone of each toe, which is the equivalent of cutting off the tips of all fingers. The standard method of declawing is amputating with a scalpel or guillotine clipper, and the wounds are closed with stitches or surgical glue, and the feet are bandaged. Another method is laser surgery, in which a small, intense beam of light cuts through tissue by heating and vaporizing it. However, both methods can cause lasting physical problems for cats, such as paw pain, back pain, infection, tissue necrosis, and lameness. Improperly removed claws can regrow, causing nerve damage and bone spurs.

Declawing is typically done for behavioral reasons, such as scratching furniture or people. However, there are alternatives to declawing, such as trimming nails, providing scratching posts, and using soft paws. Declawing can cause short-term and long-term problems, both physiological and behavioral, such as litter box avoidance, biting, and aggression.

It is important to note that declawing is not medically recommended or necessary for cats. Declawing can cause pain and discomfort for cats, and it is a completely elective procedure that is done only for cosmetic reasons or because the human in the household would like their cat not to have their claws for a variety of reasons. It is important to discuss the issue with a veterinarian to make an informed decision and have the best understanding of the procedure.