Maine Coon Blog Blog 4/4/2025

Why You Should Never Declaw Your Cat—and What to Do Instead

Declawing might seem like a quick fix to prevent your cat from scratching furniture or people, but it’s actually one of the most harmful procedures you can do to your beloved pet. Not only is it painful, but it can lead to long-term behavioral and physical issues. Fortunately, there are far better—and more humane—ways to manage your cat’s nails and scratching habits.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the truth about declawing, offer safe and effective alternatives, and share pro tips on toys, products, and playtime that keep everyone happy and scratch-free.

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What Is Declawing and Why Is It Harmful?

Declawing isn’t just trimming your cat’s nails. It’s a surgical amputation that removes the last bone of each toe, equivalent to cutting a human finger off at the last knuckle. This procedure can lead to:

Chronic pain and arthritis

Litter box avoidance due to paw sensitivity

Increased aggression (because they’ve lost a key defense mechanism)

Long-term behavioral problems

In fact, declawing is banned in many countries and U.S. cities for a reason. It’s outdated, unnecessary, and inhumane.

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Natural Cat Behavior: Scratching Is Essential

Scratching isn’t just a destructive habit—it’s a natural, instinctive behavior. Cats scratch to:

Remove dead layers from their claws

Stretch their muscles

Mark territory (via scent glands in their paws)

Relieve stress or pent-up energy

Trying to stop a cat from scratching entirely is like asking a bird not to sing. Instead, redirect their scratching to safe and satisfying alternatives.

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Healthy Alternatives to Declawing

1. Nail Trimming

Routine nail trims are quick, simple, and pain-free. Start when your cat is young (or ease into it slowly with older cats). Use a cat-specific nail trimmer, and aim to clip just the tip every 2–3 weeks.

I know that sometimes people aren't comfortable doing it themselves. Cutting the quick can be scary and it's also painful for your pet. I recommend a trip to the groomer if you can't get your fur babies nails yourself. 

Pro tip: Try trimming after a meal or play session when your cat is calm. Use treats and praise to make it a positive experience.

2. Scratching Posts and Pads

Invest in a variety of scratching options to keep your cat engaged:

Vertical posts (tall enough for a full stretch)

Horizontal cardboard scratchers (which are a cost-effective toy) 

Inclined scratch pads

Place them near favorite nap spots, furniture they target, or window areas. Sprinkle some catnip or silvervine to make them irresistible.

3. Furniture Protection

Protect your home while training your cat by using:

Double-sided tape on furniture corners (cats hate the sticky texture)

Furniture protectors like clear plastic shields

Cat-friendly furniture with built-in scratch zones

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How to Play With Cats Without Getting Scratched

Playtime is crucial for your cat’s mental and physical health. Here’s how to enjoy it without claw marks:

Use interactive wand toys (like Da Bird or Cat Dancer) to keep a safe distance between hands and claws

Avoid using hands or feet as toys—this encourages biting and scratching

Use kick toys like Yeowww! Catnip Banana or KONG Kickeroo for safe solo play

Let your cat "win" by catching the toy to satisfy their hunting instinct

Schedule daily play sessions to burn off energy and reduce frustration

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Respect the Claws, Respect the Cat

Declawing may seem like a quick solution, but it's a lifetime of consequences for your cat. By understanding their needs and giving them the right outlets, you can live in harmony with your furniture, your skin, and your happy, healthy cat.

Remember: A well-stimulated, well-understood cat doesn’t need to be declawed—they just need a little guidance.