Declawing Policy – Brick City Cat Hospital

 Our Policy

At Brick City Cat Hospital, we have chosen to discontinue declawing as an elective procedure. Research shows that many declawed cats experience lasting pain and complications. As veterinary professionals committed to 'do no harm,' we believe this surgery is not in the best interest of our feline patients.

 What is Declawing?

Declawing is not a simple nail trim—it's an amputation of the last bone in each toe (called the third phalanx or P3). This procedure is typically done for convenience, but it's ethically controversial and almost never medically necessary.

If compared to a human, it would be like cutting off the tip of every finger at the last joint.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) strongly opposes declawing as an elective procedure.

 AAFP Declawing Statement

“Many people choose declawing to prevent scratching of furniture or avoid injury. However, they may not realize the surgery’s painful effects. Declawing removes each toe at the first joint—comparable to amputating each human finger at the first knuckle.

Declawed cats may experience long-term issues including litter box avoidance, behavioral changes, joint stiffness, and loss of balance. They are also left without their primary defense mechanism.

Declawing is a procedure done for human convenience and often results in harm to the cat.”

✅ Alternatives to Declawing

There are many kind, effective ways to manage scratching behavior:
- Scratching posts and pads
- Regular nail trimming
- Temporary synthetic nail caps
- Pheromone sprays or diffusers
- Environmental enrichment
- Scratch training
- Furniture scratching guards

Scratching is a natural and necessary behavior for cats. It helps them stretch, mark territory, and groom their claws. Providing appropriate alternatives supports your cat’s health and happiness.