What are claws used for?
- Stretching and Exercise: Perhaps most importantly for a cat, scratching is a satisfying way for them to stretch and tone their back and shoulder muscles—it feels good!
- Grooming: Cats need their claws to “scratch that itch!”
- Play and Hunting: Claws are an important tool in catching prey or toys.
- Climbing: Cats love to perch in high places and climb, be it up a tree or to the top of a cat condo.
- Kneading: When a cat rhythmically moves their paws on people, clothing, or bedding, they are “kneading.” This is generally a sign of contentment.
- Marking Territory: Scratching leaves a visual and scent cue to other cats that this location has already been claimed by another feline.
- Defense: Cats use their claws to protect themselves. They may use their claws on humans when frightened or irritated.
- Stress Relief: Cats often resort to scratching after a stressful event, such as a negative interaction with another animal or person. This behavior is often wrongfully interpreted as the cat being “spiteful” or “getting back at the owner.”
Caring for claws
A note on declawing
Many cat guardians are not fully aware of what declaw surgery entails. Often, the surgery is misrepresented as “just removing the claws” or as some variation of nail trimming. In actuality, declawing is the cutting and amputation of the first joint (the toes) of a cat’s paw.
The procedure is done under general anesthesia, which always carries risks, depending on the health of the animal. After declawing surgery, the cat’s paws are bandaged tightly. Most cats are kept at the veterinary office for a few days after surgery for pain management. Cats must be restricted from jumping or exercising during the healing process, and there may be problems with bleeding or infection. Declawed cats must be kept indoors, as they cannot defend themselves or climb to escape if need be. When the behavior of declawed cats is compared with that of cats in control groups, some declawed cats develop litter box problems after surgery. Due to these complications, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) discourages declawing of domestic cats as an elective procedure.
From a welfare standpoint, keep in mind that declawing cats is illegal in many countries, including England, Turkey, Germany, Brazil, Norway, Sweden, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, and Australia. It is classified as “mutilation” and considered inhumane. At the SF SPCA, we are committed to helping owners solve problem behaviors using effective, humane methods. Please contact the SF SPCA Veterinary Behavior Service.
Additional claw care considerations
- Declawing as a means to stop aggression. Declawing will not eliminate aggressive behavior because it does not address the cause of the aggression. In some cases, it may even make aggressive behavior worse because the cat knows their defenses are weakened. A declawed cat may then become more aggressive when biting. Aggression in cats may take many forms and should be addressed appropriately and humanely when it arises. Declawing is rarely a solution for treating aggression.
- Alternatives to declawing. Given the reasons for declawing, it is worth noting that both furniture scratching and aggressive behavior can be addressed when pet guardians are willing to take the steps necessary to modify their cat’s behavior and their own.
- Consider soft paws. These are colorful rubber sheaths that slip over your cat’s nails to protect your furniture without harming your cat. They can be applied at most veterinary clinics or can be purchased in a take-home kit. They last until the nail breaks off, usually two to three months.