Declawing cats — a surgical amputation of the last digit of each toe — causes lasting pain and behavioral problems and has been banned in dozens of countries.
Cat declawing is now widely recognized as a procedure that causes lasting welfare harm. Removal of the last bone of each digit alters gait mechanics and causes chronic pain that manifests behaviorally in litter box avoidance (pain when scratching), increased aggression, and biting. These behavioral changes are frequently cited as reasons for relinquishment — the opposite of the stated goal of making cats easier to live with. The procedure is primarily performed for human convenience. The alternatives — nail covers, regular trimming, appropriate scratching posts — are effective and non-invasive. The international and growing US trend toward declawing bans reflects the welfare evidence.