Kathleen Collinsworth

One in five cats has long-term complications from declaw surgery and 50% have immediate post-surgical complications. One in three cats manifest at least one behavioral problem after declawing. Improperly removed claws can regrow, causing nerve damage and bone spurs. Additional corrective surgery may alleviate some of the pain. Declawing can also cause back pain, lameness and contribute to arthritis. Removing claws changes the way a cat's paws meet the ground and changes the way a cat walks. This can lead to chronic issues with joints and arthritis. Declaw surgery in cats is associated with a significant increase in the odds of developing adverse behaviors, including biting, barbering (compulsive grooming), aggression and inappropriate elimination. International Cat Care and International Society of Feline Medicine consider declawing unethical and an act of mutilation.