Content Warning: This post contains descriptions of animal cruelty that may upset some readers. I avoid going into great detail and only include information that is necessary to make my point, but given the topic I can’t completely avoid it. Please be prepared if you choose to read on.
Cats are really amazing creatures and, unfortunately, their wellbeing is often secondary to our own wants. Thankfully, in many cases the needs of all involved can be balanced so cats, humans, and other animals can live together happily.
One thing that doesn’t balance the needs of humans and cats is elective declawing. Obviously, if there is a medical indication in the cat that is a completely different situation. Declawing is often done to stop scratching furniture or human directed aggression (though that’s not a great idea). Scratching is a completely natural behavior for cats and serves a variety of purposes for the cat. Unfortunately, this behavior can create trouble for humans and our furniture.
Removing a cat’s claws stops scratching which obviously protects your furniture from being scratched, benefiting us. This obviously greatly benefits us. Problem solved, right? Not so fast.
What Is Declawing?
Remember the content warning above? Be prepared!
Without going into too many details, declawing involves surgically removing the claws and bone at the very tip of the cat’s paws. To give you an idea of what happens in human terms, think of the very tip of your fingers from your first knuckle being cut off. That’s what happens to cats when they are declawed. Needless to say, it’s not a fun procedure for the cats and it can go very wrong if it’s not done properly. Even a correctly done declawing can create problems.
One of the biggest problems that can happen is an increase in biting. I have a whole post on aggression due to declawing, but it is one of the more common issues we see arise in declawed cats. I want to go over another extremely common issue we see in declawed cats that less people know about for now. Hopefully it will help keep some toe beans intact AND prevent stress for the humans!
Unintended Consequences of Declawing
Many people notice changes in their cats’ behavior following a declawing besides just pristine furniture or not being scratched. In some cases, people don’t necessarily make the connection between the declawing because the effects take years to show up and the behavior changes so the cycle continues. Their cats are “just fine” so they end up declawing future cats. People assume the behavior changes are due to other reasons such as the cat’s personality or stress.
The two most common behavior changes seen are an increase in biting and house soiling, though barbering was also noted in at least one study.
Declawing and Litter Box Problems
One of the problems with declawing is the pain associated with declawing. The procedure requires time to heal and their paws can be very sensitive following the procedure. Unfortunately, during this time cats still have to engage in all their normal behaviors including using the litter box.
During this time, two things can happen: First, cats may get litter stuck in their fresh wounds from the declaw procedure. This can irritate the wounds and lead to increased pain. Cats may become obsessive and try to mutilate their paws to stop the pain, making the problem worse. As it comes from when the cat steps into the box, they may develop an association between the pain and the litter box.
Second, even if they don’t get litter directly in their wounds, walking on the fresh wounds can cause pain. Depending on how the cat has to get into the litter box, they may experience pain as they step into the box. Once again, this may result in association with pain and the litter box.
A Lasting Negative Association
Once cats learn that the litter box is associated with pain, this is an extremely difficult to break the association. Cats, much like humans, will actively avoid things that create pain or other unpleasant experiences (which is part of why we don’t recommend using squirt bottles). Because the litter box is associated with pain, they may decide that a nicer spot to pee is right outside the box or to leave you a stinky present on your pillow.
The cat won’t understand that it’s because of the declaw procedure and that it may improve with time (more on the choice of wording with “may” in a moment). They just know litter box=pain. While it’s possible to help them recognize that the litter box isn’t associated with pain, it can be work and you may need to work with a behavior professional and/or veterinarian to get things resolved.
Unfortunately, even after the wounds have healed the pain may linger due to a poorly done procedure or damage to the tissue in their paws. Your cat’s gait will be affected due to their feet not having all their bones (“toe beans” is the medical term, I believe) and as they age, they may develop painful arthritis. This can lead to a litter box aversion later in life. If your cat develops mobility problems due to arthritis or pain, they may decide it’s not worth it to use the box (if they are even physically able to get in into the box).
Addressing Litter Box Problems In Declawed Cats
For those who have declawed their cat and run into litter box issues, the good news is that there are things that can be done. You can try a sensitive paw litter or even use soft sandbox sand. A lower entry litter box or making your own low entry litter box may work, too.
If you aren’t able to figure out what’s going on, you may need to work with a behavior consultant and your veterinarian to address the litter box aversion.
Prevent Scratching Rather Than Declawing
The best way to fix the problem, though, is to not have it happen in the first place… Don’t declaw your cat! Even if you’re not concerned about the wellbeing of your cat, it will likely cause you problems down the line.
If you’re worried about cats scratching your furniture, scratching is completely manageable. You can absolutely prevent your cat from scratching your furniture if you strategize correctly and know what to look for in a quality scratching post. The same is true if you’re thinking of declawing your cat due to aggression or even if you’re worried about them poking holes in medical equipment. There are better solutions that won’t result in you needing to constantly clean cat pee.
