Feline declawing is an elective and ethically controversial procedure, which is not always medically necessary for cats. When a cat is declawed, the cat’s third phalanx, or third ‘toe bone’ is amputated. Unlike human bones, cats’ claws are attached to the last bone in their toes.
 
Scratching is a normal behavior for cats. This is because cats need to maintain the necessary claw motion used in hunting and climbing, as well as to stretch their body. Cat’s owners must provide an alternative for cats, such as suitable scratchers.
 
Scratching Posts/Pads

• Scratchers come in multiple styles and textures. Experiment by providing your cat with a variety of textures and types to determine what your cat prefers.
• Examples of scratching posts/pads include sisal rope or rough fabric, cardboard boxes, and lumber or logs.

Placement of scratchers is very important

• Near where your cat sleeps. Cats often stretch or scratch when they wake up.
• Near cat’s preferred, yet undesirable scratching object (ex: corner of the couch). Kittens and cats can be trained to use scratchers by rewarding use of the scratcher with the cats’ favorite treat.

 
Regular Claw Trimming

• Regularly trimming your cat’s claws can prevent injury and damage to household items.
• The frequency will depend on your cat’s lifestyle. Indoor cats/kittens and older cats will need more regular nail trims, whereas outdoor cats may naturally wear down their nails requiring less frequent trimming.
• If possible, start trimming as kittens so they become comfortable with the process early on.

 
Temporary Synthetic Nail Caps

• Synthetic Nail Caps are glued over your cat’s nails to help prevent human injury and damage to household items.
• Nail caps usually need to be re-applied every 4-6 weeks; therefore, may be a less desirable to regular nail trimming, suitable scratchers, and environment enrichment.

 
Synthetic Facial Pheromone Sprays/Diffusers

• Continued scratching by cats may be related to stress, anxiety, attention seeking, or a perceived lack of security in their environment.
• Consider using synthetic facial pheromone sprays and/or diffusers (such as Feliway) to help relieve anxiety or stress.
• Apply a synthetic pheromone spray on the objects or areas in your home where your cat has exhibited undesired scratching.
• Applying daily comforting pheromones can prevent your cat’s need to mark these areas again.

 
Appropriate Environment Enrichment

• Providing your cat with an environment that is enriching is vital to teaching your cat to scratch on appropriate objects.
• Destructive scratching can occur in cats because their needs have not been fully met.
• Cats need the proper resources to perform their natural behaviors and have control over their social interactions.
• You can enhance your cat’s health and well-being by ensuring all their needs are met in the home.

The above information is from the AAFP Declawing Position Statement published by the American Association of Feline Practitioners