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My cat's claws get stuck from a clubbed paw. Should I declaw?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 15 lbs

My cat has a clubbed paw, and this has caused problem with her claws getting stuck in stuff, she has even pulled out some of the claw. I was wondering if it would be smart for me to get that one page declawed?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Elva Ma DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 26th, 2018

Hello, and thank you for your question. I would try keeping the nails very trim by cutting them every two weeks with cat nail clippers. It may be worth visiting a pet groomer or the vet to be shown how short the nails can be cut. If she is still catching her claws on the furniture even with regular trimming, then you may need to consider declawing. However, declawing is a painful procedure with chance of complications, so I would not encourage doing this unless absolutely necessary. I hope this helps! Good luck with Kiki and I hope trimming the nails regularly does the trick!

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    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 9th, 2017

    Before declawing Izzy I would recommend other options such as trimming her nails every couple of weeks or soft paws. Declawing is actual amputation at the last joint of the toes and can be a painful surgery that is not without complications. Adult and older cats are more prone to potential complications. If you're unsure of trimming her nails yourself your vet clinic should be able to show you how. At least try these other options first and see if it helps the problem as surgery is not reversible. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-grooming-tips https://www.softpaws.com/

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    Answered By Amber W

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on December 15th, 2017

    She looks to be a domestic short hair cat which is not really a specific purebred but very common. Declawing can be very traumatic to cats and so I would not suggest having it done if it can at all be avoided. Something like soft paws that you can put over the nails is a good alternative. This article may be of interest to you: https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-ways-to-deal-with-your-cat-s-scratching/ Thanks for using PetCoach!

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