Why Declawing Maine Coon Cats Is Barbaric!

Declawing a Maine Coon cat is a barbaric and inhumane practice that causes severe pain, mobility issues, behavioral changes, and emotional distress.

Since Maine Coons are such large, active, and intelligent cats, they suffer even more from declawing than smaller breeds.

What Is Declawing?

Declawing is a surgical procedure known as onychectomy, which involves the amputation of a cat’s claws by removing the last bone (third phalanx) of each toe.

Contrary to popular belief, declawing is not just the removal of the claws, it is an amputation comparable to cutting off a human’s fingers at the last knuckle!

This irreversible procedure is often performed to prevent scratching-related furniture damage or stop a cat from scratching humans. However, it is considered inhumane, painful, and unnecessary, especially for large and active breeds like the Maine Coon.

Due to its cruelty, declawing is banned or highly restricted in many countries, including the UK, Australia, and much of Europe. In the United States and Canada, some states and provinces have also outlawed the practice.

Why It’s Barbaric

Below are the major reasons why declawing a Maine Coon is cruel and should never be considered.

1. Declawing Is An Amputation, Not A Simple Nail Removal

Many people mistakenly believe that declawing is similar to trimming a cat’s nails or removing just the claws. However, the procedure involves amputating the last bone of each toe, permanently altering the cat’s anatomy and movement.

Why this is barbaric:

• The surgery removes essential bones and tendons, affecting the cat’s ability to balance and walk correctly.
• It is equivalent to cutting off a human’s fingers at the last joint.

2. Extreme Pain And Long Recovery

Declawing is an incredibly painful procedure that causes significant post-surgery pain, nerve damage, and long-term discomfort. Even with pain medication, the healing process is slow and agonizing.

Why this is barbaric:

• Cats walk on their toes, so removing part of their toes forces them to walk differently, causing pain in the paws, legs, and spine.
• Many declawed cats develop phantom limb pain, similar to human amputees, where they continue to feel pain in their missing claws.
• The pain can persist for months or even years after surgery.

3. Declawed Cats Have Difficulty Walking And Jumping

Maine Coons are large, muscular cats that rely heavily on their claws for balance and mobility. Without claws, they struggle to walk, run, climb, or jump as they normally would.

Why this is barbaric:

• Declawed cats must shift their weight unnaturally onto their hind legs, leading to joint pain, arthritis, and spinal problems.
• They lose their ability to grip surfaces, making jumps and landings unsafe.
• Many declawed cats become more sedentary, which can lead to obesity and other health issues.

4. Increased Risk of Arthritis And Joint Damage

Because declawed cats are forced to change the way they walk, their joints and muscles compensate for the missing claws, leading to painful arthritis and joint degeneration.

Why this is barbaric:

• The unnatural posture increases stress on the leg joints and spine, leading to chronic pain.
• Older declawed cats often suffer from crippling arthritis, making movement difficult.
• Maine Coons, being a heavy breed, are especially vulnerable to joint damage.

5. Increased Risk Of Biting And Aggression

Without claws, a cat loses its primary means of self-defense, leading to increased aggression. Many declawed cats resort to biting as their only form of protection.

Why this is barbaric:

• A declawed Maine Coon may feel vulnerable and fearful, leading to heightened aggression.
• A bite wound is far more dangerous than a scratch, as cat bites often cause deep puncture wounds and infections.
• Many declawed cats develop severe behavioral problems, making them difficult to live with.

6. Declawing Causes Psychological Trauma

Maine Coons are intelligent, active cats that rely on their claws for natural behaviors like climbing, playing, and scratching. Losing their claws can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.

Why this is barbaric:

• Many declawed cats become withdrawn, anxious, or fearful due to their inability to defend themselves.
• Some cats develop destructive behaviors such as excessive licking, chewing, or aggression.
• The procedure can cause long-term emotional distress, leading to an unhappy and unhealthy cat.

7. Litter Box Problems Due To Pain

Declawed cats often avoid using the litter box because the litter causes pain on their sensitive, wounded paws.

Why this is barbaric:

• Many declawed cats stop using the litter box and begin urinating or defecating outside of it.
• Owners may mistakenly believe the cat is being disobedient and surrender them to shelters, leading to higher euthanasia rates.
• The inability to dig in the litter box can cause extreme stress and discomfort.

8. Permanent Behavior Changes And Increased Shelter Surrenders

Many declawed cats develop unwanted behaviors, making them more likely to be abandoned, surrendered to shelters, or even euthanized.

Why this is barbaric:

• Declawed cats are more likely to be given up by their owners due to biting, litter box issues, or aggression.
• Shelters are often unable to rehome declawed cats due to their behavioral and medical issues.
• Many declawed cats are ultimately euthanized because they are deemed unadoptable.

9. Cats Need Their Claws For Climbing And Exercise

Maine Coons are highly active and athletic cats that love climbing, scratching, and using their claws for exercise. Declawing severely limits their ability to engage in natural activities.

Why this is barbaric:

• Declawed Maine Coons lose their ability to climb cat trees, leading to a lack of stimulation.
• They are less likely to engage in play, leading to boredom and depression.
• A lack of physical activity can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.

Humane Alternatives To Declawing

Declawing is a cruel and unnecessary procedure, but many humane alternatives can help prevent scratching-related issues without harming the cat.

1. Provide Sufficient Scratching Posts And Pads

Scratching is a natural behavior that keeps a cat’s claws healthy, relieves stress, marks territory, and provides exercise. If a cat scratches furniture, it likely means there aren’t enough suitable scratching areas in the home.

How to implement:

• Choose the right scratching materials: Maine Coons prefer sturdy, rough textures like sisal rope, wood, or cardboard.
• Provide multiple scratching areas: Place scratching posts in high-traffic areas and near furniture, your cat tends to scratch.
• Use vertical and horizontal scratchers: Some cats prefer upright posts, while others like flat pads.
• Ensure scratching posts are tall and stable: Maine Coons are large cats, so posts must be at least 30 inches (76 cm) tall to allow for a full stretch.

2. Regular Nail Trimming

Trimming your cat’s claws reduces the sharpness of their nails, making scratches less damaging. This can discourage furniture destruction and reduce accidental scratches on humans.

How to implement:

• Use a cat-safe nail clipper: Avoid cutting too close to the quick (the pink part inside the nail that contains nerves and blood vessels).
• Trim every 2-3 weeks: Regular trims keep claws manageable without affecting the cat’s natural ability to grip surfaces.
• Reward with treats: Make nail trimming a positive experience to reduce stress.
• If unsure, ask a vet or groomer: Professional groomers or vets can demonstrate the correct technique.

3. Use Soft Nail Caps (Temporary Claw Covers)

Soft nail caps (such as vinyl claw covers) prevent scratching damage while allowing the cat to extend and retract its claws naturally. These caps are glued onto the cat’s claws and last 4-6 weeks before falling off.

How to implement:

• Apply correctly: A small amount of pet-safe glue is used to attach caps to each claw.
• Start with front paws: These do the most scratching; back claws are usually not necessary to cover.
• Monitor for signs of discomfort: Some cats take time to adjust to wearing caps.
• Replace as needed: As claws grow, caps will naturally fall off and need replacing.

4. Use Deterrent Sprays And Tape

Cats dislike certain scents and textures, so deterrent sprays and sticky tapes can discourage scratching in unwanted areas.

How to implement:

• Anti-scratch sprays: Citrus or bitter apple sprays can be applied to furniture (but must be non-toxic).
• Double-sided sticky tape: Cats dislike the feeling of tape on their paws, preventing them from scratching that surface.
• Aluminum foil or plastic sheets: Temporarily covering furniture with these materials can stop scratching behavior.

5. Provide Engaging Toys And Activities

Maine Coons are intelligent, playful cats that need mental and physical stimulation. If they are bored or stressed, they may scratch more.

6. Use Protective Furniture Covers

If a cat is particularly attached to scratching a specific piece of furniture, covering it with a durable, cat-resistant fabric can help.

7. Positive Reinforcement Training

Maine Coons are highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement techniques. Training can teach them to avoid scratching furniture and use designated scratchers instead.