6 expert-approved alternatives to declawing a cat

As your cat scratches your sofa to shreds, you might see their front claws as ten pointy reasons why you can’t have nice things. Or, you might see them as a safety hazard, especially if you have children or family members with certain health issues. But while it can be tough to tame those tiny talons, cat experts warn against resorting to declawing surgery.

“It’s not a necessary surgery and in that sense is unnatural for the cat and robs them of a major defense system and the ability to scratch themselves with their front paws if they’re itching.”

—Stephen Quandt, certified cat behaviorist