Prevention
The decision to have a pet declawed should be made only after carefully considering all the possible options. Preventive measures and training techniques should be started as soon as a cat is brought into the household. It is also advisable to make available at all times alternative scratching media, such as carpeted posts and corrugated cardboard scratch boxes. Trimming the toenails monthly and providing deterrents to inappropriate scratching, such as using scat mats or squirting with a water gun, may also eliminate the need for declawing. Another possible remedy is the application of rubber toenail caps. There is also a surgical procedure called a deep digital flexor tendonectomy, which cuts the tendon that allows the cat to fully extend its toenails. Consult a veterinarian for advice on which procedure is best for an individual cat.