Question: Is it cruel to declaw a cat?

Answer: Surgically removing the end section of a cat's last finger bone, along with the nail, prevents it from growing back. This can be painful for the animal and Hawaiian Humane Society typically opposes unnecessary surgical procedures that are painful, distressing or restrictive to the animal.

That said, if all other measures to prevent furniture destruction have been tried and failed, it's better to declaw a cat than to part with him. The Humane Society supports the use of nail sheaths and finds that cats love corrugated card board scratching beds and other materials.

The Hawaiian Humane Society welcomes questions by e-mail, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Indicate “;Pet Ohana”; in the subject line.