I’ll be honest—declawing a Siamese cat is a terrible idea. It’s not just a quick fix for scratching; it’s a painful and life-altering procedure that can lead to long-term health and behavioral issues.
Instead of putting your cat through that, there are plenty of better ways to keep both your furniture and your feline happy.
Trust me, once you understand what declawing actually does, you’ll never consider it again. Let’s talk about why it’s so harmful and what you can do instead!
Understanding the Declawing Procedure: What It Really Involves
Imagine if someone took a pair of clippers and lopped off the tips of your fingers—right down to the last joint. Ouch, right? Well, that’s basically what happens when a cat is declawed. A lot of people think declawing is just like giving a cat a manicure, but in reality, it’s a painful surgical procedure that removes not just the claw, but the entire last bone of each toe. If you’re cringing at the thought, you’re not alone—so am I!
What Really Happens When a Siamese Cat is Declawed?
Declawing, also known as onychectomy, isn’t just pulling out a cat’s claws like you would a weed. It involves amputating the last bone of each toe to prevent the claws from growing back. It’s the equivalent of cutting off a human’s fingertip at the last joint.
Now, imagine trying to walk, balance, or even hold onto something without the tips of your fingers—it would throw off everything! That’s what declawed cats go through every single day.
There are three common methods used for declawing:
- Blade Declawing (The Old-School Way) – A scalpel or surgical blade is used to slice through the joint and remove the last bone and claw entirely.
- Guillotine Declawing (Yes, Like the Name Suggests) – A special tool with a sharp blade snaps off the last toe bone and claw. This method can leave behind small fragments, causing long-term pain.
- Laser Declawing (High-Tech but Still Harmful) – A laser burns through the tissue and bone, which reduces bleeding but still removes an essential part of the cat’s anatomy.
No matter the method, the result is the same—a painful and permanent change to your cat’s body that affects how they walk, stretch, and even play.
Why Do Siamese Cats Need Their Claws?
Siamese cats (and all cats, really) use their claws for way more than just scratching up your couch. Their claws help them balance, defend themselves, and even communicate.
You might have noticed how your Siamese stretches out and flexes their paws—this is a big part of keeping their muscles and joints healthy. Removing their claws completely messes with this natural process.
Not to mention, Siamese cats have retractable claws (yes, just like little furry ninjas), which means they only extend them when they need to. If you’re worried about scratches, training and providing the right scratching posts can solve the problem without harming your cat.
I wrote about this in detail in my blog post: Can Siamese Cats Retract Their Claws?
Spoiler alert: They can, and they should!
The Aftermath of Declawing
After a cat is declawed, they have to learn how to walk all over again—but now, without the full support of their toes. Some cats end up shifting their weight unnaturally, which leads to joint pain, arthritis, and even back problems. Others develop behavioral issues, like biting or avoiding the litter box, because stepping on litter is suddenly painful for them.
For my Siamese cats, Batman and Robyn, their claws are a huge part of who they are. Batman loves to climb and perch on high spots, and Robyn uses her claws to “knead” my lap when she’s feeling affectionate. Declawing would take away so much of what makes them the playful, confident cats they are. And I know I’d rather invest in scratching posts and regular nail trims than put them through that kind of pain.
Declawing is a permanent, painful procedure that can lead to lifelong complications. But don’t worry—if scratching is your concern, there are plenty of safe and humane alternatives that actually work. Let’s talk about those next!
Effective Alternatives to Declawing: Keeping Both Your Siamese Cat and Furniture Safe
If you’re worried about your Siamese cat turning your couch into a scratching masterpiece, don’t panic—there are plenty of ways to protect your furniture without harming your cat.
As a Siamese cat owner myself, I know firsthand that these little acrobats love to scratch. But instead of declawing (which, as we’ve covered, is NOT the answer), there are simple and humane solutions that work. Let’s go over some of my favorites!
1. Regular Nail Trims: A Quick Fix That Works
One of the easiest ways to reduce damage from scratching is by keeping your cat’s nails trimmed. Trust me, I used to think this was some kind of impossible task, but with a little patience (and a lot of treats), it’s totally doable! Trimming their nails every couple of weeks helps dull the sharp tips, making their scratches less destructive.
Batman and Robyn were not fans at first, but I found that starting slow and using treats made a huge difference. Now, it’s just part of our routine! If you’re new to trimming, try using cat-friendly clippers and take it one paw at a time. And if your Siamese is feeling extra dramatic about it, a vet or groomer can help.
2. Scratching Posts: Give Them Something Better to Scratch
Cats don’t scratch to be jerks—they do it because it’s a natural instinct. The trick is to redirect that energy to something appropriate (aka, NOT your favorite armchair). That’s where a good scratching post comes in!
Siamese cats, in particular, love vertical space, so a tall, sturdy scratching post is ideal. My two go crazy for sisal-wrapped posts and tall cat trees. If you need help picking the best one, I wrote a full guide on the best scratching posts for Siamese cats.
Pro tip: Try placing the scratching post near your cat’s favorite “illegal” scratching spot. Rub a little catnip on it or dangle a toy over it to make it extra tempting. They’ll soon forget about the couch!
3. Nail Caps: Cute, Painless, and Effective
If your cat still manages to turn your furniture into a scratching canvas, nail caps can be a great solution. These are tiny, soft plastic covers that go over their claws, preventing damage while still allowing them to extend and retract their claws naturally.
At first, I thought Batman and Robyn would hate them, but once they got used to the feeling, they barely noticed! Plus, they come in different colors, so you can have a little fun—imagine your Siamese rocking some stylish blue or pink claws. 💅 They last about 4-6 weeks and fall off naturally when your cat sheds their claws. If you’re hesitant, your vet can apply them the first time to show you how it’s done.
I personally recommend Kitty Caps Nail Caps for Cats—they’re safe, stylish, and a humane alternative to declawing!
4. Protecting Your Furniture (Because We Know They’ll Try Anyway)
Even with the best scratching posts, some cats still test the limits. If your Siamese insists on using the couch, there are ways to make it less appealing. I covered 13 smart ways to stop furniture scratching in a detailed post here, but here are a few quick fixes:
Declawing Isn’t Necessary—There’s Always a Better Option!
Keeping your cat’s claws intact doesn’t mean sacrificing your furniture! With regular nail trims, the right scratching posts, nail caps, and smart deterrents, you can keep your home scratch-free without harming your Siamese.
Batman and Robyn are proof that you don’t need declawing to live peacefully with your cats—you just need the right approach! Try a few of these methods, and I promise you’ll see a big difference.