Advice on Declawed Cats and Cat Trees

Our question this week was:

Dr Debra,

I had my 6 month old kitten declawed and was wondering when she would be able to climb back up her cat tree. I know some think declawing is barbaric but it was needed as she is very aggressive and we have a small child in the home.

Rhonda Tootill

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. When and how cats climb after a declaw really depends on the cat, how long it has been since the surgery and what paws you had done. Most cats with back claws and no front claws can generally still climb pretty well. Many can still climb trees (although I DO NOT RECOMMEND ANY CATS THAT GO OUTSIDE BE DECLAWED).

I’ve seen some cats never really climb much after a declaw. Time will tell.

Regards,

Dr. Debra

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