SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cat-declaw-avma

What does the AVMA do about declawing and other claw surgeries?

AVMA strongly discourages non-medical declawing.

Start playing free

  1. Recommends them for all indoor cats
  2. Strongly discourages them unless medically necessary ✔
  3. Requires them for kittens

Why: The AVMA strongly discourages veterinarians from performing onychectomy (declawing) or similar surgeries that aren't medically necessary. It also notes scratching is normal cat behavior, with alternatives available.

Huh, didn't know that: The AVMA says vets should counsel owners on effective alternatives to surgery.

The dad joke
What do you call a cat that can address the media? A press kit.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Strongly discourages them unless medically necessary. The AVMA strongly discourages veterinarians from performing onychectomy (declawing) or similar surgeries that aren't medically necessary. It also notes scratching is normal cat behavior, with alternatives available.

  1. AVMA, Declawing of domestic cats www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/declawing-domestic-cats
    The AVMA strongly discourages veterinarians from performing onychectomy, tenectomy, or any other surgical procedure
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

CatsWhat is declawing a cat, really?CatsInternational Cat Care says declawing raises the risk of what for cats?CatsIf you have a cat, how often does the CDC say to change the litter box?

That's stuff everyone should know.