Scratching is a normal behaviour for cats and it is important to give cats opportunities for scratching. Cats need to scratch to keep their claws healthy and conditioned. Scratching also provides an outlet for emotional release for frustration, anxiety or excitement. SPCA recommends working with a qualified behaviourist to manage aggressive behaviour.

SPCA recommends owners concerned about clawing and scratching behaviour provide appropriate outlets for scratching behaviour, such as scratching posts or consider regular nail trimming.

SPCA advocates that declawing of cats is prohibited.

SPCA opposes the declawing of cats. Declawing is considered a convenience surgery. It involves the surgical amputation of the last bone of each toe on a cat’s paw.

Declawing may lead to frustration and anxiety, acute and chronic pain, lameness, and other surgical complications. Declawed cats are more likely to develop problem behaviours such as increased biting behaviour, inappropriate urination or defecation, over-grooming and aggression.