Thrive Pet Healthcare’s Stance on Feline Elective Declawing

At Thrive Pet Healthcare, our focus has always centered on providing compassionate, high-quality care that supports the lifelong health and well-being of pets. We know that declawing is a sensitive topic in veterinary care, and we want to be transparent about our position.

Our position is grounded in contemporary veterinary practice and the core belief that our care should always put the animal’s welfare first. We support the guidance of respected veterinary organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FVMA), all of which oppose elective feline declawing.

While declawing is still legal in some states, Thrive encourages education about the natural behavior of cats and the humane alternatives to declawing. Our veterinarians are committed to helping pet owners understand scratching behavior and find practical, non-surgical solutions that work for their households.

In those rare cases where a declaw may be medically necessary, our veterinarians use their clinical judgment to determine the best course of action for the individual cat.

For additional information on feline scratching behavior, the risks of declawing, and alternatives to surgery, we recommend the following resources:

If you have any questions about this topic, we encourage you to speak with your Thrive veterinarian. Our team is here to help you make informed, compassionate decisions for your cat’s health and comfort.