Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians says declawing cats is not in the pets best interest

Mar 30, 2017 | Life, News

By: Sukh Toor

The Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians (OAVT) has reaffirmed its opposition to the declawing of domestic cats.

“As stated by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), research shows that declawing a feline is not in the animal’s best interest. Therefore the OAVT supports the CVMA’s new position on declawing,” said Natalie Thomas, communications manager of OAVT.

“We are seeing cats who are having negative long term affects,” said Dr. Enid Stiles of CVMA, “it is untrue that declawing your cat reduces risks, in fact, it increases risks. They will resort to bites, which are more serious and lead to more complications.”

The CVMA put out a statement that said the procedure is not medically necessary.  Declawing is not just removing the claw, it requires the vet to cut at the bone, which if not done properly leads to complications like regrowth. Dr. Stiles compares it to standing with stones in your shoes.

This is only a statement from the CVMA. It is up to the provinces to put this into affect or provide education to cat owners, Dr. Stiles said.

“Change is on the way. Newer individuals in the field are against this and will not perform the surgery,” she said.