Can Cats Smile?

There are many reasons why cats scratch, but it’s not always a behavior that pet parents appreciate.

Some people might consider declawing a cat the best way to deter cat scratching, but this is a controversial practice that many veterinary organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) discourage.

Here’s what to know about declawing cats, why veterinarians often oppose the procedure, and alternatives to declawing.