Cat declawing used to be a widely accepted method for controlling cat scratching behavior. Alternatives to cat declawing are now considered humane solutions to destructive cat scratching.
During the surgery to declawed cat, the last digit of the cat's toes are removed. The veterinarian may opt to do the claw instead of removing the end portion of the cat's toes however.
The main reason that cat owners elect to get their cat's declawed is to stop or prevent destructive cat scratching. Some cat owners believe that they must have their cat's declawed to save their furniture and even themselves from getting scratched. A cat owner who gets their cat declawed to stop cat scratching during play may be disappointed when the declawed cat bites since they can no longer use its claws to defend itself.