Alternatives To Declawing Cats (Informative Viral Twitter Thread)

Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky
Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
May 17, 2021 12:00 PM EDT

Declawing a cat is something awful. Taking away something that is natural to them, that is so necessary for their well-being is an action that cat owners should avoid as much as they possibly can. It's simply not right! We do understand the struggle of some cat owners with cats that are more feisty than most and who always, always, always, scratch their furniture.

Still, there are other options available for preventing your cat from destroying your furniture outside of declawing them, and this Twitter thread by @KikiDoodleTweet that is going viral gives you all of the alternatives- with videos to support their statements and links to items that you can purchase. 

So, read this thread, get informed, and forward it to anyone who needs to read it as well. This cat enthusiast went out of their way to provide what sounds like perfectly useful information for other cat owners out there: hopefully it helps some people with their cats!

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  • 01
    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Every time I see a "don't declaw your cat" post SO many people reply VERY upset. "You don't know the situation!" Okay, realistically the situation is people are bad at preventing their cats from damaging their stuff, so my "Don't declaw your cat" post is a thread on prevention: 10:07 PM Dec 13, 2020 · Twitter Web App 5K Retweets 231 Quote Tweets 16.6K Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
  • 02
    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodle Tweet Cats absolutely will scratch stuff. Fact. Don't get a cat if you can't handle this. BUT, you can still have nice furniture if you also give your cats outlets or manage their nails. Preferably BOTH. 10:07 PM Dec 13, 2020 · Twitter Web App 94 Retweets 13 Quote Tweets 3.1K Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodle Tweet Cats scratch to do several things: 1. remove the outer dead layer of their nails, sharpening them. 2. leave a scent/mark territory. They have scent glands in their paws, so even a declawed cat will still "scratch" because of this. 3. To stretch and relax and release anxiety. 10:07 PM Dec 13, 2020 · Twitter Web App 46 Retweets 3 Quote Tweets 2.3K Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet Cats also have PREFERENCES for what they want to scratch and every cat is different. Some like horizontal surfaces (like a dead log) others like vertical surfaces (tree). Your best bet is providing for both. 10:07 PM Dec 13, 2020 · Twitter Web App 26 Retweets 2K Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet Cats will have preferred textures. It's a GOOD idea to avoid using the same texture in their scratching posts in non scratching areas as that's confusing. If your scratching post is the same texture as your carpet, you can't blame them for thinking the carpet is also scratch okay 10:07 PM Dec 13, 2020 · Twitter Web App 45 Retweets 2 Quote Tweets 2.1K Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodle Tweet If you DO have texture confusion, place an appropriate scratchable object near the object of confusion. Couch they like to scratch? Put a scratcher nearby and reward them for using the correct outlet. 10:07 PM · Dec 13, 2020 · Twitter Web App 26 Retweets 1 Quote Tweet 1.7K Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet Reason #3 ALSO includes getting your attention. If you ignore kitty when they're being chill, but yell at them when they scratch your rug, they'll scratch for you to look at them. Having outlets in places you hang out gives kitty a way to ask POLITELY for attention. 10:07 PM · Dec 13, 2020 Twitter Web App 37 Retweets 8 Quote Tweets 2K Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
  • 08
    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet Attaching a few videos in this thread so bear with me if you're reading it live. EVERY time your cat scratches the right object, tell them how GOOD they are. They'll do it on purpose to get your attention. Let it. This is the good behavior version of knocking stuff over. 10:07 PM Dec 13, 2020 Twitter Web App 26 Retweets 3 Quote Tweets 1.8K Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet I found the "meow" mat later at a thrift store. It just happens to be a material I know they like and I thought it was cute. Again by paying attention to the material your pets like you can both get items they'll enjoy scratching AND avoid buying nice furniture in that material. 10:30 PM Dec 13, 2020 · Twitter Web App 11 Retweets 1K Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodle Tweet In both of my videos you can see how I PRAISE the positive behavior. IF they scratch in the wrong place, move them to the correct scratcher, run your nails over it, and praise kitty. You may need to lift their paws against it. Repeat this, use treats and toys, and pay attention. 10:31 PM Dec 13, 2020 · Twitter Web App 17 Retweets 1K Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet I'll state again you need to keep the scratching item NEAR the object of desire for it to be most effective. When the cat wants to scratch the object that gets them yelled at, they'll easily switch to scratching the nearby object that gets them praise. 10:34 PM · Dec 13, 2020 · Twitter Web App 14 Retweets 921 Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet Hiding scratchers in the corners of your house, on the other hand, doesn't encourage kitty. This is the equivalent of trying to eat healthy by putting healthy snacks across the room while always keeping a candy bar on your desk. Make the choice EASY for kitty. 10:34 PM Dec 13, 2020 · Twitter Web App 17 Retweets 976 Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodle Tweet Prevention part 2 is NAIL TRIMMING. I never realized how many people had a ton of issues with trimming their pets nails until recently, and a lot of it is fear of injury to yourself or your pet. Nail trimming may not be FUN for kitty, but you can easily train them to handle it. 10:35 PM Dec 13, 2020 · Twitter Web App 14 Retweets 1 Quote Tweet 909 Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet "Where do I cut the nail?" The quick is the part of the nail that has blood in it. If you cut this your cat will bleed a little. The REST of the nail is just nail and hurts no more than you nibbling the ends of your fingernails. Here's a rough guide. Cut Quick Here 10:40 PM · Dec 13, 2020 · Twitter Web App 26 Retweets 874 Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet If you INFREQUENTLY (or never) cut the nails, the guide above is good. Infrequently cut nails seem to have a larger quick. You can always cut LESS then slowly cut a little bit more at a time, paying attention to kitty's reactions. 10:45 PM · Dec 13, 2020 · Twitter Web App 9 Retweets 730 Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Finger - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet My sphynxes get their nails cut pretty dang SHORT almost to the quick since they love to walk on my shoulders and crawl up my back. This was some freshly cut Archimedes nails, cut extra short as it was summer and he was a shoulder kitty. It's quite short. 10:45 PM · Dec 13, 2020 Twitter Web App 9 Retweets 1 Quote Tweet 719 Likes BEAN TOE
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet "But my pet hates their nails being cut" So? Train them. It's for their own good. Start with 1 paw or 1-2 nails if they're extra wiggly. Hold them in one arm or flip them on their back and pinch out a toe, and cut the nail. Reward with a treat. You don't NEED a partner. 10:49 PM Dec 13, 2020 - Twitter Web App 24 Retweets 2 Quote Tweets 912 Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 00. @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodle Tweet DO NOT LET THEM RUN AWAY. Calmly tell them they're good, and release only when they are also calm (Or at least behaving) If you release every time they kick off of you or yell, they'll learn that kicking, biting or yelling gets them out of nail time. That's a bad behavior. 10:49 PM Dec 13, 2020 · Twitter Web App 16 Retweets 982 Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet If they realize that nail time only ends when YOU decide it ends, they'll be happier to listen even if they're NOT happy with it. Start small if kitty is not used to nail time, and work your way to a whole nail trimming session without bad behavior (biting, scratching, etc) 10:51 PM Dec 13, 2020 · Twitter Web App 9 Retweets 824 Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet "Yes but my cat is not a pure bred cat who grew up with human contact. They are a feral who hates all human touch and interaction" OH BOY!! Yeah that's my Pandora. She is uh... not a fan... of humans. or touching. ESPECIALLY not holding. We do her nails every 1-2 weeks. 11:04 PM Dec 13, 2020 · Twitter Web App 11 Retweets 2 Quote Tweets 817 Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet A big thing for this is YOUR energy. You have to be confident and calm for your cat. If you're scared of them hurting you and afraid to hold onto them they realize that a quick kick and wiggle will make you let them go. 12:18 AM Dec 14, 2020 Twitter Web App
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
  • 28
    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet Reasons to trim: - Less damage to items if the cat does scratch - Avoid accidental injury to yourself OR other pets in a fight -Less chance of the nail getting hooked into clothing or furniture -A healthy habit of kitty trusting you to handle them which can come in handy for meds. 12:30 AM Dec 14, 2020 · Twitter Web App 5 Retweets 299 Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet The nail caps are safely glued onto your cat's nails using a pet safe glue. NEVER use your own glue, but only the glue that comes with the caps. Probably avoid buying these off of Wish and go with trusted brand names like Soft Paws or the like. 12:33 AM Dec 14, 2020 Twitter Web App
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet Like ANY tool, they still require some work to use properly. They fall off on their own usually within 1-4 weeks, but if they do NOT you need to trim them off and replace so the nail does not grow too long inside of the cap and risk injury. 12:33 AM Dec 14, 2020 - Twitter Web App
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet These are definitely more work than JUST trimming nails, so you can ALSO ask your vet to do application. BUT for doing it at home, this was my tested method: 1. trim nails. 2. Trim nail caps until they FIT each nail snugly. They're usually too large. 12:44 AM - Dec 14, 2020 · Twitter Web App
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet Usually this is how I would cut it to the nail. I ALWAYS trimmed the bottom bump which has the highest chance of growing into a paw pad if the cap doesn't fall off. 3. Lie all nail caps out in order after cutting them 4. fill 1 with glue 1/2 way 5. slowly pinch out air bubble 12:44 AM Dec 14, 2020 Twitter Web App
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
  • 34
    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet 6. Apply to cat nail, HOLD BACK FUR AND SKIN and lightly dab any excess glue with a paper towel 7. repeat steps 4-6 for each nail. 8. Do any task that distracts cat for 10 minutes. petting, food, treats, cuddles, etc. Then they last MUCH longer. 12:44 AM Dec 14, 2020 · Twitter Web App
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodleTweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet They use a cat-safe glue but it can still adhere to the fur or skin like a superglue can. If this does happen GENTLY massage the paw to loosen the glue. I'd usually hold each nail out for about 10 seconds before retracting it to prevent as much sticking as possible. 12:46 AM Dec 14, 2020 · Twitter Web App 1 Retweet 175 Likes
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodle Tweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet Obviously this requires a LOT of handling. You can also have your vet do this for you (Same with nail trimming). It's definitely a task that's easier with friends. One person handles the cat, the other person preps the glue. 12:46 AM Dec 14, 2020 · Twitter Web App
    via @KikiDoodleTweet
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    Text - Kikidoodle & Purrmaids 000 @KikiDoodle Tweet Replying to @KikiDoodleTweet I like them as a training tool and they can also be used to reduce damage in cat fights if that's an issue you have. That said, if they aren't properly applied your cat will pull them off of each nail, one by one, within a few minutes hahaa. Non surprisingly. 12:48 AM - Dec 14, 2020 - Twitter Web App
    via @KikiDoodleTweet

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