The issues behind controversial 'declawing' cat procedure Khloé Kardashian regrets doing to her pets
Khloé Kardashian has revealed she got her two cats declawed after being ‘misadvised,’ as she admitted she’s worried that the divisive procedure caused them to be ‘miserable’.
Declawing, which is a highly controversial procedure that’s banned in most countries, is the amputation of the last bone of each toe on a cat or kitten’s paw.
Speaking on her Khloé In Wonder Land podcast on Wednesday (20 May), the 41-year-old reality TV star said: “I was really misadvised about getting my cats declawed.
“I’ve never owned cats before. I didn’t even know that was a thing. I feel really, really terrible that I did go in this direction. I feel like that’s why my cats are miserable, and it was at my doing.”
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Khloé admitted that her two felines, Gray Kitty and Baby Kitty wear Air Tags and ‘aren’t allowed to even go near the door’.
“I’m so afraid if they get out because they have no way to defend themselves. They lost their protection tools. So it makes me sad,” The Kardashians star said.
The Humane World For Animals compares declawing to ‘cutting off your finger at the last knuckle,’ in human terms.
As mentioned, the procedure is banned or considered unethical in dozens of countries around the world, and even certain US states and cities have put a stop to it.
Most vets oppose declawing and tendonectomies except in rare cases when it’s necessary for medical purposes, such as the removal of cancerous nail bed tumors.
Speaking to Tyla, Dr. Linda Simon, resident Vet at Pooch & Mutt said: "While this procedure may be performed commonly in some countries, this isn't the case here in the UK.
“In America, many pet cats are indoor only, and they're de-clawed to prevent furniture damage, and to prevent injuries to other pets and people in the home.”
She explained that to permanently remove claws, the top bone of the toes are surgically removed under anaesthetic, usually when the cat is very young.
Dr. Simon argued: “In countries like the UK, it is felt that this procedure is unethical. It is not legal. It is classified as an unnecessary mutilation and is prohibited under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
“Cats need their claws to climb and scratch, and also for self-defence from other animals when outside.”
The vet outlined that other risks of declawing include:
- Risks associated with a general anaesthetic
- Discomfort experienced in the initial weeks, as the wound heals
- Potential post-op complications like bleeding and localised infections
- More severe complications, including osteomyelitis (bone infection) and the need to amputate a larger portion of the toe
- A reduced ability of the cat to express their natural behaviour
- Potential for litter tray aversion to develop
- Chronic paw pain
The American Veterinary Medical Association also ‘strongly discourages’ vets from performing surgical procedures that are ‘intended to prevent the normal use of the animal's claws that is not medically necessary’.
The association told PEOPLE Magazine: “Scratching is a normal behavior of cats that conditions the claws, serves as a visual and scent territorial marker, allows for self-defense, and provides healthy muscle engagement through stretching.”
Khloé faced a slew of backlash from fans since making the admission, who’ve taken to social media to slam the decision.
One user penned: “Khloe declawing her cats is so nasty and disgusting. I liked her too. But go to hell with your claws.”
While a second wrote: “I cannot believe you got your cats declawed. That is so beyond inhumane and makes me so sad.”
And a third added: “Declawed!??? Poor babies, that is soo cruel. This should be illegal.”
Tyla has contacted a representative for Khloé for comment
Topics: Khloe Kardashian, Cats, Celebrity, Entertainment, Pets, Social Media
Madison Burgess