Declawing is considered neither ethical nor safe for cats by many veterinary professionals and animal welfare organizations. It involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe, which can cause pain, behavioral changes, and long-term physical problems. Declawing removes a cat’s primary means of defense and can affect their ability to walk, balance, and engage in normal behaviors like scratching. Alternatives to declawing include regular nail trimming, providing scratching posts, and using nail caps to prevent unwanted scratching, promoting both the physical and psychological well-being of the cat.