Please understand: trimming a cat’s nails is not the same as declawing. Trimming is like cutting your own nails—quick, painless, and healthy. Declawing is a surgery that removes part of the bone, like cutting off the tip of your finger. They are completely different. My cat lays in my lap and purrs when I trim his nails.
Millions of cats are born and raised indoors and never go outside. For those cats, keeping their nails trimmed is necessary. It helps prevent painful overgrown claws, reduces accidental injuries, and keeps their paws healthy. That’s not cruelty—it’s just responsible care.
Cats can absolutely stay healthy and happy indoors with trimmed nails. It takes time, patience, and positive reinforcement—treats, love, and trust. That’s not “Stockholm syndrome,” that’s training and bonding, just like with any pet.
You’re right that cats are predators by nature—but domesticated cats are not wild animals. That’s what “domesticated” means. Any animal whose natural life cycle has been altered by humans lives a different kind of life, and it’s our job to care for them in the environment we’ve created.
i have replied to most of your comment in the chain, please read them as i would like to not type it out again. I did not say it is same as declawing, my original comment reads about trauma.
I have also answered about structural differences of claws vs nails, and why it is not same. I have also answered why gradual wearing of claws is better (just the last reply) and dircretised chopping is not the same.
Millions of cats are born and raised indoors and never go outside.
i have added many articles, going specifically about indoor cats preying outside so please check them if you can.
Cats can absolutely stay healthy and happy indoors with trimmed nails. It takes time, patience, and positive reinforcement—treats, love, and trust. That’s not “Stockholm syndrome,” that’s training and bonding, just like with any pet.
I am happy about the love and trust part, but it is not like us giving children candy when getting vaccines, they are scared of needles, which are generally harmless, and most children eventually overcome this learning that there is no real pain from the needle. Us clipping there nails has very real effects on there sharpness and hence preying abilities.
Please understand: trimming a cat’s nails is not the same as declawing. Trimming is like cutting your own nails—quick, painless, and healthy. Declawing is a surgery that removes part of the bone, like cutting off the tip of your finger. They are completely different. My cat lays in my lap and purrs when I trim his nails.
Millions of cats are born and raised indoors and never go outside. For those cats, keeping their nails trimmed is necessary. It helps prevent painful overgrown claws, reduces accidental injuries, and keeps their paws healthy. That’s not cruelty—it’s just responsible care.
Cats can absolutely stay healthy and happy indoors with trimmed nails. It takes time, patience, and positive reinforcement—treats, love, and trust. That’s not “Stockholm syndrome,” that’s training and bonding, just like with any pet.
You’re right that cats are predators by nature—but domesticated cats are not wild animals. That’s what “domesticated” means. Any animal whose natural life cycle has been altered by humans lives a different kind of life, and it’s our job to care for them in the environment we’ve created.
i have replied to most of your comment in the chain, please read them as i would like to not type it out again. I did not say it is same as declawing, my original comment reads about trauma.
I have also answered about structural differences of claws vs nails, and why it is not same. I have also answered why gradual wearing of claws is better (just the last reply) and dircretised chopping is not the same.
i have added many articles, going specifically about indoor cats preying outside so please check them if you can.
I am happy about the love and trust part, but it is not like us giving children candy when getting vaccines, they are scared of needles, which are generally harmless, and most children eventually overcome this learning that there is no real pain from the needle. Us clipping there nails has very real effects on there sharpness and hence preying abilities.