WHAT IS DECLAWING?

Feline onychectomy or declaw procedure is performed in cats to prevent scratching and damage to furniture and draperies. Usually, only the front claws are removed. It is very important to remove all of the germinal tissue contained in the ungual crest of the third phalanx (toe bone). The entire third phalanx can be dissected out and removed (amputated). A small part of the palmar (bottom) surface of the third phalanx can be left without causing regrowth of the nail. Following the onychectomy the second phalanx should be examined. If any of the remaining third phalanx overlaps the second phalanx, the piece of third phalanx should be dissected out and removed.

From: Textbook of Small Animal Orthopaedics, Newton C.D. and Nunamaker D.M. (Eds.), 1985; B0049.0685

The cat's claw grows from the depths of the third phalanx, or toe bone,

so removing the claw necessitates amputating that portion of the toe

DHOS contributor, E.R., sent this in:

"Have you seen this website dedicated to a cat who lost both back feet to a botched declaw?  Check out http://www.stellahasnofeet.com

Stella seems to be a healthy, happy cat otherwise and gets around fine with some reasonable accomodations, so I guess declawing fans will consider this proof that indoor cats "don't need" their feet, either.  Bonus: No more naughty jumping up on things!  'Defooting', anyone?" 

E.R. adds sarcasticly, "I can imagine vets marketing it ... 'Only an extra $100 with a neuter/spay, and we use a laser...'"

All images shown here were lifted from other websites along with their descriptions