How old to declaw?

The optimal age for declawing a cat is still highly debated among veterinarians. Some vets recommend performing declawing at an early age, between 8 and 16 weeks, before the kitten's claws become fully developed and the surgery is less invasive. Others suggest waiting until the cat is at least 6 months old, giving time for the kitten to develop normally and for any behavioral issues related to scratching to emerge. It's important to note that declawing is considered an elective procedure, and many vets encourage alternative solutions to manage unwanted scratching, such as providing scratching posts, regular nail trims, and training the cat to use the desired surfaces.