Declawing is the surgical removal of a cat's claws, a procedure that is banned in many countries due to animal cruelty concerns. There are various synonyms for the word "declaw" that pet owners can use instead of resorting to this invasive and painful procedure. Some alternative terms include: nail trimming, claw clipping, paw grooming, scratching post training, claw caps, and soft paws. These methods are much less invasive and do not harm the cat's natural behavior, unlike declawing. Scratching is a normal feline behavior, and it is essential for the cat's health and wellbeing to provide them with a suitable outlet for their scratching instincts.