Rabbits do not have retractable claws like a cat which means they use them ALL the time for traction. ( A cat does not need its claws in normal movement around the house. It “extends” the claws when it needs to “hook” into somthing like a prey item or a toy) Rabbits that are declawed have more problems (that I have observed) with traction, particularly on smooth surfaces. This can lead to splay leg conditions, particularly if the rabbit is sedentary or overweight.
— Dr Susan Brown
We are working on securing the reprint rights to “Why Rabbits Should Not Be Declawed” by Dr Susan Brown.
In The Meantime, You Can:
- Retrieve an archived copy of the article “Why Rabbits Should Not Be Declawed” from The Wayback Machine.
Further Reading
Management of Rabbits Merck Veterinary Manual.
