What is the surgical term for declawing a cat?

The surgical term for declawing a cat is onychectomy. This procedure involves the surgical removal of the claws, which includes not only the claw itself but also the distal phalanx, or the last bone of the toe, to prevent regrowth. Onychectomy is typically performed under anesthesia and is considered a controversial procedure due to the pain and potential behavioral issues it may cause the cat post-surgery.

The other terms provided relate to different surgical procedures: neutering refers to the castration of male animals, spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries and usually the uterus in female animals, and ovariohysterectomy is the complete surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. These procedures are aimed at preventing reproduction and do not involve the claws, making onychectomy the only correct term in this context.