Cat Declaw Procedure

Many indoor cats live a long and happy life with their claws intact, and their owners have no reason to consider having them removed. On the other hand, there are those cats who use their claws frequently and destructively. Owners who have cats that threaten family members, other pets, or furniture and clothing with their destructive scratching may want to have their cats' claws on the front feet removed surgically.

The best time to have a cat declawed is between 4 and 6 months of age because they seem to heal faster than older cats. If there is an older cat who is healthy and there are very compelling reasons for the surgery, it can still be done.

General anesthesia is absolutely necessary during the cat declaw procedure. Your cat will have the claws surgically removed and a surgical glue is applied to close the incision. The surgical glue helps prevent bleeding and helps to prevent against infection. Your cat's paws will be bandaged and he will need to spend the night at our hospital. If your older cat is being declawed, we may recommend that your cat spend two nights.

Most cats recover well and adapt to the declaw prcedure normally. Your cat will be given prescription pain medication for 2-3 days to help with any discomfort or pain. It takes about 10 days for the paws to completely heal.

This procedure does nothing negative to the cat either physically or psychologically. However, it does stop most scratching problems entirely! Cats which accidentlaly get outside can still climb trees and fight well whenever necessary for their own protection by using their hind claws and teeth.