Declaw Procedure
The feline de-claw procedure involves the removal of your cat's claw from the bone at the first joint. This is a surgical procedure that requires full anesthetic. Clients deciding to make this decision for their cat should keep the following information in mind prior to surgery.
- Since the procedure does remove the claw completely, it is strongly advised that the cat becomes completely indoors as without their claws their climbing ability is hindered.
- Although the procedure completely removes the first joint of the cat's toe, there is always the possibility of the claw growing back.
- Your cat may be painful up to three months after the procedure.
- There will be extensive home care for the following two to three weeks after the procedure. This involves special litter, keeping the cat from jumping and playing too hard after surgery.
We perform de-claws Monday thru Thursday as this procedure does require a three day stay in the hospital. This time frame gives us the ability to perform the procedure, remove the bandages the following day, and assess your cat on the 3rd day prior to sending them home.
There are also alternatives to de-clawing. There are:
- Soft Paws Application - This involves the placement of a cover over the claw to keep the pet from scratching.
- Periodical Trimming of the Nails - Trimming your cat's nails at the curve on a bi-monthly basis. This will keep your cat from forming a sharp point at the tip of the nail, thus keeping your cat from destroying furniture and other items.
- Cat Scratch Posts - These train your cat to go to a specific area to claw and kneed instead of your furniture or other items.