Declawing in Cats

How is a declaw performed?

Declawing (onychectomy) consists of surgical removal of the entire nail and 3rd phalynx along ith the nail bed of the front claws. under general anesthesia.  The incision sites are closed using surgical skin adhesive. The patient will be hospitalized to monitor their pain control closely for two nights. Most cats are "back to normal" within  fourteen days.

How should I take care of my cat after the surgery?

To ensure a safe and speedy recovery for your cat, follow these guidelines:

"NEVER USE CLUMPING LITTER during this period."

• Litter Box
  Replace the normal litter with a specially formulated litter - Yesterday's News - until otherwise directed. NEVER USE CLUMPING LITTER during this period. This is important because small granules of litter can enter or stick to the surgical sites, causing pain or infection and delaying healing.

• Exercise
  Restricting a cat's activity is difficult, at best. As much as possible, discourage your cat from jumping on furniture and counter tops for the first week after surgery, by blocking the access to these areas. If you see your cat on the countertop or high furniture, do not scare it into jumping off; instead help it down. Cats primarily use their back legs to jump up, but may injure the surgical sites when they jump down and land on their front paws. 

• Bleeding
  Occasionally a cat will break open one of its incisions and a few drops of blood may ooze out. The blood should clot rapidly and form a small scab. Notify the hospital if you observe continuous bleeding from a surgical site. Do not attempt to clean the paws or administer any topical medications without consulting a veterinarian. NEVER USE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE ON THE WOUND.

Are there any negative aspects to declawing my cat?

After declawing, it is advisable to keep your cat indoors. A number of scientific studies have shown that declawed cats have no greater risk of getting bitten or injured in a cat fight. However, they may have a decreased ability to defend themselves against other predators if allowed outdoors.

Under what circumstances should I contact my veterinarian?

You should contact the veterinary clinic if any of the following occur:

• Your cat's feet appear very swollen or bleed frequently and profusely.

• Your pet is reluctant to walk after four to five (4-5) days at home.

• There is a change in your cat's general health, behavior or if your cat stops eating for two consecutive days.

If you have any questions or concerns about your cat or the surgical procedure, please feel free to contact our hospital.