Cat declaw...

Declawing your cat consists of the surgical removal of the entire nail and nail bed of the front claws under general anesthesia. The incision sites are closed using surgical adhesive or, in some cases, absorbable sutures. The patient is usually hospitalized for two nights and antibiotics and pain medication are prescribed after surgery. Also it is important to use “declaw safe” litter during the recovery process as improper litter may cause infections and delay healing. There are several paper, wood, and wheat options available on the market now. Most cats are “back to normal” within seven to fourteen days. After declawing, it is advisable to keep your cat indoors. Cats may have a decreased ability to defend themselves against other predators if allowed outdoors.

Declawing is an elective surgical option. Many pet owners decide to declaw their cats to make them more acceptable house pets (easier on the furniture and the kids). Some alternatives to declawing include regular nail trimming to keep the nails short or using “nail caps,” such as Soft Paws.