To declaw or not to declaw, that is the question! There is a lot of controversy surrounding this procedure, but it is a surgery that we are willing to perform. We do recommend trying different techniques at home to prevent your cat from destroying your furniture and therefore being able to avoid the surgery.
How do I prevent my cat from scratching up my house without having to declaw them?
Your cat’s natural behavior is to mark their territory. This serves not only as a visual sign, but also scent, to let other cats know, “This is mine!” Wherever your cat hangs out is where they will be scratching. Therefore it’s important to place the scratching posts where they are. Just because you give them something to scratch in the spare bedroom doesn’t mean they will use it. The type of material is important as well. Cats enjoy material that they can sink their claws into and rip them out. Sisal rope, compressed cardboard and natural wood with bark is the ideal scratching post material.
I tried the scratching posts, but my cat just won’t use them. What other options do I have before I consider declawing?
There are various brands of rubber caps, such as Soft Paws TM, that you can place on each toenail to help blunt the nails and avoid causing damage. As the nails grow, the caps will fall off and will need to be replaced regularly (usually ever 4-6 weeks). Protective adhesive pads are also available. These pads can be placed on areas of scratching to protect the underlying material.
What is declawing?
Declawing is the amputation of the last digit on each toe. If the toenail is only cut back to the nail bed, it will just grow back. The whole digit must be amputated to prevent regrowth of the toenail. The incisions are closed with either surgical glue or absorbable suture.
Can you explain to me the differences between the ‘traditional’ declaw and the Laser declaw?
The traditional technique uses a scalpel blade or Resco nail trimmers to amputate the digit. There is more bleeding and pain associated with this technique, but still effective.
The Laser technique uses a surgical laser to perform the amputation. There is minimal to no bleeding, less pain and a quicker recovery.
Are there any complications related to the surgery?
During the procedure itself there are unlikely to be any complications. During the post-operative period there is a higher risk of the incisions becoming infected compared to other surgeries because we can’t keep them off of their feet and they are in and out of the litter boxes. We try to reduce this risk by using shredded newspaper or a product called Yesterday’s News in place of the clay litter. Signs of infection include pain, lameness, swollen toes and discharge. If cats are declawed when they are fully grown, there may be a longer recovery period due to their size.
When should I have the declaw procedure performed?
Most of the time it is done at the same time of the neuter or spay between 4-6 months of age, but it can be performed anytime after 4 months of age.
My cat goes outside regularly. Is declawing him a good idea?
If your cat goes outside regularly, we do not recommend the declaw procedure. Their front nails provide them a source of protection. The front nails also make it easier for them to climb trees and escape danger.
Is it ok to have all four feet declawed?
We do not recommend declawing all four feet. This will cause them much unnecessary pain and discomfort. They generally do not do any significant damage with their rear claws. Should your cat slip outside, they would benefit from at least having their hind claws.