Why Should You Declaw Your Cat?

Many people choose to declaw their cat to facilitate a long and happy relationship with their pet.

Is it Cruel to Declaw Your Cat?

Once a declawing procedure is done it never has to be repeated. It often allows cats to live in a home that would otherwise not be possible. It stops many cats from ending up at the humane society looking for a home or being euthanized.

How is Pain Controlled?

The declawing procedure is an orthopedic procedure and pain management must be a priority. The night before your cat’s procedure a Fentanyl patch is applied to the skin. Fentanyl is a narcotic drug that is released from the patch and diffuses through the skin. The patch lasts for several days. In the morning prior to the surgery your cat receives injectable pain medication that works synergistically with the Fentanyl patch. The procedure is performed under general anesthetic. After general anesthesia has been achieved a combination of lidocaine and bupivicaine is injected next to the nerves supplying the foot. This provides complete blockage of pain sensation during the post surgical period. Your cat stays with us for two nights following the surgery which allows us to continue the pain medication. At discharge time you are provided with four days of pain medication to give at home.

When Should You Declaw Your Cat?

Ideally the declaw procedure should be performed before six months of age. Three or four months of age is even better. The cat weighs less which is helpful during the recovering period and the surgical site is still soft with cartilage which heals faster. Usually the declaw procedure is done at the same time as the neuter or spay surgery.

Contact us today to book an appointment or to learn more information about declawing your cat.