Onychectomy, more generally known as cat declawing, is surgically removing the claw by amputating the distal phalanges (end part of the cat’s toes).
How do I decide if I should declaw my cat or not?
Onychectomy is not necessary in most cases. This is an elective procedure and should only be done after careful consideration. Pet parents should first consult with their family veterinarian before deciding to declaw their cat.
Cat declawing should only be considered if every attempt has been made to deter destructive scratching and if scratching behavior causes more than normal health risk to the owner. For example, if an owner is on blood thinners, has an immune compromised disease or other diseases where their physicians have recommended that they avoid scratches from a cat.
How can I make my cat stop scratching?
- Scratching is a normal cat behavior so it is not possible to stop your cat from scratching. Pet parents need to provide scratching posts and many elements that cats like to scratch. You will need to experiment what substrates your cat likes to scratch.
- Claw trimming should be done every week or two to keep the claws at a safe length. You can start trimming their claws when they are kittens so they can get used to the nail trims.
- Some people prefer to put on nail caps. This is usually a rubber or plastic substance glued on the nail. These are applied every 4-6 weeks.
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I have tried everything, but my cat has destructive behavior and cannot keep my cat in my home.
If you have tried everything to deter destructive scratching, but your cat continues to scratch, declaw can be considered. Cats that have destructive scratching behavior are more likely to be relinquished which adds to the problem of homeless cats in the shelter. If declawing cats will guarantee that they will remain in a loving home, then declawing may be considered.
What you should know before deciding to declaw your cat.
- If you have made your decision to declaw your cat, you must promise to never let your cat go outside alone. Because you are taking their defenses away, you will put their life at risk because they cannot defend themselves without their claws.
- Because declaw is a major surgery, there are inherent risks and complications. Although not common, the following complications are possible: bleeding, infection, pain, delayed healing. In rare cases, permanent tenderness to the paw is possible.
- If you have made an informed decision to declaw your cat, we recommend that you do the declaw surgery when they are young and light in weight. Declawing an older and overweight cat can have a higher complication rate.
Is declawing painful?
At Vetsavers Pet Hospital, your we use safe and effective anesthesia for the declaw surgery. Our veterinarians in Carrollton and Dallas, take a multi-modal approach to control pain before, during and after surgery. We will keep your cat hospitalized at Vetsavers Pet Hospital for 3 days to ensure that your cat is not painful and appropriately confined to prevent injury while the paws heal. We take every step possible to ensure that your cat will have a pain free declaw procedure and healing.
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