Declawing A Cat/Kitten | Should I Declaw My Cat | When To Declaw My Kitten

Declawing cat operation may be considered for indoor individuals of both sexes who have developed the vice of scratching and tearing upholstery and furnishings - particularly when attempts to train them to use cat scratch posts wasn't that successful.

There is controversy about whether a cat should be declawed. One view is that declawing is unnatural and psychologically harmful. Another is that it does not involve a hardship and that cats get along well without their front claws. Cats that live outdoors should never be declawed. This will affect their ability to climb and defend themselves.

If declawing your cat is inevitable, it is best done when the kitten is 3 months of age or older. Many veterinarians suggest that the operation be deferred until a kitten is 4-5 months old, at which time it can be done at the same time as neutering. Young cats learn to cope without claws more quickly than adults do. In most cases, only front claws are removed. The hind claws are not used to scratch furniture. Leaving them gives the cat a measure of usefulness.

The operation, done under general anesthesia, involves the removal of the claw to include the nail matrix and part or all of the last bone of the toe. Less complete removal can result in re-growth of the claw or a misshapen nail. The feet are firmly bandaged. Dressings are removed in a day or two and the cat can go home. The feet will be tender for several days, so filler in the litter box should be replaced with shredded paper to prevent sand from getting into the healing incision.

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