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Scratching with the front claws is normal, instinctive behavior for cats.
The purpose of this activity is to remove old, worn fragments of the nails,
keeping them sharp. Although scratching is normal for cats, this behavior
can be destructive and costly in the home. For may cat owners, declawing is
the only solution.
A declawed cat should be confined indoors because the claws are its primary means
of defense. A house cat has little need for defense and is more suitable pet because
it can no longer ruin furnishings or scratch people.
Declawing is performed under general anesthesia and consists of surgical removal
of the nail beds. The feet are usually bandaged, and the cat may be hospitalized briefly.
After the bandages are removed, your pet will be able to walk normally, although tenderness
may be evident for a few days .
Home Care after Declaw
- Activity: Restricting exercise is difficult. However, you should prevent your
cat from jumping as much as possible for the first 5 days.
- Bleeding: Occasionally a cat breaks open one of the small scabs at the incision.
A few drops of blood followed by rapid cessation of bleeding is normal.
Call the doctor is bleeding persists.
- Litter box: Follow the instructions checked.
__ Replace the normal granular clay litter with shredded newspaper or similar
material for __ days.
- __ No change in litter material is necessary.
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Special Instructions:
Notify the doctor is your cat's feet appear swollen, bleeding frequently, your
cat is reluctant to walk or your cat's general health or behavior changes.
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