It costs between $600 – $800 to declaw a cat. Nevertheless, the total cost of declawing The characteristics of a cat is dependent on a variety of circumstances, one of which is your location, the expertise & experience of the vet, the age or health status, and the method used.
In this article, we’ll discuss cat declawing, why people declaw their cats, the cost, and whether there are side effects and long-term consequences.
So let’s jump right in.
What is Cat Declawing?
Cat declawing – formerly known as Onychectomy – is a surgical procedure done on cats to permanently remove their claws and nail beds, down to the last bones on the cat’s toe. This is done using several surgical methods, such as guillotine nail clippers, scalpel blades, or Co2 lasers.
Then the wound is closed with surgical glue or stitches before bandaging the feet. This amputation results in the cat having smaller feet, no claws, and an inability to grow nails.
When Should A Cat Be Declawed?
A cat should be declawed between the ages of 3 and 6 months.
During this period, the kitten is less likely to feel much pain; they can heal faster and quickly recover from the trauma linked to declawing. However you can also declaw older cats, but the pressure would be excruciating because of their weight, and it would take longer for the wound to heal.
Why Do People Declaw Their Cats?
People declaw their cats when they consider them destructive for using their claws to scratch and damage the surface of household items such as furniture and carpets.
Another reason people declaw their cats is that it is deemed a medical necessity due to a tumor on its toes or severe injury on its paws.
Is Declawing A Cat Painful?
Declawing a cat is indeed excruciatingly unpleasant since the procedure includes amputating the final joint of each toe, which can result in excruciating pain and suffering.
Nevertheless, the technique has a significant role in determining the level of discomfort experienced.
If guillotine nail clippers or scalpel blades are used, It will be excruciating, but with Co2 laser surgery coupled with a nerve blocker, the declawing becomes less painful for the cat.
How Much Is It To Declaw A Cat?
The procedure to remove a cat’s claws might cost anywhere from $600 to $800 or even more, depending on the age of the cat, its health history, and the procedure used to do the declaw.
Several other factors affect the costs, from the health status, pre-surgical examination costs, anesthesia fees, and antibiotics to the cat’s age, the veterinary or clinic charges, and the part of the country you’re in.
Also, post-declawing care, take-home medication, and maintenance fees apply too.
What Are The Long-term Effects Of Cat Declawing?
The long-term effects of cat declawing may include pain, discomfort, behavior changes, increased risk complications, and psychological effects.
Some cats become paranoid about vet clinics, others become withdrawn or iatrogenically aggressive, while some quickly recover and adjust.
Can Declawed Cats Still Defend Themselves From Other Animals?
No, declawed cats cannot defend themselves against other animals because the claw they use for self-defense has been permanently chopped off. However, some declawed cats resort to biting as a form of self-defense, but this defense is less effective.
Also, some rumors that declawed cats can fight with their back claws are false. They can climb and escape danger with their rear claws but can’t defend themselves without their front feet.
Alternatives To Declawing Cats
Before your resort to declaring your cat, make sure you have exhausted all the alternatives listed below;
The first alternative to declawing your cat is always to trim the surface of your cat’s claw using the proper nail trimmer and trimming technique.
The second alternative is opting for having soft Nail Caps that are glued on the cat’s claw.
The third alternative to declawing your cat is to provide scratching surfaces such as scratching posts or pads to help your cats redirect their scratching tendency from delicate texture.
Another alternative is to modify the cat’s behavior while it’s still young, using positive reinforcement training to discourage them from scratching delicate surfaces.
The fifth alternative is to enrich your cat’s environment with toys, perches, hiding spots, etc., to help them prevent boredom and stop scratching.
FAQ For Cost of Cat Declawing
What Is Cat Declawing?
Cat declawing, often called Onychectomy, is a surgical treatment that involves the removal of a cat’s claws and, occasionally, the last bone of each toe. Declawing is also sometimes referred to as Onychectomy.
Once done, the cat would be unable to grow a new claw. This prevents scratching and damage to furniture and other delicate surfaces.
How Much Does It Cost To Declaw A Cat?
Declaring a cat costs between $600 to $800 or more.
Various factors can impact the cost of declawing cats, including geographical location, veterinary clinic or surgeon fees, additional services provided, and the complexity of the procedure due to the cat’s age, size, and health status.
Is It Illegal To Declaw A Cat?
No, it is not illegal to declaw a cat yet. But some cities in the United States have banned the practice, while others restrict it as much as possible.
It is essential to check your area’s local laws and regulations before considering declawing a cat, and always prioritize humane alternatives such as providing appropriate scratching surfaces and behavior modification.
Conclusion
But with the many alternatives to prevent that and the potential risk involved, the discouragement for this form of surgery by experts and organizations alike is on the rise.
We recommend you consult an expert veterinarian before considering if declawing is the best – and most healthy – alternative for taming your cat.
