The True Cost of Cat Declawing: 10 Pros And Cons (2024)

Cat declawing might seem like a quick fix for scratching problems, but its true cost goes beyond the surface. Cost of Cat Declawing is from $600 to $1,800. Declawing involves surgical amputation of a cat’s toe bones and can lead to long-term physical and behavioral issues. Understanding the full consequences of this procedure is crucial for responsible pet ownership.

What is Cat Declawing?

Understanding Cat Declawing

Cat Declawing means taking off the ends of their front toes. It’s like cutting off the tips of your fingers. Doctors use a sharp tool or a laser light to do this. It hurts the cat a lot and can cause significant problems later on. That’s why many places don’t allow cat declawing; it’s not good for them.

Types of Cat Declawing Procedures

1. Clippers Method:This uses special clippers to cut off the ends of a cat’s toes.
2. Disarticulation:Cutting the ligaments removes the whole last bone of the toe.
3. Laser Method:A laser cuts off the ends of the toes. It usually causes less bleeding and might hurt less but costs more.
4. Tendonectomy: This cuts the toe tendons so the cat can’t use its claws. Cats that have this need their nails trimmed often to avoid problems.

Reasons People Consider CatDeclawing:

1. To stop them from scratching furniture.
2. To protect people who could get sick from cat scratches.
3. To keep cats from fighting with other pets.

Best Age for Declawing

It might be easier for kittens because they can adjust to the procedure better.

Concerns and Legal Restrictions

Groups like the AVMA, HSUS, and ASPCA say not to declaw cats.

It’s illegal to declaw cats in New York, Maryland, and many other places in the U.S.

Understanding the Cost of Cat Declawing

Medical Costs:

1. Cost of Cat Declawing is from $600 to $1,800.
2. The surgery starts at $600.
3. Vet fees include anesthesia for $130, an exam before surgery for $80, and medicine after surgery for $50.
4. Sometimes, you need to travel if local vets don’t offer declawing.
5. It’s cheaper to declaw kittens because they heal faster.
6. An overnight stay at the vet can cost an extra $100 per night.

Choosing a Vet

Pick a vet who knows how to declaw using the least painful methods and explains everything clearly.

Methods and Costs:

1. Traditional method (using a scalpel or clippers):Less expensive but hurts more.
2. Laser method:Less painful, less bleeding, but costs more.

Aftercare:

1. Sometimes, cats need to stay overnight at the vet to be watched.
2. They might need medicine like antibiotics and painkillers.

Long Term Effects:

1. Cats might have joint pain and walk differently.
2. It can be painful for them to use the litter box.
3. They might act more aggressively or start spraying.

Why Claws Are Important?

Claws help cats defend themselves, keep their balance, and mark their territory. Cats without claws should stay indoors.

Vet Insights:

Some people declaw cats to stop them from scratching furniture or people.

Most vets think declawing is painful for cats and wish it wasn’t done often.

10 Pros and Cons of Declawing Cats:

Pros:
1. Stops furniture damage.
2. Protects people from scratches.
3. Improves owner’s peace of mind.
4. Potential for successful healing.
5. Prevents scratching-related injuries.

Cons:
1. Risk of infection and anesthesia problems.
2. Long-term pain and mobility issues.
3. Potential litter box avoidance.
4. High financial costs.
5. Increased aggression or behavior changes.

When Cat Declawing Might Be Considered:

Sometimes, declawing might be considered if a cat’s scratching is dangerous and nothing else works. However, the bad parts of declawing are usually more important than the good ones, so most people look for other ways.

Alternatives to Declawing Cats:

There are safer options to handle a cat’s scratching:

1. Nail Trims: Cutting their nails often helps prevent damage.
2. Nail Caps:These are soft covers that fit over the claws to make them less sharp.
3. Scratching Posts: Put up posts and boards in places where your cat likes to scratch.
4. Behavioral Training:Teach your cat it’s okay to scratch using treats and praise, and put things like double-sided tape where you don’t want them to scratch.
5. Environmental Enrichment:Give your cat many toys and activities to keep them busy and reduce unwanted scratching.

These methods are kinder to cats and can help control their scratching without declawing them.

Complications of Cat Declawing:

Declawing a cat is an extensive surgery done under general anesthesia, meaning the cat is asleep and doesn’t feel pain during the surgery. But declawing can cause several problems:

1. Painful Recovery:The cat doesn’t feel pain during surgery, but recovering from it can be very painful.
2. Long-Term Problems: Cats might feel ongoing pain or numbness in their paws. They might also get arthritis in their feet or chronic back pain as they grow older.
3. Behavior Changes: After being declawed, some cats might start biting, stop using the litter box, or lick and chew their fur a lot.
4. Difficulty in Defense:Declawed cats can’t defend themselves well and are less likely to climb trees for safety.

Declawing can cause severe problems for a cat immediately and later in life, so it’s essential to consider these risks carefully.

FAQs

Scratching vs. Declawing:

Scratching is Essential:It’s a normal and healthy activity for cats.

Declawing is Harmful:Removing parts of a cat’s toes can cause pain and other health problems.

Why Cats Scratch?

1. Natural Habit:Scratching lets cats stretch, shed old parts of their nails, and mark their area with their scent.
2. Good for Health:A cat that scratches is usually a happy and healthy cat.
3. Concerns About Scratching:
4. Safety for People:Some people worry about getting scratched, especially if they have health conditions. But doctors usually recommend other solutions over declawing because bites can be worse than scratches.
5. Preventing Scratches:

• • • Watch small children around cats.
    • Keep your cat calm.
    • Avoid petting too much, which can lead to scratches.

How to Manage Scratching?

• Get Help if Needed:If your cat scratches a lot or aggressively, you should get advice from a cat behaviorist.
• Provide Scratching Posts:Give your cat particular areas like posts or pads to scratch. This helps keep your furniture safe and lets your cat scratch well.

Why Cats Need to Scratch?

• Health of Claws:Scratching helps cats keep their claws healthy by removing dead layers.
• Marking Territory:Scratching leaves a scent and a visible mark, showing others this is their space.
• Stretching:It helps them stretch and move their feet and claws properly.
• Communication:Cats scratch when they’re excited, or something is happening around them.

Teaching your cat where and how to scratch correctly is better than trying to stop them from scratching. This respects their natural behaviors and keeps them healthy and happy.

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