Laser Declawing
In a typical laser declaw procedure (laser onychectomy), after anesthetizing the cat a bone called the third phalanx (one for each claw) is removed. The ungual crest (tissue from which a claw grows) is situated on top of each of these bones. By removing the third phalanges, the claw growth tissue is also removed, thus preventing claw regrowth.
Benefits to a laser declaw include less pain, less bleeding and quicker recovery as compared to a traditional declaw.
Age to Declaw
Young (4 months to 8 months), non-overweight cats are better candidates for surgery when the decision to declaw has been made. They do experience pain, but recover much quicker and with fewer complications than older and/or overweight cats. Many veterinarians do administer pain control medication post operatively.
Possible Complications
Complications can include, but are not limited to, excessive bleeding, nail bed infection, nail regrowth (with traditional method), pad injury during surgery, and limping.
Some cats experience sensitivity and/or limping for days to months after the surgery with no apparent cause. It is unknown if cats experience 'phantom pain' as it has been identified in humans, but some cats do limp post surgery with no apparent wounds or healing problems. If you do elect to declaw your cat, the cat should be a strictly indoor cat.
Alternatives to Declawing
There are many alternatives to declawing. Here are a few tips and ideas:
- Nail Caps (Soft Paws) — These are soft nail caps that are glued on to the existing trimmed nail.
- Trimming — Regular claw trimming is done by most owners at home. If you are unable to, your vet or groomer can perform this service or teach you how.
- Diversion — Get a scratching post. There are many to choose from and you may need to "teach" your cat how much fun it can be. You can also make your own cat scratching post. A popular variation on the traditional scratching post is the cardboard model filled with catnip.