There are many cat owners who are apprehensive about declawing their cat. Understanding the reasons why declawing may be beneficial can help you feel more comfortable for the decision. Use the following guide to learn the benefits of declawing and what the process really entails.
Why Declaw Cats?
There are many reasons why some cats need to be declawed. If your cat has a tumor in their paw pad, removing the claw will make the situation less painful for them. If your cat has a badly damaged claw, removing it can help to eliminate some of the pain that they are experiencing. There are some cats that constantly scratch and a scratching post simply is not enough for them. When this happens, many cat owners choose to have their cats declawed in an effort to save their walls, doors, and furniture from the claws of their feline friends.
What Does Declawing Entail?
There are two methods of declawing that are most commonly used by today's veterinarian professionals because they are viewed as being the least painful and most effective methods.
Scalpel Declawing - Scalpel declawing is done using a scalpel to cut the tendons that hold the claw in place. When this method is done, a tourniquet is used to keep large amounts of blood from coming from the open wound during the surgery. It takes quite a while to do, but it is very precise and leaves the cat with little scar tissue after healing.
Laser Declawing - Laser declawing uses a laser to cauterize the tendons that hold the claws in place. The laser declawing method can be done in a very short period of time and does not require your cat's arm to be placed in a tourniquet because there is minimal bleeding during the procedure. There is also minimal tissue damage done during this method of declawing.
What Does the Recovery Process Entail?
Recovery for both methods of declawing can take up to two to three weeks, depending on the age of the cat. Kittens tend to recover from the surgery faster than adult felines. There is a potential for infection because cats walk in litter boxes that are filled with bacteria. The veterinarian will walk you through proper techniques for keeping the wounds as clean as possible to prevent an infection.
Declawing is a personal choice that you must make, when it comes to your cat. You are not required by law to have your cat declawed. Talk to your veterinarian, like those at Animal House Veterinary Hospital, about the pros and cons of declawing so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to your cat.
Share31 January 2015
Animal emergencies happen quite often, and I have seen a lot of different injuries at the veterinary office I work at. Vehicle incidents, falls, and fights with other animals can all cause these injuries. Some of the most surprising emergencies I see though, are when pets eat substances that make them ill. Dogs and cats can both get sick by ingesting flowers, essential oils, and certain types of food items that humans eat. I even see some animals that become ill when they eat shoes, towels, and their own toys. I know that the vast majority of pet owners love their animals dearly. Most medical emergencies are purely accidental. You can easily save your precious feline or canine from harm as long as you know how the most common injuries occur. The articles posted here can help you with this, so start reading to make sure your pet remains healthy.