Feline Declaw

    Declawing is the surgical removal of the last portion of the digit on the front paws, the claw and the tendon are removed so cats are not able to scratch nor defend themselves . Any declawed cats should not be allowed to go out. The surgery is done on the front paws and required overnight hospitalization since bandages are placed in each paw to prevent hemorrhages. Bandages are removed the following day and owners are advised to use a non- stick litter (shredded newspapers or pelleted newspapers) during the first week post surgery to allowed proper healing. Young cats recover  from the surgery much faster than older cats whose paws can be  sensitive. Cats are sent home on oral antibiotics and pain medication (very sensitive area). Absorbable stitches or surgical glue are use to close the skin of each digit. Infections are prevented using adequate litter and antibiotics.

    This procedure is optional, there are  other alternatives to declawing like clipping of the nails periodically or soft paws. Providing a scratching post for the cats will save your furniture or if they are already used to scratch certain areas a sticky path can prevent further damage. The best alternative are Soft Paws®,  where a plastic round tip  is glue to the cat's nail so they are unable to scratch, this plastic protection need to be replaced as the nail grows but they stay for a long time.  Many cat's owners learn how to do it, at Aloha we can show you how, purchase the kit and apply it at home as needed.