Post-Declaw

YOUR NEWLY DECLAWED CAT

This is a surgical procedure, and is done under full anesthetic.

Your cat’s paws have been cleaned and the claw is removed surgically. Some bleeding occurs at this time. Sutures or surgical glue is applied to each incision and the paw is wrapped firmly. This bandage is left on for about 24 hours. After this time the bandage is removed and the cat is observed for bleeding. Usually this does not occur, but if it does, we re-bandage the bleeding paw for 8-24 hours. This usually means the cat will stay hospitalized for another day.

An older or heavier cat tends to be one requiring re-bandaging and an extra stay. It is best to declaw your cat as young as possible, preferably before 1 years of age. Many times we spay or neuter your cat at the same time, reducing the anesthetic risk of doing these procedures separately.

Home care of a newly declawed cat:

  1. Your cat’s appetite should return to normal after the first day home.
  2. The toes will probably be sore for up to 3 weeks. This should slowly improve with time. If any swelling or increased pain develops, please call the office at 330-545-2255, for advice or return to the office to be checked if you have any questions.
  3. Increased licking of toes should be expected but should be monitored. Keep other pets from licking biting scratching or chewing at your cat's paws. Cats may require an Ecollar if they are obsessive about licking and damaging incisions.
  4. Prevent your cat from jumping off furniture or high perches as this can cause bleeding. If this happens, wrap the paw in a paper towel or tissue and apply gentle pressure for 5-10 minutes.
    CONFINING YOUR CAT IN A LARGE DOG CRATE OR SMALL BATHROOM FOR 7-10 DAYS POST SURGICAL IS VERY HELPFUL IN HELPING YOUR CAT HEAL.
  5. Replace kitty litter with YESTERDAYS NEWS for at least 14 days. CLEAN THE LITTER BOX FREQUENTLY. If the cat will not use this, please call the office for advice. Also ensure that the cat is not using potted house plants as a litter box.
  6. Your cat was given a on acting antibiotic at surgery.
  7. Your cat was given pain medication at surgery and sent home with pain medication to use as instructed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office at 330-545-2255. Advice may be given over the phone or you may be asked to bring your pet into the office to be examined.

We are not a 24 hour care facility. If you have an emergency that requires immediate attention, please call the The After Hours Emergency Clinic 330-530-8387 or Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital 330-666-2976. They are a fully staffed emergency facility, which is open all night, weekends and holidays.

We will not be responsible for services or fees obtained at another veterinary facility.