Hi GA Community...

After much soulsearching and handwringing, I have finally decided to
get my cat declawed.

I've put it off long enough, I think.

I've bought ( and later given away ) numerous "scratching posts",
which my cat never took to. I did all the required things..eg...loaded
it with catnip, put his claws to it, scartched it myself....all to no
avail.

The last straw came yesterday, when I tried to clip his nails ( with a
regulation cat nail clipper )

I've been clipping his nails since he was a wee baby of 5 weeks old.
He's always hated it but yesterday he dug his hind claws into my
finger and tore of a large hunk of skin :(

Anyways, my question is: 

What do I need to look out for when I bring my cat home from the
veterinarian's office after his declawing? Will there be any changes
to his personality or behaviour?

I feel bad about my decision but I have no choice. He has destroyed
some fine peices of furniture, carpets and walls.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Please note, he is not/ has never been an outside kitty.

Thanks,

Steph53

---

Clarification of Question by steph53-ga on 13 Apr 2006 10:41 PDT

Pinkfreud...

Please post your comment as an answer, even though you've already
answered the same question for another customer.

Your answer was awesome and covered all the bases. Thanks!!!

Markvmd....

Thanks for your comments and wealth of knowledge. I'll repost
somewhere here after my cat comes home from surgery. BTW- he is a
shorthair cat who is really just a slob! Too lazy to groom himself, I
guess :(

Black Freud.....

Thank you for your interst and suggestion, but my kitty is allergic to
chrome and steel ;)

Steph53

Soft Paws can be another alternative.
http://www.softpaws.com/

Some of the information here may be useful:

http://www.answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=469843

Have you tried clipping one claw every day or every other day? No need
to traumatize the cat all at once.

I am hoping the scratching posts weren't made of carpet. You have no
idea how many folks complain that their cat(s) keep scratching the
carpet despite having a lovely carpeted scratching post. When I
explain that a carpet post tells the cat "carpet is where to scratch,"
the people get annoyed at ME. Folks, get a rope post (some cats love
an old fireplace log) and make it the tallest, most steady one you can
find.

There is a lot of disagreement about declawing, even inside the vet
community. Some prefer to carefully surgically remove the claw and
related parts, others just amputate using pretty much what you clipped
the claws with. Disarticulating is neater but takes longer with more
complications possible from anesthesia; amputation is faster but not
as neat and seems to cause more discomfort which can be treated with
painkillers (a Duragesic patch is good. Be sure it is sized
correctly).

Closing the skin can be done either with sutures or glue. I've had
tremendous success with glue.

Laser surgery can be considered, but a bad surgeon with a knife is a
bad surgeon with a laser. There's just less bleeding to prove the
surgeon sucks.

Most vets keep the cat overnight at least, some for two or three days.
This is to keep them restricted and keep you from seeing or hearing
the painful cries if the vet does not practice good pain management.

I have never seen a reason to remove the claws on the back feet.

Adult and heavier cats take longer to recover. Fat cats should be
dieted down first. Remember, they gotta walk on the tips of their toes
and you are removing those tips. Experiment with various litters to
see which one your cat will like after the surgery-- shredded
newspaper, "Yesterdays News" litter(google it), or similar non-clay,
non-sand, non-clumping, post-operative litter. Ask the vet for
suggestions. Test them BEFORE the surgery.

If you have a cat-specific practice, visit them. Expect to pay through
the nose. It is generally worth it.

Just some stuff off the top of my head. Best wishes!

markvmd-ga...

I know you are a veterinarian and had hoped you would see my question..

I'm not looking for a "freebie" but I have exhausted all other options.

I love my cat, but the "clip nails" time has exhausted and stressed us both out.

Besides the "claw" problem, my cat is also very "dirty"..he does
not/has never groomed himself, as most "normal " cats do.

The vet clinic has included FULL grooming of my cat while he is
"under", so I feel that this is the best way to deal with my cat's
sratching as well as to FINALLY have a clean, smooth cat on my lap....

I appreciate your comments,

Steph53

In my life I have only known one cat that was declawed that seemed
skittish and nervous. I was 8 and the cat was onwned by one of my
mother's mah jongg friends. As the owner was a nutcase, it is hardly
surprising the cat was a bit flaky (there's an old comedy routine that
includes the line "one of Mrs Minsky's sons is an analyst; the one
that used to bite his little sisters fingernails." This woman was like
that). Personally speaking, I doubt you will notice much of a
difference.

As for grooming, some longhairs need extra help. Weekly brushing and
de-matting, regular applications of tea tree oil conditioner, and the
occasional run with a clipper up the privates-- sort of a reverse
mohawk-- will do wonders.

If he's a shorthair, then he's just a slob.

--Mark

Have you considered knitting him some nice woolly socks?

Or hypnosis?

Or acupuncture?

I've heard that sticking a 12" nail (chrome steel variety) through a
pussy's heart will cure the problem.

I hope that my Comment exceeds your expectations but please ask for
any clarification required before removing the 12" nail.

Please note that I am NOT a Google Researcher and that comments
provided on Google Answers are general information, and are not
intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric,
psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other
professional advice.

Looking forward!

Black Freud

Animal Psychiatrist

Bryan you should be ashamed of your self,
 that is a horrible suggestion.
Wooly socks indeed.  :(

Well my cat is home after spending 36 hours at the vets.

He seemed a tad anxious when I opened his carrier, but then headed
straight to his food dish, gobbled up a huge pile of food, had a drink
from his water dish, used his kitty litter ( Yesterday's News ) and
promptly fell asleep on my nighty on my bed....

So far, so good.

Thanks for everyone's input,

Steph53 and Albert

Wow! ... Did you say THIRTY-SIX hours at the vets?

How many feet does Albert have?

Anyway, I am delighted that he's OK but please knit him some nice
woolly socks anyway. Also, why not decorate his tail?

These things will be very therapeutic beclaws they will take his mind
off things that used to be.

I hope that my Comment exceeds your expectations but please ask for
any clarification required before choosing the colours of Albert's decor.

Please note that I am NOT a Google Researcher and that comments
provided on Google Answers are general information, and are not
intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric,
psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other
professional advice.

Looking forward!

Black Freud

Animal Psychiatrist

Thanks Black Freud,

I'll start knitting my "kitty decorations" tonight.

I think a little pink "fishy" tied to his tail will make a nice statement.

Steph53