"Quality Care for Your 4-Legged Friends"
3355 E. Conner St.
Noblesville, IN 46060
(317)773-3283
Declaw
What is a declaw?
We recommend that the claws of the front feet of cats be removed if the cat will be kept indoors. Cats naturally claw and scratch objects in an attempt to sharpen the front claws and as a form of play. This can destroy furniture, drapes and rugs. If the cat spends time outdoors, the removal of the front claws does not interfere with their ability to climb trees or fight, especially when the operation is performed at a young age. They quickly learn to defend themselves with their teeth or avoid fighting.
When can it be done?
Your cat must be at least twelve weeks old to be declawed. If you are going to have your cat spayed or neutered, however, it is best to wait until this time to perform the declaw. This means that your cat will only have to be put under sedation once instead of twice. Surgeries are performed on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. We ask that you bring in your pet between 7:00 and 9:00a.m. Please do not feed or water your pet after 6:00pm the evening before the surgery.
What happens during the surgery?
Your pet will be examined prior to surgery. He or she will then be given a pre-anesthetic injection, which will calm him and also decrease the amount of anesthesia required during the surgery. Ketamine (an anesthetic) is injected into the muscle. The front claws are surgically removed, and the feet are bandaged.
What about after the surgery?
Your pet will be released that afternoon. He may have water that evening as long as he is alert. Continue to withhold food until the morning after the surgery. In three to five days the bandages will need to be removed from the paws.We suggest that you use shredded newspaper or a litter called "Yesterday's News" for a few days after the bandages are removed. The front feet may be sore for several days. The skin where the claws were removed will heal very rapidly. Please bring your cat back for the bandage removal in the box that we send home with you or your carrier. If there are any problems or questions about this procedure or any aspect of your pet's health, please contact us.