Where to Get a Cat Declawed

Declawing is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the last bone of each toe, including the claw. It is considered a major surgery and is not without risks. However, there are times when declawing may be necessary, such as if a cat is scratching furniture or people excessively or if the cat has a medical condition that makes it difficult to groom its claws.

If you are considering declawing your cat, it is important to do your research and find a qualified veterinarian who can perform the surgery safely and humanely. You should also be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with declawing, such as pain, infection, and behavior problems.

In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of declawing, as well as provide you with information on how to find a qualified veterinarian who can perform the surgery.

Where to Get Cat Declawed

Finding a qualified veterinarian is key to a safe procedure.

• Ask your regular veterinarian for recommendations.
• Check online reviews and testimonials.
• Look for a veterinarian who is certified by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
• Ask about the veterinarian's experience with declawing.
• Inquire about the veterinarian's success rate and complication rate.
• Request a written estimate of the cost of the surgery.
• Make sure the veterinarian has a pain management plan in place for your cat.
• Ask about the veterinarian's postoperative care instructions.
• Choose a veterinarian who you feel comfortable with and who you can trust.
• Get a second opinion if you are unsure about the veterinarian's qualifications or experience.

Remember, declawing is a major surgery and should only be considered as a last resort. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.

Ask your regular veterinarian for recommendations.

Your regular veterinarian is a great place to start when looking for a qualified veterinarian to declaw your cat. They know your cat's medical history and can provide you with a list of veterinarians who they trust and who have experience with declawing.

When asking your veterinarian for recommendations, be sure to ask about their experience with declawing, their success rate, and their complication rate. You should also ask about their pain management plan and their postoperative care instructions.

Once you have a few recommendations, you can start doing your own research. Read online reviews and testimonials, and check with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to see if the veterinarians are certified. You can also contact the veterinarians directly to ask any additional questions you may have.

It is important to choose a veterinarian who you feel comfortable with and who you can trust. You should also make sure that you understand the risks and benefits of declawing before making a final decision.

Remember, declawing is a major surgery and should only be considered as a last resort. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.

Check online reviews and testimonials.

Once you have a few recommendations for veterinarians who declaw cats, you can start doing your own research. One of the best ways to learn more about a veterinarian is to read online reviews and testimonials from other pet owners.

• Read reviews on veterinary websites.
  

  Many veterinary clinics have websites where you can read reviews from clients. These reviews can give you a good idea of the veterinarian's experience, skills, and bedside manner.

• Check out review sites.
  

  There are also a number of websites that collect reviews of veterinarians. These websites can be a great resource for finding unbiased reviews from pet owners.

• Ask your friends and family for recommendations.
  

  If you know anyone who has had their cat declawed, ask them about their experience. They may be able to recommend a veterinarian who they were happy with.

• Be wary of fake reviews.
  

  Unfortunately, there are some fake reviews online. Be wary of reviews that are overly positive or negative, or that seem to be written by the same person.

Once you have read a few reviews, you should have a good idea of which veterinarians are the most qualified and experienced in declawing cats. You can then contact these veterinarians to schedule a consultation.

Look for a veterinarian who is certified by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is the largest and most respected veterinary organization in the United States. AVMA-certified veterinarians have met rigorous standards of education, training, and experience. They are also committed to continuing education and staying up-to-date on the latest veterinary practices.

When looking for a veterinarian to declaw your cat, it is important to choose one who is AVMA-certified. This will ensure that the veterinarian is qualified and experienced in performing this surgery.

To find an AVMA-certified veterinarian in your area, you can use the AVMA's online search tool. You can also ask your regular veterinarian for recommendations.

Once you have found a few AVMA-certified veterinarians, you can start doing your own research. Read online reviews and testimonials, and contact the veterinarians directly to ask any additional questions you may have.

Choosing an AVMA-certified veterinarian is the best way to ensure that your cat receives the highest quality of care.

Ask about the veterinarian's experience with declawing.

Once you have found a few qualified veterinarians, you should ask them about their experience with declawing. This includes the number of declawing surgeries they have performed, their success rate, and their complication rate.

It is also important to ask the veterinarian about their pain management plan for declawed cats. Declawing is a major surgery, and it is important to make sure that the veterinarian has a plan in place to manage your cat's pain both during and after the surgery.

Here are some specific questions you can ask the veterinarian:

• How many declawing surgeries have you performed?
• What is your success rate?
• What is your complication rate?
• What is your pain management plan for declawed cats?
• What are the potential risks and complications of declawing?

The veterinarian should be able to answer all of your questions in a clear and concise manner. If the veterinarian is hesitant to answer your questions or if you feel like they are not being honest with you, you should consider looking for another veterinarian.

Choosing a veterinarian with experience in declawing is the best way to ensure that your cat has a safe and successful surgery.

Inquire about the veterinarian's success rate and complication rate.

When asking a veterinarian about their experience with declawing, it is important to inquire about their success rate and complication rate. This information can help you to assess the veterinarian's skill and experience in performing this surgery.

• Success rate:
  

  The veterinarian's success rate is the percentage of declawing surgeries that they have performed that have resulted in a successful outcome. A high success rate indicates that the veterinarian is skilled in performing this surgery and that they are able to achieve the desired results.

• Complication rate:
  

  The veterinarian's complication rate is the percentage of declawing surgeries that they have performed that have resulted in complications. Complications can include infection, bleeding, pain, and lameness. A low complication rate indicates that the veterinarian is able to perform this surgery safely and effectively.

• Factors that can affect success rate and complication rate:
  

  There are a number of factors that can affect a veterinarian's success rate and complication rate, including their experience, skill, and the type of declawing surgery that they perform. It is important to ask the veterinarian about these factors so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to have your cat declawed.

• Ask for specific numbers:
  

  When asking the veterinarian about their success rate and complication rate, be sure to ask for specific numbers. This will give you a better idea of the veterinarian's actual experience and results.

The veterinarian should be able to provide you with specific numbers for their success rate and complication rate. If the veterinarian is hesitant to provide this information, or if you are not satisfied with their answers, you should consider looking for another veterinarian.

Request a written estimate of the cost of the surgery.

Before you schedule your cat's declawing surgery, be sure to request a written estimate of the cost of the surgery. This will help you to budget for the procedure and avoid any unexpected expenses.

The cost of declawing surgery can vary depending on a number of factors, including the veterinarian's fees, the type of declawing surgery that is performed, and the location of the veterinary clinic. In general, you can expect to pay between $200 and $600 for declawing surgery.

The written estimate should include the following information:

• The veterinarian's fees for the surgery.
• The cost of anesthesia and pain medication.
• The cost of any preoperative tests that are required.
• The cost of postoperative care.
• Any other fees that may apply.

Once you have received the written estimate, be sure to review it carefully and ask the veterinarian any questions that you have. You should also compare the estimates from different veterinarians before making a final decision.

Getting a written estimate of the cost of declawing surgery will help you to budget for the procedure and avoid any surprises.

Make sure the veterinarian has a pain management plan in place for your cat.

Declawing is a major surgery, and it is important to make sure that the veterinarian has a pain management plan in place for your cat. This plan should include both pain medication and non-pharmacological pain relief methods.

Pain medication:

• The veterinarian should prescribe pain medication for your cat to take both during and after the surgery. The type of pain medication that is prescribed will depend on the severity of your cat's pain.
• It is important to give your cat the pain medication exactly as prescribed by the veterinarian. Do not give your cat more or less pain medication than what is prescribed, and do not stop giving your cat the pain medication before the prescribed course of treatment is complete.

Non-pharmacological pain relief methods:

• There are a number of non-pharmacological pain relief methods that can also be used to help your cat manage their pain after declawing surgery. These methods include:
• Providing your cat with a soft, comfortable place to rest.
• Applying cold compresses to your cat's paws.
• Massaging your cat's paws.
• Playing with your cat to distract them from their pain.

By following the veterinarian's pain management plan, you can help to ensure that your cat is comfortable and pain-free after declawing surgery.

Ask about the veterinarian's postoperative care instructions.

Before you schedule your cat's declawing surgery, be sure to ask the veterinarian about their postoperative care instructions. This will help you to know what to expect after the surgery and how to properly care for your cat during their recovery.

• Keep your cat confined to a small area.
  

  After surgery, your cat will need to be kept confined to a small area, such as a crate or a single room. This will help to prevent them from jumping or running, which could put stress on their paws and lead to complications.

• Change your cat's litter box frequently.
  

  Your cat's litter box should be changed frequently after surgery to prevent infection. You should also use a soft, non-clumping litter that will not irritate your cat's paws.

• Keep your cat's paws clean and dry.
  

  You should keep your cat's paws clean and dry after surgery. You can do this by wiping their paws with a damp cloth or using a pet-safe disinfectant wipe.

• Monitor your cat's activity level.
  

  You should monitor your cat's activity level after surgery. If your cat is limping, favoring one paw, or showing other signs of pain, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

By following the veterinarian's postoperative care instructions, you can help to ensure that your cat has a smooth and complication-free recovery from declawing surgery.

Choose a veterinarian who you feel comfortable with and who you can trust.

When choosing a veterinarian to declaw your cat, it is important to choose someone who you feel comfortable with and who you can trust. This is someone who you feel confident in answering all of your questions and who you feel will provide your cat with the best possible care.

• Ask for recommendations from friends and family.
  

  If you know anyone who has had their cat declawed, ask them for recommendations. They may be able to tell you about their experience with the veterinarian and whether or not they would recommend them.

• Read online reviews and testimonials.
  

  There are a number of websites where you can read reviews and testimonials from other pet owners. This can be a great way to learn more about a veterinarian's experience, skills, and bedside manner.

• Schedule a consultation.
  

  Once you have found a few veterinarians who you are interested in, schedule a consultation. This will give you a chance to meet the veterinarian in person and ask them any questions that you have. It is also a good opportunity to see how your cat interacts with the veterinarian.

• Trust your gut.
  

  Ultimately, the best way to choose a veterinarian is to trust your gut. If you feel comfortable with the veterinarian and you feel like they can provide your cat with the best possible care, then they are the right veterinarian for you.

Choosing a veterinarian who you feel comfortable with and who you can trust is the best way to ensure that your cat has a safe and successful declawing surgery.

Get a second opinion if you are unsure about the veterinarian's qualifications or experience.

If you are unsure about the veterinarian's qualifications or experience, it is always a good idea to get a second opinion. This is especially important if you are considering declawing your cat, as this is a major surgery with potential risks and complications.

To get a second opinion, you can take your cat to another veterinarian for a consultation. The second veterinarian can review your cat's medical history, examine your cat, and discuss the declawing procedure with you. They can also answer any questions that you have and provide you with a second opinion on whether or not declawing is the best option for your cat.

If the second veterinarian agrees with the first veterinarian's recommendation, then you can be more confident in your decision to declaw your cat. However, if the second veterinarian disagrees with the first veterinarian's recommendation, then you may want to consider seeking a third opinion.

Getting a second opinion is a good way to ensure that you are making the best decision for your cat. It is also a good way to learn more about declawing and the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery.

If you are unsure about the veterinarian's qualifications or experience, or if you simply want to be sure that you are making the best decision for your cat, getting a second opinion is always a good idea.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about declawing cats:

Question 1: What is declawing?
Answer 1: Declawing is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the last bone of each toe, including the claw.

Question 2: Why would I declaw my cat?
Answer 2: Declawing is sometimes done to prevent cats from scratching furniture, people, or other animals. However, declawing is a major surgery with potential risks and complications, so it should only be considered as a last resort.

Question 3: Is declawing painful?
Answer 3: Yes, declawing is a painful surgery. Cats experience pain during the surgery and during the recovery period. There are also potential long-term complications, such as pain, lameness, and behavioral problems.

Question 4: Are there any alternatives to declawing?
Answer 4: Yes, there are a number of alternatives to declawing, such as trimming your cat's nails regularly, using scratching posts, and providing your cat with plenty of toys to play with.

Question 5: How can I find a qualified veterinarian to declaw my cat?
Answer 5: You can ask your regular veterinarian for recommendations, check online reviews and testimonials, and look for a veterinarian who is certified by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Question 6: What should I expect after my cat's declawing surgery?
Answer 6: After surgery, your cat will need to be kept confined to a small area and their activity level will need to be restricted. You will also need to keep your cat's paws clean and dry and monitor them for any signs of infection or complications.

Question 7: How long does it take for a cat to recover from declawing surgery?
Answer 7: It can take up to two weeks for a cat to fully recover from declawing surgery. However, some cats may experience pain and discomfort for longer.

Closing Paragraph:

Declawing is a major surgery with potential risks and complications, so it should only be considered as a last resort. If you are considering declawing your cat, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the risks and benefits of the surgery and to discuss alternative options.

In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for cat owners:

Tips

Here are some tips for cat owners:

Tip 1: Keep your cat's nails trimmed.
Regularly trimming your cat's nails is the best way to prevent them from scratching furniture, people, or other animals. You can trim your cat's nails yourself using a cat nail clipper or you can take your cat to a groomer to have their nails trimmed.

Tip 2: Provide your cat with a scratching post.
Scratching is a natural behavior for cats, so it is important to provide them with a scratching post that they can use. Choose a scratching post that is tall and sturdy, and place it in a location where your cat will be able to use it easily.

Tip 3: Play with your cat regularly.
Playing with your cat is a great way to provide them with exercise and mental stimulation. It is also a good way to bond with your cat and to help them to develop good behavior.

Tip 4: Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular checkups.
Regular checkups are important for keeping your cat healthy and happy. Your veterinarian can check your cat's teeth, ears, and eyes, and they can also test your cat for any health problems.

Closing Paragraph:

By following these tips, you can help to keep your cat healthy and happy. You can also help to prevent your cat from scratching furniture, people, or other animals.

In addition to the tips provided above, it is also important to provide your cat with a loving and supportive home. Cats are social animals and they need attention and affection from their owners.

Conclusion

Declawing is a major surgery with potential risks and complications, so it should only be considered as a last resort. If you are considering declawing your cat, be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the risks and benefits of the surgery and to discuss alternative options.

There are a number of things you can do to prevent your cat from scratching furniture, people, or other animals. These include regularly trimming your cat's nails, providing your cat with a scratching post, and playing with your cat regularly.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your cat healthy and happy. You can also help to prevent your cat from scratching furniture, people, or other animals.

Closing Message:

Cats are wonderful companions and they can bring a lot of joy into our lives. By providing our cats with a loving and supportive home, we can help them to live long, healthy, and happy lives.