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The declawing of cats is not a decision that should be made lightly. It can be a key factor on whether or not a cat will be able to live in a home. Sometimes it is a by-law issue for your particular home, other times it is so that a cat can not injure an owner or the owners children. The procedure to declaw a cat involves surgery and should be taken seriously.

The best time to declaw a cat is within the first six months of age. The most ideal time would be within three to four months old. This is helpful because the cat will be of a lighter weight which aids in the recovery process. The surgical area is also made up of softer cartilage at this age which will heal faster.

Find a veterinarian who follows strict pre and post operation pain control. A good procedure will start the day before the surgery with a pain numbing patch. This patch is applied to the skin where it slowly diffuses. The day of the surgery your cat should receive some type of injectable pain medication that works with the Fentanyl. The procedure itself should be conducted under general anesthesia, and with local anesthetic to block all pain in the nerves of the foot. It will work to relieve pain during and after the procedure.

Post procedure your cat should stay over night for two nights. This will allow the veterinarian the time to monitor your cat’s health, restrict activity, and to continue the administration of pain medication. At the time of discharge you should be given medication to take home with you. Four days worth should be sufficient to last for the recovery time of the declawing cats procedure.