What To Expect After Declawing a Cat? Best Guide In 2023

What to expect after declawing a cat? Declawing a cat is a major surgical procedure that involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe.

While this procedure may seem like a quick fix to prevent damage to furniture or to stop a cat from scratching, it is important to understand that it can have significant physical and behavioral implications for your feline friend.

In this blog post, we will delve into what to expect after declawing a cat, including the recovery process, potential complications, and how it can impact your cat’s behavior and overall wellbeing.

Whether you are considering declawing your cat or have already gone through with the procedure, this post will provide you with important information to help you make informed decisions and provide the best care for your furry companion.

What To Expect After Declawing a Cat?

After a cat is declawed, there are several things that you can expect during the recovery period. Here are some of the most common things to expect after declawing a cat:

1. Pain and discomfort: Declawing is a major surgical procedure that involves cutting through bone and tissue, so it is normal for your cat to experience some level of pain and discomfort after the procedure. Your vet will likely prescribe pain medication to help manage your cat’s pain.
2. Limited mobility: Your cat’s ability to move around may be limited after the procedure, as their paws will be sore and tender. Your vet may recommend limiting your cat’s physical activity to prevent complications.
3. Litter box issues: Some cats may avoid using the litter box after being declawed because the litter can be painful to dig in. Providing a shallow litter box with soft litter can help encourage your cat to use it.
4. Behavioral changes: Declawing can cause significant changes in a cat’s behavior, including increased aggression, anxiety, and litter box avoidance. It is important to be patient and understanding as your cat adjusts to the changes.
5. Potential complications: Like with any surgery, there is a risk of complications after declawing. This can include bleeding, infection, and even long-term lameness.

It is important to closely monitor your cat during the recovery period and follow your vet’s post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.

It is also important to weigh the potential risks and benefits before deciding to declaw your cat, as there are alternative options available to help manage scratching behavior.

Potential Complications of Declawing

Declawing, also known as onychectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the claws and the last bone of the toe in cats.

While it is considered a common practice in some countries, it is also a controversial issue, as it can result in various complications both physically and behaviorally.

Here are some of the potential complications of declawing:

1. Pain and swelling: Declawing is a major surgical procedure that involves removing the bone, tendons, and ligaments from the toes. Cats may experience pain, swelling, and tenderness in their paws after the surgery, which can make it difficult for them to walk or use their litter box.
2. Infection: Like any surgical procedure, declawing carries a risk of infection. If an infection occurs, it can result in redness, swelling, discharge, and fever.
3. Lameness: Some cats may experience chronic lameness after declawing, as the surgery can cause an altered gait or walking pattern. This can result in pain and discomfort, as well as an increased risk of arthritis.
4. Behavioral Changes: Declawed cats may experience behavioral changes, such as increased aggression, biting, and litter box issues. These changes can occur because declawing can cause chronic pain, which can make cats feel defensive, or because they are unable to engage in normal scratching behavior.
5. Regrowth of Claws: In rare cases, declawed cats may experience regrowth of the claws, which can be painful and cause other complications.

It is important to note that declawing should only be performed as a last resort, and only after all other alternatives, such as providing scratching posts or using soft paw covers, have been exhausted. I

If you are considering declawing for your cat, it is important to discuss the potential complications with your veterinarian and weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure.