Declawing a cat is a very controversial issue these days. A lot of people including vets and animal welfare organizations contest such kind of procedure to cats because it is not only inhumane but also a very unnecessary mutilation. But despite this fact, this is the most convenient option most cat owners can consider for keeping a cat without giving them further inconvenience. Surgically removing the claws of a cat, for instance, can help them avoid instances of scratching people as well as furniture.
The Cost Of Declawing A Cat
The usual cost of declawing a cat ranges from $100 to $450.
This price includes the surgical procedure and professional fees. Pain medications, antibiotics, hospital stay, and pre and post-surgical examinations are also included in the estimate.
Factors Affecting The Cost Of Declawing A Cat
Method. There are different ways to declaw a cat. They all differ in their approaches as well as their prices. Check out this comparison of the three declawing procedures being practiced in most vet clinics today:
|
Procedure |
Details |
Price |
| Rescoe Clipper | This is the fastest way to remove the claws of a cat. The procedure involves chopping off the toes and tips of the bones of the cat. Then, the incision is basically stitched back for enclosure. There are, however, some risks involved in this kind of declawing method such as re-growth of the claws and infection. | $100 on average |
| Scalpel Disarticulation | This procedure removes the bones of the cat from where the claws grow. This is a bit pricier than the first one not only because it is a more difficult procedure but because it promises no chances of the claws ever growing back. | $250 on average |
| Laser Onychectomy | Here, the use of laser beams is necessary in getting rid of the bones where the claws grow. It is one of the most preferred methods of declawing a cat, despite being new, because it offers less pain for the animal as well as it promotes less to no bleeding. | $200 to $450 |
Cat. Your cat’s recovery can also greatly affect the cost of the procedure. Some instances will require your cat to stay at the clinic for a couple of days, which basically increases the total declawing cost. Plus, the purchase of more pain medications can also add up to the cost of declawing your cat.
Vet. Different clinics and vets may charge you differently for the same kind of procedure. Some vets usually charge higher because they are expert and skilled on the procedure. Amateur vets and those vets starting to learn the procedure will charge you comparatively lower.
Area. Prices of declawing can vary depending on your geographical location. Some clinics in an area with a high cost of living may charge higher than those clinics in rural areas. However, some clinics that are facing a very stiff local competition can price their services lower.
Additional Costs When Declawing A Cat
There are some instances that the vet will ask you for a preliminary blood test of your pet. This can be an extra cost of around $30 to $50.
Vets require the use of a patch so as to release the pain medication that is given to the cat. Your pet must wear a patch usually a few days after the procedure. This will cost you around $50 most of the time.
Declaw Your Cat Or Not?
Declawing a cat is not an issue of whether you can pay for the procedure or not. It is an issue talking about the welfare of your pet. Evaluate both you and your cat’s situation when deciding whether or not to declaw a cat.
|
YES |
NO |
| Your cat’s claw is damaged beyond repair.Your cat’s claw is infected with a tumor.You or some people in the house have immune systems that cannot be exposed to the bacteria present on the claws of a cat. | You want to end scratching problems.You simply are afraid of the claws of the cat. |
Understand that only when medically necessary is declawing acceptable. Here are the top reasons why declawing must not be considered all the time:
- It is no nail trimming. Understand that cats’ claws are not like toe nails. Declawing is actually an amputation of the first joint of the toes of the pet. Refer to the illustration to better understand declawing:
Source: AskTheDoctor.com
- It offers no benefits to your pet. Declawing offers no behavioral or health benefits to the cat. In fact, declawing can even lead to litter box problems as well as biting problems. Plus, it cannot be denied that declawing can offer serious risks to the cat.
- Declawing is very painful. If all feet are declawed, it is equivalent to 20 amputations. Cats fathom the pain for several weeks to a few months while the nerve endings heal.
- Claws are cats’ weapon of self defense. You rob the animals off with the ability to defend themselves if you declaw them.
If scratching problems are the only issue when it comes to declawing a cat, experts suggest several humane alternatives such as the following:
- Clip the nails regularly. If the cats’ nails are trimmed, the claws cannot cause serious damage to furniture and even people even when scratching.
- Use kitty nail caps. These are vinyl nail caps that can be glued right over the claws of your pet.
- Give your cat a lot of scratching posts and teach your cat to use them. Look for cat-friendly scratching posts in pet stores as there are a lot of options awaiting you.
- Consider a tendonectomy. This is a surgical procedure that aims to prevent the cats from extending their claws. This is a more humane and kinder procedure for cats than declawing. This is quick, easy, and almost painless as compared to the sick offers of declawing.
Tips Before You Decide To Declaw Your Cat
Make sure you find the best veterinarian to do this procedure for your pet. This is a very serious procedure and you surely want an experienced and licensed vet to guarantee success and safety of your pet. Also, one thing you have to keep in mind when finding a vet is to know what kind of declawing method he performs. As much as possible, submit your cat to the best declawing procedure you can afford.
Finding a vet who performs declawing is usually difficult because the procedure is considered inhumane in a lot of cultures. Research for vets who perform such kind of procedure in your area.
Don’t declaw your cat just because you want to stop his scratching problems. The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests that declawing must only be done if it is a medical necessity for the animal or if clawing can offer potential medical risks to the owner. In most cases, giving up the cat is suggested than submitting it to a declawing procedure.
Check whether or not declawing your cat is prohibited in your area. There are a lot of cities in the U.S. that have already banned declawing. This includes most cities in California such as Santa Monica, San Francisco, Beverly Hills, and Los Angeles.