Cost to Declaw a Cat

The cost to declaw a cat depends on a number of factors. However, that cost can't be measured strictly in monetary terms. Let's take a look at the entire picture, and then you can decide what is best for you and your cat.

The cost to declaw a cat depends on many factors, so to get an exact price you really need to speak directly with your veterinarian. That said, the price ranges from as low as $40.00 to as high as $300.00. Here are some of the reasons why.

Prior to having your cat declawed, most vets will want to examine a cat to get a picture of the animal's overall health and to determine which procedure will be used to remove the nails. The cost of the exam is typically whatever your vet charges for an office visit.

There is more than one way to declaw a cat, so the cost will initially depend on the procedure you and your veterinarian choose. Be aware that declawing is usually only performed on the front paws, leaving the rear paws intact.

An onychectomy is the most common method vets use to surgically remove the entire first toe joint that contains the nail bed, and is performed using a guillotine-style nail trimmer. This form of amputation is the quickest way to complete the procedure and lower a cat's risk of spending prolonged time under anesthetic.

Disarticulation is a procedure similar to an onychectomy, however a scalpel is used to sever the bone. This method takes longer, so the risks of anesthesia are greater.

Laser surgery is the most expensive method of declawing a cat, and it's believed to be less painful in the long run. The risk of post surgical bleeding is also significantly lowered. However, it's extremely important that the vet performing the laser procedure is very experienced using the equipment because it's possible to burn the tissue during the process.

A tendonectomy can also be performed. This procedure is less invasive and involves cutting the tendon that attaches to the toes. This procedure is less painful and requires less recovery time, but it does leave the nail intact. Your cat simply can't extend it to scratch. If you opt for a tendonectomy, you will need to keep your cat's nails trimmed as they grow out from the sheaths. This procedure has also been linked to an increased rate of arthritis in feline feet.

The longer the procedure, the more anesthetic needed to keep your cat completely unconscious. Your cat's weight also plays a role in determining the amount of anesthetic used. Since vets prefer to declaw kittens at the age of four months, the amount needed is kept to a minimum. However, most vets will declaw cats up to the age of five, so the amount of anesthetic needed and the charge to provide it can vary quite a bit.

Some vets prefer to perform the surgery early in the morning, and keep the patient in recovery at the clinic until late afternoon. In other cases, it may be necessary to keep the cat at the clinic overnight. Overnight charges add to the entire cost of the procedure.

Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection, even when all sterile safety measures are observed. Vets routinely administer an injection of antibiotic after surgery to stave off the possibility of infection. In some cases, oral antibiotics are prescribed either to ensure against a future infection or to treat one that develops after the patient returns home.

The cost of the medication depends on how strong an antibiotic is used. The cost for Amoxil is minimal, while the cost of Baytril or other stronger meds is more significant.

Declawing includes a painful recovery period for your cat, and many pets require pain medication to help them through the process. Pain management may be delivered orally, intravenously while at the clinic or in the form of a medicated patch. The cost of any of these methods varies widely according to the type of medication used and how long your pet requires it.

As mentioned, there is more than money to consider when deciding whether or not to declaw your cat. Cats pay a high physical price for declawing.

• Virtually all of the procedures result in physical pain to your cat, and the type of procedure used will determine the degree of pain your cat experiences.
• Declawed cats are at greater risk of developing painful joint abnormalities in the feet and legs because your cat will need to compensate for the missing digits as he walks. This can escalate into full blown arthritis as your pet ages and gains weight.
• Declawed cats are far less capable of defending themselves, and should be kept indoors as a rule unless you can be outside with them.

Alternatives to declawing include:

• Soft Claws: These are vinyl caps that can be glued to your cat's nail tips.
• Nail trimming: You can train your cat to accept this grooming as a young kitten, or ask your vet or a groomer to do it for you.
• Train your cat to use scratching pads or posts: Rub the pad or post with Catnip to make it more attractive. Use one of the methods below to discourage him from scratching elsewhere.
• Citrus Spray: Cats are repelled by citrus, so spray it on your carpet and furniture.
• Double stick tape: Cats hate this sticky feeling beneath their paws.
• Foil: Temporarily tape foil to danger zones to dissuade your cat from scratching.
• Squirt bottles: Keep a couple of water bottles handy around the house, and give your cat a squirt in the face when you catch him scratching where he shouldn't.

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