Declawing in Cats

                       -----------------

                         (onychectomy)



                      General Information



Scratching with the front claws is normal, instinctive behavior

for cats.  The purpose of this activity is to remove old, worn

fragments of nails.  Though scratching is normal for cats, this

behavior can be destructive and costly in the home.  For many cat

owners, declawing is the only solution.



A declawed cat should be confined indoors, since the claws are

its primary means of defense.  A house cat has little need for

defense and is a more suitable pet because it can no longer ruin

furnishings or scratch people.



                      Surgical Procedures



Declawing (onychectomy) is performed under general anesthesia and

consists of surgical removal of the nail bed.  The feet are

usually bandaged, and the cat may be hospitalized briefly.

After the bandages are removed, your pet will be able to walk

normally, though tenderness may be evident for a few days.



Your pet will be hospitalized for ____ days.



                           Home Care



1.  Exercise:  Restricting exercise is difficult.  However, you

    should prevent your cat from jumping as much as possible for

    the first 5 days.



2.  Bleeding:  Occasionally a cat breaks open one of the small

    scabs where the nail was removed.  A few drops of blood

    followed by rapid cessation of bleeding is normal.  Call the

    doctor if bleeding persists.



3.  Litter box:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Replace the normal granular clay litter with torn strips

    of newspaper for ______ days.



    ____No change in litter material is necessary.



4.  Special instructions:





        Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your cat's feet appear swollen or bleed frequently.



    * Your pet is reluctant to walk.



    * There is a change in your cat's general health or behavior.