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Typical costs: | - Declawing a cat using one of the two common conventional methods usually costs between $100 and $250, depending on the veterinarian and which procedure is used. The "Rescoe clipper" method is more common and usually falls at the lower end of the cost range because it is a simpler procedure and takes less time. The "Disarticulation" method, which is more involved, usually falls at the upper end of the range.
- Declawing a cat using the laser method usually costs between $250 and $450, depending on the veterinarian.
- Declawing a cat can be a controversial procedure, and some veterinarians do not offer the service. Other veterinarians offer it reluctantly, believing it should be a last resort. If you know you want to declaw your cat, ask about the veterinarian's stance on the procedure.
Related articles: Cat Spay or Neuter, Cat Teeth Cleaning, Cat Vaccination, Owning a Cat, Buying a Cat
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What should be included: | - In the "Resco Clipper" method, the veterinarian uses a sterile clipper to cut off the tips of the bones in the toes, from which the claws grow. Then, the incision is closed with stitches or glue. This method usually has the fastest surgery time, but there is a slight risk the claw will re-grow, which can cause infection and require more surgery.
- In the "Disarticulation" method, the veterinarian entirely removes the bones from which the claws grow, by disconnecting each of the ligaments attached to those bones. This method is more complex, and alters the cat's feet more, but eliminates the risk of re-growth.
- In laser declawing, the veterinarian uses a laser, instead of a scalpel, to entirely remove the bones from which the claws grow. With this method, there is almost no bleeding and less pain.
- VeterinaryPartner.com[1] offers a description of the three types of declawing procedures, as well as alternatives to declawing.
- The cost of declawing includes anesthesia, pain medications, antibiotics, a two-day hospital stay and a post-surgical examination.
Additional costs: | - A pre-surgery blood test, to check liver and kidney function, is recommended for all cats and often required for older cats. It costs about $40 to $50 extra.
- For a few days following the surgery, most veterinarians recommend that the cat wear a patch that releases pain medication. It costs about $40 extra.
Shopping for cat declawing: | - To find a good veterinarian, ask fellow cat owners, breeders or humane associations. Or, check the American Veterinary Medical Association[2] to find your state's veterinary medical association for a referral.
- Ask the veterinarian how long he or she has been practicing, and how much continuing education he or she receives each year. Then, visit the clinic to look at cleanliness and attitude and ask about policies and prices.VeterinaryPartner.com offers a guide on how to find a veterinarian[3] and a list of questions to ask[4] .
- Ask which type of declawing procedure the veterinarian uses. If the veterinarian uses a laser -- which requires a certain level of skill and experience -- ask how long he or she has been using it and how many laser declaws he or she has performed. Also, ask to talk to the owner of a cat the veterinarian has declawed.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
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| Posted by: Dahlila in wisconsin, WI. | Posted: March 4th, 2014 10:03AM |
| Breed: all | Type of Procedure: Declawed |
I have owned cats my whole life and I have always gotten the front paws declawed. Every cat I had was loving, very calm and very good natured, no problems with any of them. Do not listen to the people on here that tell you it is cruel and inhuman. People made that crap up because they think animal are more important than humans. Declawing is nothing like having your fingers removed, cat’s do not use their nails to eat, pick up or carry things LOL and they don’t have fingers, they use them for clawing up stuff and for protection, but if there is no harm for the cat then they only need them for clawing. The people on here are stupid and know nothing about anything, I have never heard such crap in my life from a bunch of tree huggers. These are the same people that will eat meat where fur and leather coats. People are getting out of hand. I love animals and I have always had pets and I spoil them rotten. So think of yourself and your family and make the decision based on your life. |
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| Posted by: chilllilfilly in las vegas, NV. | Posted: December 22nd, 2013 12:12PM |
| Breed: tabby | Type of Procedure: declawing |
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| Posted by: a user in Kannapolis, NC. | Posted: October 12th, 2013 09:10AM |
| Breed: mixed | Type of Procedure: declawed |
I would like to know the name and/or phone number for the place right across the state line that declawed cats for $75. I have two to be declawed and they are asking $300 each. |
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| Posted by: daevilchic in Patuxent River, MD. | Posted: September 3rd, 2013 11:09AM |
| Breed: dlh tabby mixed with maine coon | Type of Procedure: declawing on front |
I got both my boys as kittens from same litter. They would literally tear my house up. They climbed curtains, tore up carpet, comforters, couch and love seat even with sticky pads on them. I had plenty of stuff for them to use their claws on but it never got used. They would even do the sneak attacks in the middle of the night and tear up ur legs. I clipped their nails almost daily and even used the glue on nail protector things in which they chewed off. At the time I was living in VA (home of peta) and declawing to them was a no no. The cheapest vet I could find in VA wanted $300/cat. I found a vet in NC right over the state line that did the front paws only for $75/cat and that included anesthesia, pain meds and an over night stay. She had to use both glue and dissolvable stitches bc their feet were so big. Neither of them had any probs with the surgery. |
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| Posted by: L. E. in Waukesha, WI. | Posted: August 26th, 2013 07:08PM |
I have a five year old cat and a one year old. The oldest I had declawed when she was scratching up my carpets, that I will say was for my benefit. This little one is far worse, he attacks everything and has claws that are more like talons, my three year old has scars on him from just walking past and getting leaped on. My oldest cat had zero problems with her surgery, or recovery and her temperament is excellent. When people tell me its inhumane I just say that its the claws or the cat. I for one would rather he lose his claws then get put down in some shelter or get passed from family to family. Maybe that's just me but its worth the $250 to give him a happy home. |
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| Posted by: Gmanene in Fresno, CA. | Posted: July 29th, 2013 08:07PM |
| Breed: White cat- male | Type of Procedure: |
Oh come on. We had our cat declawed 14 years ago. He STILL brought us " gifts". He was not harmed and climbed everything. I have been looking for someone who will do it NOW on new cat for less that $400! |
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| Posted by: AMA in Upstate, SC. | Posted: July 26th, 2013 10:07AM |
| Breed: | Type of Procedure: Declawing |
First off, I feel terrible about the whole declawing ordeal. Yes, it's awful. Yes, I'm sure it's painful, and hard to get used to at first. Our two cats died within the past year (one of old age, one during the recovery of dental surgery). Heartbroken, we adopted two new cats. One declawed, the other not. The one that isn't, is absolutely infuriating. He will claw on furniture instead of scratching posts. He stares blankly at you when you scold him and continues doing it until you throw a pillow at him or physically pick him up and move him. He has scratched up carpet and rugs, the wooden stair banister and even the plates surrounding electrical outlets. But the last straw is when he began scratching our new wooden curio cabinet, my son's wooden bed frame, the leather recliner, and the screened door (which he also CLIMBS). I'm sorry, but he WILL be declawed. I would never do the back claws, but the front ones one HAVE to go. |
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| Posted by: Christy M. in Bowling Green, KY. | Posted: July 8th, 2013 06:07AM |
| Breed: Domestic | Type of Procedure: Declawing front/back |
I have always had my cats declawed both the front and the back, they have been the most loving babies I've ever seen. I am all for declawing, I believe the attitude change that I keep seeing people talk about is due to another problem...nurturing? I will soon be getting my new kitten declawed both front and back. I have had no problems medically related to declawing and no vet has told me its not good for the cat just it's a danger if they get out (which they never do...again...parenting!) |
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| Posted by: a user in western, WA. | Posted: June 30th, 2013 11:06AM |
Lyzzi- some background would help. Was the cat feral? Did you get it as a kitten? Do you let it outside? Does it bite?
If you're worried about the cat hurting your newborn, I think you need to find a new home for the cat. Maybe it could be a barn cat (but don't just drop it off somewhere).
I have read that some cats that scratch will start biting if they're declawed.
I have a cat that used to scratch and bite. I was keeping him indoors. Later I learned that he use to spend a lot of time outside. When I started letting him out he stopped biting and scratching, with a few rare exceptions.
Injuries by cats can be serious. If this cat is hurting other animals, humans, and possibly your baby, he needs to go. Even if you have to put him down, it will be quick and painless. Some vets will even come to your home. There are thousands of cats that don't bite or scratch, that get put down because no one takes them home. You could save a nice kitty that won't hurt anyone. |
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| Posted by: frosted flakes in York, PA. | Posted: June 1st, 2013 02:06PM |
| Breed: Siamese | Type of Procedure: |
I had my cat de-clawed over ten years ago. Solomon is a happy, well adjusted cat that has been able to stay a part of my family due to the fact that he causes NO property damage. For those who think that de-clawing is cruel, it's even more cruel to subject a cat to years of going from one owner to another because it climbs curtains, destroys furniture, or, worse yet, hurts humans or other pets. If Solomon develops arthritis in his later years, I will do what I can to relieve his pain, which is what any GOOD pet owner would do. De-clawing is a surgical procedure...not a barbaric act. Geez people, get a grip! |
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| Posted by: Lyzzi in Florence, IN. | Posted: May 26th, 2013 08:05PM |
| Breed: Black | Type of Procedure: |
I have two choices with my cat. Either I get her declawed or get rid of her. I live with my family. I am the oldest of 7 with one the way, and a child of my own on the way. My cat is not sociable. She fought with my mother's cat. She tried to attack the new puppy without it doing anything to her. She has attacked my siblings and I'm afraid she will hurt my newborn. If I take her to a pound she will be put down for sure. What do I do...? |
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| Posted by: clairepois in Anywhere, KY. | Posted: May 4th, 2013 06:05PM |
| Breed: Any Cat | Type of Procedure: Declaw- Don\'t |
Don't do it. It is cruel. Please look up behaviorist Jackson Galaxy and view his video about it. I worked at a shelter for 2 yrs, most of the cats that were surrendered were because they had inappropriate urination brought on by declawing! It also causes arthritis later in life. I'm currently a vet tech, and nothing makes me more angry than vets not informing people of the consequences or ignorant people thinking they know everything and doing it anyway. Please please please research this before traumatizing your friend. |
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| Posted by: Justin85 in Washington, DC. | Posted: April 22nd, 2013 03:04PM |
| Breed: Morons | Type of Procedure: Need to be slapped |
This is a site for people to find out the cost for something WE WANT DONE ! We will in fact get the procedure done regardless of what your negative comments are . I have seen the surgery performed , and as grotesque as it was . It was better then not taking in my cat , and her living a short life on the streets . As for the debate on making it illegal in the US . Did you people see the five hundred dogs rescued on there way to be slaughtered recently in China ? Many of them were already dead . The cats in other country's are beaten alive so their meat will be more tender to EAT ! You really wanna make us feel bad ! Go on with that , and go gave puppy mills , or kitty mills if you want a cause . |
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| Posted by: Carol W. in Baraboo, WI. | Posted: March 9th, 2013 02:03PM |
| Breed: Domestic shorthair (2) | Type of Procedure: None. |
Like all pets, having cats comes with certain responsibilities. A good cat owner will give their pet appropriate scratching surfaces and invest the time in teaching them to use such places.
As a former Vet Tech as well, I have also witnessed the pain and suffering cats must endure at the AMPUTATION of their toes (imagine how well you would walk without your toes). Declawing not only affects a cat's ability to jump, walk properly, and removes any defense to outside predators, it also can cause back pain and premature arthritis. Declawing is an inhumane procedure done ONLY for the benefit of the human. For those not willing to take the time to train a cat to use proper surfaces (as well as providing those surfaces), may I suggest a less involved, caged pet such as a hamster or Guinea Pig. |
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| Posted by: APT Captive in Central, MN. | Posted: March 8th, 2013 02:03AM |
| Breed: DLH | Type of Procedure: Declawing alternatives |
I have to fixed cats. My female is 2yrs old & behaves in most ways like a small dog. We were given her at 6 mos due to someone needing to relocate. Our male was a wild kitten running outside the apartment complex that was near to impossible to catch. He is now 1 1/2 yrs old. He is our introvert while SHE is our extrovert! She used to live on a farm & went in & out of the house with their dogs. She loves to get out any time possible, (while I force her in due to traffic/her safety.) I worked for a Vet years ago for two years. I have never thought I would be forced in a corner by finances to HAVE TO declaw my cats in order to move with them. The long-term goal is country living one day. Meanwhile if they are to be in my care I MUST declaw them to move to the very few places I can have them. I can understand due to them shredding the stairwell carpet in two places....& my loveseat! I know I won't be getting my deposit back however all of this costly . I never thought I would see this day. |
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| Posted by: Oregonian in Eugene, OR. | Posted: March 7th, 2013 03:03PM |
| Breed: American Short Hair | Type of Procedure: None |
I've been a cat owner my whole life, and I've never had a cat declawed. I did, however, recently rescue a cat from almost being dumped in a shelter because her original owners had her front paws declawed, and then decided to get rid of her when she developed aggressive behavior problems after being declawed. I firmly believe the procedure is unnecessary and if you think about it, it's never for the cat's benefit, it's for the owner's benefit. Would you like it if someone amputated each of your fingers down to the first knuckle? Because that's what you're doing to your cat.rnEvery day I watch the kitty we rescued struggle because she has no claws. I see that many people on here have had good experiences, to which I say, your cat was lucky. I know people who were abused as kids, but don't show any outward symptoms of abuse as adults-does that make the abuse they suffered ok? Just because your cat seems fine, doesn't mean they aren't in pain. Think hard before declawing. |
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| Posted by: a user in Cincinnati, OH. | Posted: March 7th, 2013 12:03PM |
| Breed: DSH | Type of Procedure: None |
I don't spend any money on this barbaric practice! People need to learn to accommodate the scratching instinct. I live in harmony with my full-clawed cats. Every excuse to have your cats toes amputated can be debunked. Declawing should be illegal in the United States as it is in over 30 other countries. |
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| Posted by: pookie81 in Milwaukee, WI. | Posted: February 24th, 2013 04:02AM |
| Breed: Angora Turkish | Type of Procedure: Declawing Front and Back |
i have two cats that i've had since they were kittens, they're now 12 and 9 years old. they've never been declawed; my husband and i fought tooth and nail with family members who have never had any experience with owning cats and thought that we were insane for not declawing them. my cats have never been climbers of curtains; though they have ruined two couches with a few scratches (we detour unwanted behavior with scratching pads and water guns and regular clippings) my father has taken on the responsibility of a white 8 month old Turkish Angora that my sister adopted and had a change of heart on. but my father is living in an apt that will not accept cats unless they are declawed; so his cat is staying with us for a while. i priced the surgery at $275 for both front and back, but an additional $49 examination is required.. and there will be a two night stay. so the running total is $324 (the front paws alone cost $50 less) here in Milwaukee |
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| Posted by: anonymous in CO in Baton Rouge, LA. | Posted: February 20th, 2013 12:02AM |
| Breed: short hair domestiv | Type of Procedure: front and rear |
I had 2 cats w/front/rear declaw.No problems w/ them ever. This was at a very young age for them. They both lived a nice life w/ no troubles.I never saw any "phantom" scrtatching. My roommate has 2cats, 1 front declaw & 1 that is not declawed at all. The clawed cat is a little princess cat who thinks she runs the house & now that male cat is gone is she attacks the other animals. The other cat w/ front only declaw has always tried to scratch. I am pretty sure this is similar to "phantom" scratching. When my sister got her cat she declawed him in the front and he does quite well. My other sister has 2cats that are not declawed and has the normal complaints of someone with cats w/ claws, but her cats are very loving & never mean as in attacking w claws to person or dog. All in all, declawing is not a natural state for the animal. Doing it is a risk you run for the animal. I will get a new cat soon and declaw,i think this is better than death. I dont have good furniture, so not a factor. |
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| Posted by: kalikitti in TIONESTA, PA. | Posted: November 25th, 2012 11:11AM |
| Breed: calico | Type of Procedure: front declaw |
i'm getting my cat declawed on nov. 28th and after reading some of the stories i dont know what to do. i dont care about furniture she doesnt scratch it but she scratches peole and me i have scratch marks all over i also cut her nails but doesnt do any good theres a six month wait here so i have to decide soon. i got the app. in june so if i cancel then decide it will be another six months. |
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| Posted by: a user in Lake George, NY. | Posted: November 19th, 2012 07:11AM |
| Breed: Tabbys | Type of Procedure: |
I have one cat declawed in the front( like that when I adopted him) and I enjoy him thoroughly. I have another who is even more loving but he is not declawed and he tears apart EVERYTHING! Never,ind worrying about having nice things my trouble is that I have rented for the better part of my life and most landlords in my area will not allow cats that aren't declawed. I have had him for many years and thought about declawing him the whole time with my husband yelling all the time about the things he ruins saying I need to get rid of him. I understand declawing is not ideal but my one cat is no different behavior, jumping, balancing wise, and mousing wise as the one not declawed and I personally think that judging people for what they have to do to keep a pet is ridiculous. There are millions of cats being put down in shelters every day it's better to declaw then let them die in shelters. |
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| Posted by: a user in manahawkin, NJ. | Posted: November 7th, 2012 06:11AM |
| Breed: bengal/ jungle cat | Type of Procedure: |
i just recently found this beutiful cat outside my house looking for a home... its been over a week and after a big effort of finding his home, hes now going to stay i have two dogs one big and one small... im looking into having the cat declawed because i want him to not threaten then dogs and not worry about the dogs threatening him... the shelter has recomended there proceder for almost 400 but i have also been told i can get the cat a plan which includes care services.... should i use the plan or not??? |
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| Posted by: micheline martin in las vegas, NV. | Posted: September 18th, 2012 02:09PM |
| Breed: white cat ? | Type of Procedure: neuter and declawing |
just got this little kitty ( never had a cat)
she is adorable and sweet, however her clawes are hurting me she gets to me all the time and my
curtains, I am 85 years old not fast enough for this kitty, after reading all comments, I am not sure I still want her declawed |
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| Posted by: watanon in carteret, NJ. | Posted: August 30th, 2012 10:08PM |
I just want to say that, all these horrifying depictions of declawing a cat can possibly be misleading. I have had a cat for almost a year and she uses her claws to purposely attack my dog. At one point, I had walked into a room occupied by both my dog and cat. My cat was visibly in predator mode and I sensed that she was going to jump him. Right before her spring, I dashed in between them. Needless to say, I have long scars from that incident. Now don't get me wrong, I love animals, however when situations get hard, decisions must be made. I understand that if you are solely debating whether or not to declaw due to concerns for furniture or fabric or other useless materialistic items, it is wrong. However, I support 100% the declawing of cats that are dangerous and simply attack or play too rough. On a side note, I still haven't declawed my cat because I deem it unnecessary, and I accept the dangers and I keep precaution and safety. / |
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| Posted by: Igor in Pakland Park, FL. | Posted: July 1st, 2012 06:07PM |
| Breed: | Type of Procedure: Laser Declawing |
The cat seemed like her old self the very next day. We are very pleased with everything.
Shank Animal Hospital in Oakland Park, Florida
Dr. Shank is the man. You will never find a better, more caring, veterinarian. |
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| Posted by: Tammi Hartung in Port Charlotte, FL. | Posted: June 6th, 2012 12:06PM |
| Breed: shorthair/ mix | Type of Procedure: declawing/ front only |
I get offened when someone says that I am declawing my cats for lazy reasons. I am a disabled woman. I have an extremely painful and debilitating disease. If my legs get punchered by claws, my legs will leak fluid, and I will get an extremely painful infection that risks having my legs amputated or worse, death. I am 31 years old. I have no children of my own. I will never have children of mine own and that is not my choice. I love and care for my cats as if they were children. But, I have to protect myself first. I do not want to do it, but it is a necessity. Don't tell me that I don't love and care for them! My cats are happy, healthy and content with where they are. They don't show any sign of distress or pain. I love them with my entire heart and may shame come to the person that says otherwise! |
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External Resources: | - www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=568
- www.avma.org/advocacy/stateandlocal/statevma/pages/default.aspx
- www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=475&S=1&EVetID=0
- www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&C=222&A=1631&S=1
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