What do I do when the cat comes home?

Question

I know that most people hate the fact that cats get declawed. This is drilled into my head. I got it.

But I had to get it done. I tried finding advice online on what to do when the cat comes home afterwards but all I can find is "DON'T DO IT" "IT'S LIKE HAVING YOUR FINGERNAILS CUT OUT". I want to make him comfortable when he comes home, so any advice?

Answer 1

Just had both of mine done this year.

Remove the litter and clean the box well.

Refill with shredded newspapers, litter will stick in the paws and cause infection or pain.

Check the paws daily for puss, blood, scabbing, etc and talk to vet about any.

Try to block any areas your cat likes to jump up to or jump down from. They should not do any jumping for a few days. They are stubborn and will try even if in pain, don't let them. Block with books or do what you have to do.

If you have a cat carrier, to me it's cruel but you can keep them in there most of the time like a hospital bed, this keeps them out of many items.

Try to keep them laying down somewhere, I actually tended to mine. Brought them hand fulls of food to the bed, etc so they could just lay there. I'm a sucker for a hurt animal...both of mine are saved strays.

Soaking the paws in warm Epsom salts after the first day 1 to 2 times per day will keep infection down and speed up the healing.

The first 3 days are the most important time. Watch them closely. If by 4th day they are walking normal they are doing fine. If by 4th day or any day you see a limp or a favoring of a single paw, really check the paw for puss, something stuck in between, knot on stitches that might have moved, etc.

Answer 2

most important thing is that the cat does come home. I would put out a warm saucer of milk. I know how you must feel, I also have a cat that has been declawed, she was like that when I got her. She is 2 years now and has not really had any problems from the surgery. It will be OK, don't be too hard on yourself. Give her lots of TLC, which I know you will.

Answer 3

Make sure you get pain medicine from the vet. Also don't use regular litter in the box. The vet will either provide a pellet type litter or use shredded news paper. He will feel pretty icky for a few days and act like he hates you. That will pass and give him plenty of affection. If he sleeps in bed with you try not to let him jump down from the bed or any other high spots. The vet should also fill you in reference home care. Good luck.

Answer 4

Here is one site I found regarding postoperative care.
If you haven't done the surgery yet, they list other physical means of control, such as nail tips and clipping the nails.

I hope that you do not need to get your cat declawed, perhaps one of these other methods will work for you.

But I do understand that there may be some situations, like in renting an apartment, when you have no choice.

Answer 5

I had it done to my cat when he was a kitten. Whene he came home I made sure he has food and water and a comfortable place to rest.
I also had it done because I have a dog who is almost 11 years old. I didn't want my cat to scratch him accidently. I also did not want the cat to get into any habits like scratching the furniture.
Now my cat is a very loving cat and he and my dog get along great.
I don't regret it at all.

Answer 6

Yes, I find declawing reprehensible. It's never necessary. It's actually illegal in some parts of the country and world. But aside from the lecture, to your question.

The only way you will be able to make him more comfortable is to keep him doped up on pain meds and to try and let him know that it will be ok.

Answer 7

you may want to change his litter to the shredded stuff that you line hamster cages with because the litter can get caught in his open wounds and cause an infection. Or just make sure to keep his toes extra clean. DO NOT LET HIM OUTSIDE EVER AGAIN, unless you are going to supervise.

Answer 8

Don't worry about it, there is nothing you can do to make the cat more comfortable. The cat will forget all about it in a day or so.

Answer 9

Just show regular love. Maybe have a can of Tuna for a Treat! He will be OK in time. You had to do what you had to do, part of life, and some not understand. But, just be his friend, I feel he will do the same.

Answer 10

Use shredded paper as cat litter for the first month. Keep him in one room with his litter, food and water. That way he doesn't walk around too much.
The vet that did it will have more suggestions for you.