how old does a cat have to be before I can de-claw him?

Answer 1

don't know, ask your vet.

Answer 2

Declawing a cat shouldn't be done unless all other possiblites have been exhausted. Like changing scratching posts with cardboard scratchers, or sisal rope type scratchers. Also Soft Paws are a great alternative as well. Those are little caps that are glued on to the cats claws, kind of like press on nails for people, only they can't do damage to anything. Plus they come in a variety of colors. But the cat can still have it's claws to climb if needed.

I worked for a veterinarian for 7 years and have assisted in a few declaws. Your cat is hospitalized for about three days. Day 1 is the surgery, Day 2 is remove bandages, Day 3 goes home. It is true that you are not just removing the claw. Imagine you are removing the first digit of your finger. That is how far back it goes. Also their paws are bandaged for a day so they can't get around much, let alone use any cat litter for a few weeks. I have seen some cats waking up from this surgery, not a pleasant site, no matter how well the procedure goes. And there have been some cases cats will shake there paws while waking up from surgery or after getting the bandage removed and accidently hit them and reopen the wound the day after (usually the second day after surgery). Some cats go through a personality change, if they used to scratch you, they may pick up on biting instead. Some cat's personalities change and be more frightened of you as well or more aggressive. Some cats when jumping up and down yelp from the pain they still may feel or have associated to the declaw. Cats use their claws to help them balance on things as well. One thing for sure your cat will have to be a strictly indoor cat if it is declawed. If it were to get out it would not be able to defend it's self.

Also check with your local veterinarians some states and/or cities have made declawing illegal, since it is considered a cosmetic surgery. Most vet's won't declaw unless the owner suffers from an ailment that if scratched will bleed a lot, Like AIDS paitients, diabetics, people on blood thinners, etc.

Answer 3

I don't know what stat you live in, but consider a tendonectomy. They make a little hole and snip the tendons controling their nails. This way they still have all their claws in an emergency, but they don't destroy furniture.

If you do get a declaw. Please, check out the vet! I have heard horror stories about declaws. The pain, the howling, the personality changes, etc......

I did background check son vet and decided on the best one. Do not go by price. The cheaper it is, the most problems you will have.

My cat went through the operation without problems. But he is a rarity. I got him neutered at the same time. And the next day he was jumping and flying around like his old self. (yes, I know they shouldn't, but I tried to keep him quiet)

So get educated about the prodeure first!

Oh, I had my kitten declawed and neutered at six months.

Answer 4

Please don't do this. De clawing is not just cutting the nails - it entails cutting the digit off at the first knuckle. It is very painful. Can you imagine having that done to all your fingers and toes at the same time - and probably being sent home without pain medication. There are other options to keep cats from scratching - including claw caps called "Soft Paws", siskal scratching posts, corrugated cardboard scratch pads.
I've had cats all my life, and never really had a scratching problem. Mine (5) love the scratching pads. I have them all around the house. They use them, and then stake claim to them by laying down on them and going to sleep.
Please consider other options for your cat, and by all means, please DO spay/neuter your pets.

Answer 5

I got my cat done at 6 months, and just the front claws as she is an indoor cat. Just incase she escapes somehow, she'll still have her back claws to defend herself, and shimmy up the tree. =)

Answer 6

A cats claws have a purpose, they are not there just to mess up your furniture. And the cat doesnt choose to live with you, you chose to have it, so you cant make it adapt to your lifestyle, you have to adapt to his. YOU have to teach it where its appropriate to scrach and where it isnt. YOU have to take responsibilty to the ownership of a cat, and that includes a lot of patience while training it.

Answer 7

I had mine declawed at 6 months, the same time I have them fixed. It saves an extra trip to the vet.

Answer 8

My vet told me 6 months. We got him fixed at the same time.

Answer 9

Always before they are six months old. My vet said it is less traumitizing for your cat.

Answer 10

Typically 6 months -- but check with your vet.

Answer 11

I would do it before he/she is a year old. I think they could deal with the pain better,