Can someone tell me the price range for declawing a cat?

Question

does anyone know the price range for a declawing?

i already know its inhumane to declaw a cat. but in my case i think its neccesary, otherwise i would have to put my cat down.
my cat taco,has been vicously attacking her other 2 kitty friends. on sunday was THE WORST --my roomate was in the basement doing laundry, when she bent down to pet taco, and she climbed my roomates leg and attacked her, then started attacking my other cat, snipper, BRUTALLY. i mean, it was bad. my roommate screamed for me to come down, and when i did, i saw taco mauling snipper, so i grabbed snipper in the middle of the fight, and taco climbed up my leg and attacked me and snipper, who was in my arms. i have a bruise the size of a baseball (due to the impact of taco jumping on me) and over 20 scratches all over my arms.
cat claw caps wont work -- she needs her claws permanently covered, or gone. and caps are temperary. ill never know when she will attack again, so she NEEDS to be declawed.

also..taco is an indoor cat so she wont need to have to defend herself outdoors.

taco really is a sweet cat. ive had her since the day she was born, and she was raised very well. she just gets in her moods, so theres do doubt in my mind that i want to lose her.

thanks for reading.. and for those who answer :)

Answer 1

There may be a medical issue going here so have the cat checked by a vet first. Do you realize that if you have it declawed that you will cause more bad behaviors like the cat will start biting (and believe me biting is much worse than scratching for you will end up having surgery) and/or they will stop using the litterbox even after they have healed because of the trauma they have experienced.
I would suggest getting some Feliway to help keep the cat calm whenever it gets in those moods. It is a great product that reduces stress. It is alot cheaper than declawing and will not put your cat through so much pain and suffering.

Answer 2

Cat Declawing Price Range

Answer 3

Well...I believe the price is in the $100 range; I've never had a cat declawed myself, but if it comes down to declawing or sacrificing your kitty...Go with the declawing.
Have you ever thought about addressing Taco's behavioral issues though? There are some great drugs available from your vet, like Amatryptalene, Ovaban and Depo Provera. They work on the area of the brain that controls aggression and all seem to work to good effect. Depo has the added advantage of being given as an injection only twice a year :)
Anyways, it might save you an arm or leg in the future!

Answer 4

At the cat-only vet clinic where I tech, we charge around $200 for front only. If you can go to a specialty cat clinic, that may be a good idea, since the procedure can be botched pretty badly by inexperienced vets--sometimes they don't remove enough or take off too much, which causes long-term problems with their legs and joints, particularly when they're older, because they can't support their weight naturally.

In your situation, declawing might be a reasonable solution--I know that, while I don't like the practice, I have been glad that some nasty cats are missing their front claws when I'm at work. But you should probably only do the front claws--the backs are usually unnecessary, and if you end up needing to do it, you can always do it later.

One other possible solution to your problem, and one that might more directly address the behavioral issue of the first cat, might be to discuss putting her on Prozac to see if that mellows her. I've seen several cats really benefit from it, and remember that she still has teeth if you remove her claws, so she can still attack and may actually hurt someone more if she feels she has to resort to biting to get her point across.

If you do decide to declaw, just make sure you thoroughly check out the vet you use--this is a surgery that has major ramifications for your cat if it goes badly. Also, you need to know that your cat will need to remain indoors, since he'll be vulnerable to attack when he's outside without his claws.

Answer 5

Let's say it this way, I am VERY glad I live in a country where declawing is against the law.... I think I'd have about fifty cats I'd rescued from such mutilation if I didn't.... It's horrible and I can't understand a self-respecting country like the US doesn't have a law against it, or a self-respecting pet owner would even consider it.

Please re-home Taco to a home where she's the only cat. The declawing can easily cause problems -that there are many people who don't report any problems doesn't mean that it's safe, Google a bit and you'll easily find as many horror stories from cats that *didn't* heal well- and also it's no guarantee she'll stop bullying the other cats. She can still kick and bite.

Answer 6

Before declawing Taco, take her to a vet and have her checked out for neurological maladies. I used to have a cat that had seizures. She would get violent whenever she was going to have a seizure.
I've also had cats, that, no matter how well they were treated, had a violent streak. I remember one cat, Phoenias, that finally went to live as an outdoor cat, because he kept attackiing me, the person who loved him.
Are you playing too roughly with Taco? One of my present cat's first owner played too roughly with her and then had her declawed because she got too vicious. Now, when she gets upset, she bites, since she doesn't have claws. But, we do not play roughly with her and she has settled down considerabley.

Each animal has their own personality. Has something happened recently to upset her normal routine? Have you moved or added something with a strange smell to your home?

There are all types of factors to consider. I understand you have trouble with the issue of declawing. I used to feel the same. I feel it is cruel, but sometimes there is no other option.

Prices range from $25 a paw to over $100 a paw depending on the veterinarian.
Good luck!

Answer 7

First and foremost declawing is not inhumane and cats heal just fine. The other alternatives to declawing are soft paws (caps put on the nails) that have to be replaced after nail grows too long. In your situation I definitely agree that declawing may be your best option. Prices are different from vet to vet and how they do the procedure. Some vets are starting to upgrade to using a laser to remove the claw instead of cutting it off, so obviously the laser method will be more expensive, but has shown to have quicker healing time and less pain after surgery. I found one website that had the price listed at $99. The older and still more widely used method is probably closer to $70. Only have his front paws declawed since those are the claws they use for fighting and scratching. Just remember to keep his back ones trimmed so they don't curl under and grow into his pads.

Answer 8

Ok read all that below. Also, when my kitten was little we got these things called soft paws. They are temporary I know, but you glue them over her nails and they work! If you simply cannot do this, please consider taking Taco to a no-kill shelter, where she can find another home.

Written by Veterinarian, Dr. Christianne Schelling

If you are considering declawing your cat, please read this. It will only take a moment, and it will give you valuable information to help you in your decision.

First, you should know that declawing is pretty much an American thing, it's something people do for their own convenience without realizing what actually happens to their beloved cat. In England declawing is termed "inhumane" and "unnecessary mutilation." I agree. In many European countries it is illegal. I applaud their attitude.

Before you make the decision to declaw your cat, there are some important facts you should know. Declawing is not like a manicure. It is serious surgery. Your cat's claw is not a toenail. It is actually closely adhered to the bone. So closely adhered that to remove the claw, the last bone of your the cat's claw has to be removed. Declawing is actually an amputation of the last joint of your cat's "toes". When you envision that, it becomes clear why declawing is not a humane act. It is a painful surgery, with a painful recovery period. And remember that during the time of recuperation from the surgery your cat would still have to use its feet to walk, jump, and scratch in its litter box regardless of the pain it is experiencing. Wheelchairs and bedpans are not an option for a cat.

No cat lover would doubt that cats--whose senses are much keener than ours--suffer pain. They may, however, hide it better. Not only are they proud, they instinctively know that they are at risk when in a weakened position, and by nature will attempt to hide it. But make no mistake. This is not a surgery to be taken lightly.

Your cat's body is perfectly designed to give it the grace, agility and beauty that is unique to felines. Its claws are an important part of this design. Amputating the important part of their anatomy that contains the claws drastically alters the conformation of their feet. The cat is also deprived of its primary means of defense, leaving it prey to predators if it ever escapes to the outdoors.

I have also had people tell me that their cat's personality changed after being declawed. Although, the medical community does not recognize this as potential side effect.

Okay, so now you realize that declawing is too drastic a solution, but you're still concerned about keeping your household furnishings intact. Is there an acceptable solution? Happily, the answer is yes. A big, joyful, humane YES! Actually there are several. The following website "Cat Scratching Solutions" provides many solutions as well as and insight into the psychology of why cats scratch. You can teach your cat to use a scratching post (sisal posts are by far the best). You can trim the front claws. You can also employ aversion methods. One of the best solutions I've found is Soft Paws®.

Soft Paws are lightweight vinyl nail caps that you glue on the cat's front claws. They're great for households with small children and are extremely useful for people who are away from home all day and can't exercise the watchfulness necessary to train a cat to use a scratching post. Soft Paws® are easy to apply and last about four to six weeks. They come in clear or colors--which are really fun. Now that's a kitty manicure! The colored caps look spiffy on Tabby or Tom and have the added advantage of being more visible when one finally comes off. Then you simply replace it. You can find Soft Paws® on the web by clicking here or call 1-800-989-2542.

You need to remember, though, that the caps and nail trimming should only be used on indoor cats who will not be vunerable to the dangers of the outdoors.

Answer 9

I have a cat that ruined everything in the house I got her declawed at Petsmart which is actually Banfield. If you go on the plan for cats I think I paid $20.00 for the meds because everything else was included. Other places might range from 150.00 to 300.00. With Banfield you signed up and pay $200.00 but everything is included.

Answer 10

Dont feel bad about what you are doing.. i had both my indoor cats declawed.. my male cat used to get his claws caught in things and cry for help so that was why i did it... Call your local vet for an exact estimate (call more than one) and ask friends and family for good recommendations.. I think i paid $125 for one cat to get front declawed. i didnt notice how old you said your cat was.. but they need to be at least 6 months to have this done and most vets wont do it if your cat is older than 2 or 3... Good luck!