I got my cat declawed and just took the bandages off her paws..she is licking and biting them now, is that ok?

Question

She was meowing and pulling away the whole time, i knew it was really hurting her, so i called my vet and he said to soak them in warm water and keep taking them off...I just wanted to know if I did the right things.

Answer 1

Cats hate having their paws pulled on under any circumstances. You want to avoid squeezing her paws, but the fighting bandage removal is no biggie - don't feel guilty. The worst you'll have to do is over. (and I agree, the vet should not send your cat home still bandaged -- under usual circumstances)

*Usually* the licking and biting is okay, it's because of the glue used to close the toe incisions (or even the sutures used, if sutures were used instead). It isn't painful (although walking will be painful for a while postop). It's annoying, in the way it is annoying to have glue sticking the hairs down to your skin, and the biting and licking is an effort to loosen excess glue (or itchy sutures in the skin). It shouldn't hurt anything.

Sometimes, rarely, the licking and biting can be because of inflammation inside, or even infection. Do her paws feel hot, or is there any swelling of one toe more than the others? Soaking the paws in a lukewarm mild chlorhexidine or iodine solution can help prevent infection and soothe soreness, but if it's a battle, don't bother - struggling can injure the unhealed toes further and prolong the pain. If her limping worsens or you see swelling or feel heat, go back to the vet.

Answer 2

Have you tried trimming the cat's nails? My cat's an antisocial little darling most of the time, but if I catch her when she's been asleep in the sun I can trim her nails with a pair of clippers without a problem. Or the wax things that go onto the tips? Honestly, I find declawing inhumane. Every last local clinic in our area has banned the practice, because they ALL feel that it is grossly cruel, and inhumane. And I don't buy you're hyperbolic "it's be declawed or killed" scenario. While dumping a cat at a shelter might be the easy way for you to get rid of it, it's not the only answer. Local vets offer adoption services. You could put "free to a good home" adverts up. My sister found a home for all five of her cat's kitten in under a day. When my neighbours moved they found a home for their 10 year old, cranky bastard of a cat in three days. So my answer is no. I would not get my cat declawed rather than finding it a new home. But instead of going "Whoops! The couch might get damaged!" and having it put down, I would put in the leg work and actually find it a home. YOU adopted the cat, YOU are responsible for it, and YOU should have thought about the couch before you got the cat. Adopting a cat is making a promise to that cat that you'll protect it, love it, and do your best by it. What you've got to do is decide what that promise means to you, and how much it means to you to keep it. And in the future, if you already know the answers you want, don't bother asking the question.

Answer 3

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RE:
I got my cat declawed and just took the bandages off her paws..she is licking and biting them now, is that ok?
She was meowing and pulling away the whole time, i knew it was really hurting her, so i called my vet and he said to soak them in warm water and keep taking them off...I just wanted to know if I did the right things.

Answer 4

Along with the soaking, I would put an e-collar on your cat, so she doesn't open the incisions and infect the toes, which could cause osteomylitis. Mild, warm salt water soaks (ask your vet about getting some chlorhexidine gluconate to dilute into the water, to help keep the infection away) are about the best you can do for the pain, besides that it's a good idea to keep her from being able to chew them until they are completely healed.

Answer 5

i can't imagine having to remove the bandages yourself. that's what should have been done by the vet or is techs or assistants. the best way to declaw cats now days is to find a vet who uses a laser. it seals the nerve endings, cauterizes the blood vessels, they have less bleeding and faster healing. sometimes they will lick and bite because of pain and/or the surgical glue is bothering them. some vets will automatically give a pain med injection at time of surgery, others don't. make sure she stays quiet; if you have to confine in a large carrier or small room, then do so. jumping, running and using feet too much can lead to problems and undue pain. make sure you are using shredded newspaper or Yesterdays News (a processed paper litter) so there's no chance that any litter can get into her toes if one does open.

Answer 6

At our hospital we take the bandages off before the pet goes home, as this is difficult to do. I certainly hope your vet gave you at least a weeks worth of pain medication--I'm not against declawing but it is a very painful procedure and pain control is a must. If she is biting her paws, they hurt! Call your vet or the emergency vet and see if you can get pain medication right away. They may need to see her first.

Answer 7

Old post but I just had it done to my cats and your post helped me. I feel it is necessary. If your cats are like mine, they are spoiled beyond belief. The best foods, climate controlled environment, vaccinated, safe inside where humans are, can sleep literally anywhere in the house. No need to catch mice, fear getting run over or eaten by a predator, loved, and live 15+years in total bliss. Your hard earned money goes towards that $4500 living room set, or your $3000 bedroom set, with your $4000 tempurpedic mattress and your cats (if like mine) sleep and use them as if you bought them directly for them. LOL. I have two cats and if anyone ever said they were mistreated, I would laugh. I bet these people being offended don't eat beef (raised and killed for tummys), or wear leather (wonderful skin from an animal raised to be your jacket, or drink milk (the lifeline for a baby calf to survive) or even eat eggs ( the unborn/unfertalized embryo of a baby chick). Thanks for reading and have a great day!!!

Answer 8

The lukewarm water will help a lot to soothe her pain. Meanwhile, try to refrain her from biting nad licking. It might sore up the paw and cause infections.
If your cat persists in licking, biting, or other unusual acitivities, and you are unable to discourage them, seek the help of your vet. They can help you with your cat and can provide information on after-declawing care.

Answer 9

Watch the healing process closely. Cats are not like dogs or humans. They CANNOT heal under scabs. Our cat had gotten an infection in her left foot from the declawing. The scab let the infection fester and she couldnt get to it to clean it. If you see any abnormal coloring or big black clumps on her toes take her to the vet and get the antibiotics needed for the infection.

Answer 10

You might try asking the vet for a anti bacterial solution to put on the feet. It will keep away infection and maybe the irritation as well as provide a yucky taste so not biting them .