How to Care for Cats After Declawing

Many people choose to declaw their cats to protect themselves or their furniture. Declawing is a surgical procedure done by a veterinarian using general anesthesia and is often done at the same time as spaying or neutering. Usually only the front paws are declawed. As with any surgical procedure there is post-operative pain and special care needed for a proper recovery. Your veterinarian can help you decide if this surgery is right for you and your cat. With proper care your cat should have no ill effects from being declawed.

Things You'll Need

  • Shredded newspaper litter
  • Prescribed pain medication
  • Elizabethan collar (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk to your veterinarian when you pick up your cat after surgery. Ask if stitches or surgical adhesives were used on the paws. Listen carefully to all instructions for pain medications and post operative care. Ask for shredded newspaper to use for litter.

    • 2

      Take your cat home.

    • 3

      Make sure your cat has a quiet place to recover for the first day. Make sure food, water, and litter box with shredded newspaper are nearby.

    • 4

      Check paws two to three times a day for signs of swelling, redness, bleeding or any discharge. These are signs of infection. Call your veterinarian immediately if such signs are present.

    • 5

      Make sure your cat is eating and drinking. Make sure it is urinating and passing bowel movements. If your cat doesn't want to use the shredded newspaper litter, ask your veterinarian to recommend something else.

    • 6

      Keep your cat from getting up on things and jumping off as much as possible for at least a week to ten days. Don't encourage your cat to run and play for a few weeks.

    • 7

      Watch for excessive licking of the paws. Some licking is normal. Too much can slow healing and lead to infections. If your cat licks excessively, your vet can provide you with an Elizabethan collar to keep the cat from reaching its front paws.

    • 8

      Don't wash the paws or bathe your cat until the paws are completely healed.

    • 9

      Expect it to take a few weeks before your cat walks normally. All surgery needs recovery time. Younger cats will recover more quickly.