Laser Surgery for Declawing

A controversial elective procedure, declawing is a solution for the problem of a cat's scratching furniture or its owner. In addition to traditional surgery, laser surgery is an option for declawing a cat.

  1. Declawing

    • Declawing is a surgical method used to remove a cat's claws. In addition to the claws, either a portion or all of the third bone of each toe is removed, so the claw cannot grow back.

    Laser Surgery

    • Laser surgery is available for declawing. A laser is used to remove the third bone of each toe, instead of the scalpel used in traditional surgery.

    Advantages

    • Laser surgery offers advantages such as no bleeding during the procedure and a less painful healing period, which may not require bandages.

    Drawbacks

    • Laser surgery for declawing is more expensive than traditional surgery. Because it is a relatively new technology, the surgeon may not be as experienced in the technique, which could result in complications like burned tissue.

    Considerations

    • Declawing is major surgery that removes one of a cat's main methods of defense. If a cat is declawed by laser or by traditional surgery, it is a good idea to keep it indoors so it will be safe.