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Cat Declawing Cost

How Much Does Cat Declawing Cost?
 
average cost Medium: $100-$250
 
high cost High: $250-$450
 



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Typical costs:
  • Declawing a cat using one of the two common conventional methods usually costs between $100 and $250, depending on the veterinarian and which procedure is used. The "Rescoe clipper" method is more common and usually falls at the lower end of the cost range because it is a simpler procedure and takes less time. The "Disarticulation" method, which is more involved, usually falls at the upper end of the range.
  • Declawing a cat using the laser method usually costs between $250 and $450, depending on the veterinarian.
  • Declawing a cat can be a controversial procedure, and some veterinarians do not offer the service. Other veterinarians offer it reluctantly, believing it should be a last resort. If you know you want to declaw your cat, ask about the veterinarian's stance on the procedure.
What should be included:
  • In the "Resco Clipper" method, the veterinarian uses a sterile clipper to cut off the tips of the bones in the toes, from which the claws grow. Then, the incision is closed with stitches or glue. This method usually has the fastest surgery time, but there is a slight risk the claw will re-grow, which can cause infection and require more surgery.
  • In the "Disarticulation" method, the veterinarian entirely removes the bones from which the claws grow, by disconnecting each of the ligaments attached to those bones. This method is more complex, and alters the cat's feet more, but eliminates the risk of re-growth.
  • In laser declawing, the veterinarian uses a laser, instead of a scalpel, to entirely remove the bones from which the claws grow. With this method, there is almost no bleeding and less pain.
  • VeterinaryPartner.com offers a description of the three types of declawing procedures, as well as alternatives to declawing.
  • The cost of declawing includes anesthesia, pain medications, antibiotics, a two-day hospital stay and a post-surgical examination.
Additional costs:
  • A pre-surgery blood test, to check liver and kidney function, is recommended for all cats and often required for older cats. It costs about $40 to $50 extra.
  • For a few days following the surgery, most veterinarians recommend that the cat wear a patch that releases pain medication. It costs about $40 extra.
Shopping for cat declawing:
  • To find a good veterinarian, ask fellow cat owners, breeders or humane associations. Or, check the American Veterinary Medical Association to find your state's veterinary medical association for a referral.
  • Ask the veterinarian how long he or she has been practicing, and how much continuing education he or she receives each year. Then, visit the clinic to look at cleanliness and attitude and ask about policies and prices.VeterinaryPartner.com offers a guide on how to find a veterinarian and a list of questions to ask.
  • Ask which type of declawing procedure the veterinarian uses. If the veterinarian uses a laser -- which requires a certain level of skill and experience -- ask how long he or she has been using it and how many laser declaws he or she has performed. Also, ask to talk to the owner of a cat the veterinarian has declawed.
Article updated October 2007
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Recent Posts
Amount: $150.00 Cat Declawing
Posted by: a user in Marietta, GA.Purchased: February, 2007
Breed: Short-hairedType of Procedure: Resco Clipper
I used cat care animal hospital in Marietta, GA, and they were wonderful! They kept him for 3 days to make sure he was okay and by the time I picked him up he was already playing with toys and using his paws like normal. He still uses his paws to "scratch" and play like normal, not like many people would have you believe that try to scare you away from the procedure.
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Amount: $200.00 Cat Declawing
Posted by: jevyn in Rome, GA.Purchased: 2005
Breed: siameseType of Procedure: declaw
both of my cats were declawed and have never had any problems and are actually nicer and more loving than they used to be. they still sharpen their paws as if they still had claws, it is really amusing.
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Amount: $300.00 Cat Declawing
Posted by: Cat Lover in Marietta, GA.Purchased: 2008
Breed: Angoran/DSHType of Procedure: Declaw
I had both of my cats Declawed in 2002 with a laser procedure. They both recovered with no bandages, no blood, No Problems, they just didn't like torn paper in the litter box for 10 days. 6 years later at age 14, they still have had no problems, still like to scratch but no claw marks. Don't allow others to scare you with horror stories that continue to be passed on.
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