When indoor cats destroy furniture and scratch people, owners know that declawing will take care of the problem, but many may wonder whether this medical procedure is too extreme. Dr. Kent Stauffer, a clinical instructor with Mississippi State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. It is not traumatic for them and it does not affect their behavior as is often said. Stauffer said the 10-minute surgical procedure is done under general anesthesia with pain medication administrated during and after the procedure. Declawing is not recommended for cats who live outdoors, because it decreases their ability to climb trees, defend themselves or hunt.
Cats usually get their front feet declawed.
Declawing all four feet is not recommended, unless it is extremely necessary. Generally, the healing process lasts about seven days, but it will depend upon the cat's age. Younger cats heal much faster, that is why it is preferable to declaw cats that are 1 year old or less. Older cats could suffer a little pain and the healing process is slower. Stauffer said after the medical procedure, cat owners should not let the cat use litter, instead they can use paper shreds.