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I have 5 cats and none are declawed but sometimes I am tempted b/c my furniture is toast. I have declawed cats myself and I did not like doing it (that is about the only thing that makes me queezy about vet. med). I work emergency and I don't have to do it thank goodnes. I however am against outlawing it. The county that outlawed declawing is in west hollywood (I think they also want to outlaw spaying and neutering but I will have to refer back to one of my vet. journals for that info. to confirm). If declawing becomes outlawed I GUARNATEE the euthanasia rate will increase dramatically. I would rather have a cat declawed and on proper pain control (ie fentanyl patch) than have to kill a cat which is no picnic. I already have to euthanize animals for fixable things (just euth. a puppy tonight with parvo). Some apartment complexes will not allow you to have cats unless they are declawed (at least in Austin). My best friend has a declawed cat (she is a vet too) and he is a happy/healthy/normal cat. Yes there can be complications if not done rt. Nails can regrow, get infected etc...l I have yet to see this and the percentage in my opinion is low as many cats are declawed daily here in Austin.
If you do decide to get your cat declawed MAKE sure they use good pain control afterwards for 3-5 days. Some veterinarians do not use enough pain management and that makes me angry. Ask your veterinarian what type of pain management will be given after declwing and if you need a consultation PM me.
I have seen clients successfully use the soft paws but they do fall off and have to be replaced but you can try this.
Karen
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