How to care for a cat after declawing
If your cat is going to be declawed, you’ll need to plan for the healing time period afterwards. Your cat will require some additional love and care following the procedure.
While declawing is a minor procedure, it is still a surgery and your cat will require a couple of days to rest and recuperate before it has returned to its ordinary daily schedule.
Here are four important steps you should follow while your cat is recuperating from the declawing procedure.
Guarantee Proper Pain Management
When your cat has been declawed, it will be in some pain for a couple of days afterwards. You can assist with the aggravation with pain medicine. Your veterinarian will presumably provide you with the medication needed, and if not, make sure to ask for it. In the event that your cat has never taken medication, it might take a bit of work to have them take it, but hiding it in their food or treats is a great strategy to do so.
Give Recovery Space
During recuperation, your cat will require a little space to rest. Allowing them to access the whole house might not be the best idea because it will give them the urge to continue to explore and potentially jump around — which can make the stitches tear open. To assist your cat with getting the rest it needs, set its bedding up in a little room, like the laundry room or your bedroom (ensure the room can contain the cat with either a door or gate). Although your cat will want to continue their normal adventures, it is in their best interest for you to keep them in a contained spot while they recover.
This allows you to limit their physical activity and easily monitor their behavior and eating habits post operation.
Keep the Wounds Clean
While your cat is recovering from having its claws removed, you’ll need to keep the injuries clean. Inability to clean the injuries can prompt serious infections. To clean your cat’s wounds, you’ll need a little bowl, water, and a delicate fabric. Fill the bowl with room temperature water and tenderly wipe your cats’ paws with a dampened fabric.
Repeat the cycle a few times each day. In the event that you notice expanding redness, or release from the injuries, make sure to contact your veterinarian to get their assistance. Those observations could be indications of paw contamination.
Make Some Litter Box Changes
Your cat will definitely be sore after the procedure. As a result of the pain, it’s important that you make some litter box changes during the recovery period. In the event that you ordinarily utilize a mud-type litter, it’s a smart thought to change to a cluster-free litter.
This sort of litter is generally gentler on delicate paws, and it contains no residue that can get into the injuries. I also recommend getting a bigger litter box because your cat probably won’t be so nimble on their feet, so the larger box will allow them to easily move around and be comfortable during a time period where they won’t be as agile as before.
Do’s and Don’ts after declawing your cat
Here are a couple of general rules you should follow when taking care of your cat in the wake of the declawing:
Dos
- Give them just limited quantities of food and water (they shouldn’t be as active after the procedure so should not need as much food)
- Administer pain medication and anti-toxins precisely as the vet indicates
- Give your cat a contained place of the home where they can recover without being too active or getting into too much trouble
Don’ts
- Don’t at any point give your cat Tylenol or different medications for people (this can be dangerous for your cat)
- Don’t hesitate to call your vet if your cat isn’t reacting to the medication
- No new toys or platforms during the recovery period (as much as your cat may want it, those activities put the stitches in danger)
We have a recent article that will help you determine if your cat is in pain and how to respond.
