The consequences of removal of claws in cats

Nature endowed each member of the cat family with sharp claws, which serve for self-preservation and hunting. But not everyone will tolerate that his pet constantly scratching furniture, spoiling carpets or injuring a child. Some solve the problem conservatively, constantly cutting the animal claws. But more radical owners decide on surgical removal of claws in cats.

What is this process?

The operation to remove claws in koshek , or onyektomiya - is quite a complicated surgical intervention, which is done only under general anesthesia. Depending on the desire of the person or aggravating circumstances, the claws can be removed only from the front paws, or from all the limbs at the same time. As a result of the onyectomy, not only the horny plates, but also the terminal phalanges of the fingers, are cut off. This can cause serious health consequences for the pet.

The consequences of removal of claws in cats

If the procedure was made by an incompetent surgeon, then upon its completion, the following possible negative for the cat circumstances:

• not passing pain in the paws;
• unnatural gait;
• osteomyelitis;
• infection of soft tissues;
• weakness in the muscles of the back and legs;
• deterioration of the sense of balance;
• abscess;
• the growth of a new phalanx, which requires a second operation.

The process of recovery after removal of claws in kittens and adults

Even if the whole procedure was successful, the rehabilitation period will be extremely painful for the cat. To begin with, the animal will only be able to try to walk on the next day, leaning on bandaged feet. This will bring painful pain, which will have to endure about a week. Also, the pet will have to wear a special collar, which will not allow him to tear the bandages and lick the wounds. In kittens, this process is somewhat easier and faster, which should be taken into account if such an operation is planned.

The best age for removing claws in a cat is 2-3 months, but veterinarians around the world are against this procedure, considering it immoral and cruel. There is always the opportunity to find a way to avoid onyektomii, from infancy accustoming the kitten to the rules of behavior, dressing him with anti-grindings and punishing for damage to furniture. Also there is a chance to choose more affectionate kinds of cats, which have a soft and flexible character. This is especially true if the family has children.