Sadly no. There is no regulatory agency in veterinary medicine that makes sure veterinarians use the safest and most current drugs and anesthesia for your cat. If you choose the least expensive veterinarian you will most likely find the one that cuts the most corners. The most expensive may not be the best, but the least expensive will quite possibly be the worst. Ask questions when you call the vet for a declaw quote. They should discuss pain control, pre-anesthetic blood work and proper monitoring under anesthesia.

It’s a bit more complicated than that. Anesthesia should always be taken seriously. Your kitty will need extensive monitoring while the declaw is done. An endotracheal or “breathing tube” is used to give your cat oxygen and anesthesia. An IV catheter and IV fluids will be used to help keep your cats blood pressure stable and to supply additional medications if needed. The right anesthetic agents will be specifically chosen for your cat based on age, weight, medical conditions, blood results and even breed.

Not if proper precautions are taken. If your cat is older and weighs more than 5 lbs a morphine patch may be used to control pain. Injectable and oral pain meds may also be administered. Some veterinarians use nerve blocks on the paws to help eliminate pain during the procedure. Imagine having the tips of your fingers removed including the bone. This would hurt terribly without proper medication.

Yes! Declawing is becoming an archaic procedure. Some states have even outlawed declawing. With proper training, proper scratching posts and deterrents your kitty can keep their claws. You can have a cat with claws and still keep your home from being destroyed.