how do they declaw a cat?

Answers:
If you are considering declawing your cat, please read this. It will only take a moment, and it will give you valuable information to help you in your decision.

First, you should know that declawing is pretty much an American thing, it's something people do for their own convenience without realizing what actually happens to their beloved cat. In England declawing is termed "inhumane" and "unnecessary mutilation." I agree. In many European countries it is illegal. I applaud their attitude.

Before you make the decision to declaw your cat, there are some important facts you should know. Declawing is not like a manicure. It is serious surgery. Your cat's claw is not a toenail. It is actually closely adhered to the bone. So closely adhered that to remove the claw, the last bone of your the cat's claw has to be removed. Declawing is actually an amputation of the last joint of your cat's "toes". When you envision that, it becomes clear why declawing is not a humane act. It is a painful surgery, with a painful recovery period. And remember that during the time of recuperation from the surgery your cat would still have to use its feet to walk, jump, and scratch in its litter box regardless of the pain it is experiencing.

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They cut the tip of the toe off (first joint).. Its horrible.

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Declawing is actually an amputation of the last joint of your cat's "toes". It should be illegal in the US, as it is in most of Europe.

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Well, I was going to say the declawing website, but it's shown above. I personally prefer not to. but if you have small kids and nice furniture, they do get over the pain and has no further physical effects. (besides claw loss, obviously)

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they cut part of its toe off =(

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The most common surgical procedure, onychectomy, or "declawing", is amputation of the claw and the end toe bone joint. The surgery has a reputation for causing pain for a week or more and the possibility of postoperative complications, such as infection, hemorrhage, nail regrowth and altered feeling in the toes for some time after surgery.

An alternative surgical procedure, deep digital flexor tendonectomy, was first described by John Rife, DVM (Journal AAHA, Nov.1986). This surgery involves severing the tendon attached to the end toe digit but maintaining the claw in the sheath. It is not possible to detect the surgery visually but the cat is no longer able to extend the claws. The technique limits the cat's ability to damage surfaces when scratching as long as the claws are kept trimmed. It is less painful (cats recover within 2 days) and it has minimal postoperative risks. However, ongoing claw trimming is a must or the cat can use its claws again to some degree and there is a risk of ingrowth into the paw pads. Some veterinarians have reported joint fusion and arthritis problems. The technique has not been favored by most veterinarians mainly because of the above negative factors and the potential of the client's dissatisfaction and ultimate desire for declawing.

There is no question that most humane shelters have taken a strong stand against declawing and there are numerous anecdotal reports of behavior problems in declawed cats. In some countries, such as Great Britain, declawing (except for medical reasons) is not permitted.

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You would take it to the vet,I took my cat and had all 4 paws done.They do
not cut off the ends of there feet or paws.My cat had it done 4yrs ago and
i have had no problem with my loveable cat.The only thing -the cat has to
stay indoors,away from other cats.If you let that cat out,the cat will die for sure.Because, the cat has no nails to fight with to defend itself.

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Hi there.here are photos of a declawing procedure during surgery:
WARNING! GRAPHIC SURGICAL PHOTOS
http://www.9livescats.homestead.com/decl.

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http://declaw.lisaviolet.com/

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I hate to say it, but night magic is completely and totally wrong. In order to completely declaw a cat, a vet MUST remove the bone inside the foot. If it's not removed, the claws can grow back. So..yeah, that was a stupid response. I just love it when people don't know what they're talking about.

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Whoever said they do not cut off the tip of each toe is totally ignorant and WRONG. I've worked for vets and seen it, as well as the behavior problems it causes.

"Declawing is actually an amputation of the last joint of your cat's "toes". When you envision that, it becomes clear why declawing is not a humane act. It is a painful surgery, with a painful recovery period. And remember that during the time of recuperation from the surgery your cat would still have to use its feet to walk, jump, and scratch in its litter box regardless of the pain it is experiencing."
Christianne Schelling, DVM

So PLEASE DON'T if you love your kitty. The following links describe declawing; the second one has fabulous training ideas that prevents damage to your furniture. I have 10 Ragdolls, none of whom are declawed and although their cat trees are well used, my furniture %26 rugs are purrrrfect! :-)

Articles on declawing:
http://www.cfa.org/health/declawing.html.

Excellent article on declawing; also cat posts %26 how to train your cat.
http://www.stevedalepetworld.com/images/.

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here is a great site that shows you in pictures what they do..(not graphic)

http://maxshouse.com/truth%20about%20dec.

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They AMPUTATE part of their toes off. It's absolutely disgusting that people continue to do it, and is illegal in many countries around the world.

To anyone thinking about declawing their cat, please either a) take the time to train your cat to use a scratching post or b) purchase a pack of soft claws at http://www.softclaws.com

People who go on about how their cats tear everything up might want to take a serious look at what other option they have given their cat. Cats WILL scratch something, they HAVE to for their nails, so there is no excuse for not buying them a solid, sturdy scratching post. It took my cat no time to learn to use her scratching post, and I have never had a single piece of furniture ruined.