Our readers like you have asked us how much does it cost to declaw a cat, so we’re here to give you the best answer we possibly can. While it’s not easy to determine an overall cost, we can give you a general idea.
Cost can vary greatly based on your location – so please keep that in mind when reviewing this article.
How Much Does it Cost to Declaw a Cat?
Based on our research, it costs between $100 to $250 to have your cat declawed using the traditional “Roscoe clipper” method. It will also depend highly on a number of factors, which we will get more info below.
However, we must warn you, declawing a cat is basically maiming them. Look at one of your fingers. Do you see the small first line from your fingertip? When you are declawing a cat, it’s the same thing as cutting the tips of your fingers off
You may have to search for a long time to find a vet who will go through with it. Most vets today will not do it out of ethical reasons for the cat, so be prepared for this instance.
While you may wish to save your furniture if your cat likes to claw certain things in your home, think of what you are doing to your cat.
The Financial Factors for the Main Cost
There are quite a few financial factors that you will need to take into consideration before you can calculate the main cost.
Find out what the main examination cost for your vet is. This is what’s known as the “door fee” for simply walking through the door with your cat. It usually starts at $50 for some vets but can be as high as $100 for others.
With the door fee calculated, at an average cost of, say, $200 for the procedure, you’re now looking at around $300 for the door fee and the actual procedure.
You will also have to pay for a couple of tests, as well. A pre-surgery blood test is usually taken for the purpose of checking their kidney and liver functions. This is a test that’s usually reserved and highly recommended for older cats, however, costing up to $50.
The majority of vets will also require you to have your cat wear a pain medication release patch for a couple of days before he or she has the surgery, which is usually around $40.
With everything totaled up thus far, you’re looking at around $400 now.
However, if you use the other method, the laser method, the starting price is going to be between $250 to $450 dollars. If you choose this method, or it’s the only method your vet is currently offering, you will be looking at an average price of up to $500.
What are the Different Declawing Methods?
The Roscoe Method
The Roscoe method of declawing a cat uses a sterile clipper that is used to cut the tips off of the bones where the cat’s claws grow in their toes. It’s then stitched up using glue or actual stitches.
The Roscoe method is the fastest, but there is always a chance the cat will re-grow their claws. If this happens, infection is soon to come very quickly down the line and will require additional surgery on top of the one that they just had.
The Disarticulation Method
The Disarticulation method is done by the vet removing the bones entirely so the claws cannot grow. It disconnects each ligament that is attached to the bones to ensure that the claws have zero chance to grow back. Unfortunately, this method can main the feet quite badly.
The Laser Method
The laser method involves the vet using a special laser to remove the bones entirely so the claws have zero chance of growing back. Though declawing is an awful practice, this method allows for less bleeding and less pain.
What is Included in the Cost?
Unless your vet says specifically otherwise, you can expect to have a vet clinic visit for two days, a wellness exam after the surgery, antibiotics, pain medications, and anesthesia used before and during the surgery to be included in the overall cost.
You should, however, speak with your vet about how much it’s all going to cost you. In general, you should be prepared to pay between $400 to $500 total.
Declawing a Cat
Know that you have your answer to “how much does it cost to declaw a cat”, please remember the potential problems and general maiming having this done will do to your cat.
You can always buy new furniture, but can you replace your beloved cat and his or her happiness?
Resources Used
http://pets.costhelper.com/cat-declawing.html
https://www.vetinfo.com/what-does-it-cost-to-declaw-cat.html
It’s disgusting that you would even post this information. The cost of declawing a cat goes far beyond money – it causes a lifetime of pain for the cat. Anyone even considering doing this to an animal should NOT have that animal.