Can You Declaw Cats in Illinois?

Yes, you can declaw cats in Illinois. There are a variety of reasons why people choose to declaw their cats, and there are several veterinarians in Illinois who are experienced in performing the procedure. The decision to declaw a cat is a personal one, and there are pros and cons to consider before making a decision. Some people feel that declawing is inhumane and unnecessary, while others believe that it is a necessary procedure to keep their furniture and belongings safe from damage. Ultimately, the decision is up to the cat owner and should be made based on what is best for the cat and the owner’s individual circumstances.

There is no statewide law in Illinois regarding the age at which a cat may be declawed, so it is up to the individual Veterinarian to decide whether or not they will perform the procedure on a kitten. In general, most Vets will not declaw a cat younger than 4 months old because the bones are still too soft and the kitten has not yet fully developed its adult claws. Additionally, declawing a kitten can interfere with its natural development and cause long-term health problems, so it is generally not recommended.

The declawing procedure, also called an onychectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves the amputation of the cat's toes at the joint. It is typically performed on the front paws, and all ten toes can be done at once, or just the claws on one paw can be removed. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about 30 minutes.

The first step is to trim the nails as short as possible. This helps to minimize the risk of infection and also makes the declawing procedure less painful for the cat. The veterinarian will then make an incision in the skin over the joint that will be amputated. The toe is then dislocated from the joint and the bone is cut with a surgical saw. The toe pad is left attached to the foot, as it will eventually heal and cover the bone. The incision is then closed with stitches.

After the declawing procedure, the cat's paws will be bandaged. The cat will be given pain medication to help with the pain and will be monitored closely for any complications. Complications from the declawing procedure are rare but can include bleeding, infection, and nerve damage. Most cats recover from the declawing procedure without any problems and are able to walk and use the litter box normally.

It generally takes cats two to three weeks to recover from declawing surgery. During this time, you should keep your cat indoors to prevent any complications.

The average cost of cat declaw surgery in Illinois is $200-$300. The surgery itself is relatively quick, taking approximately 30 minutes. However, the total cost will also include the cost of the anesthesia, which is generally between $50-$100. The cost of the declaw surgery will also vary depending on the veterinarian that you use and the location of the surgery.