Declawing

• Declawing is a surgical method used to remove a cat's claws. In addition to the claws, either a portion or all of the third bone of each toe is removed, so the claw cannot grow back.
  
  

Laser Surgery

• Laser surgery is available for declawing. A laser is used to remove the third bone of each toe, instead of the scalpel used in traditional surgery.
  
  

Advantages

• Laser surgery offers advantages such as no bleeding during the procedure and a less painful healing period, which may not require bandages.
  
  

Drawbacks

• Laser surgery for declawing is more expensive than traditional surgery. Because it is a relatively new technology, the surgeon may not be as experienced in the technique, which could result in complications like burned tissue.
  
  

Considerations

• Declawing is major surgery that removes one of a cat's main methods of defense. If a cat is declawed by laser or by traditional surgery, it is a good idea to keep it indoors so it will be safe.