What is the primary method used for declawing in cats?

The primary method used for declawing in cats is traditional surgical excision. This procedure involves the surgical removal of the distal phalanx, which includes the claw and the bone within the toe of the cat. The traditional technique has been widely recognized and utilized for many years, and while it has become controversial due to concerns about pain and animal welfare, it remains the most common method.

In traditional surgical excision, the veterinarian makes an incision at the base of each toe and removes the claw along with the bone. This achieves the goal of declawing—removing the cat's ability to scratch—effectively, but it also requires careful postoperative care to manage pain and healing.

Other methods, such as laser surgery, cryosurgery, and electrosurgery, may be used in some practices but are not the primary techniques for declawing. Laser surgery might offer benefits like reduced bleeding and pain during the procedure, but it is still less common than traditional excision. Cryosurgery involves freezing the tissues, and while it can be used for other surgical applications, it is not standard for declawing. Electrosurgery uses electrical current to cut tissue and coagulate blood vessels; however, this technique is not utilized for declaw