Expert: Becky - 10/2/2005

Question
Hello.  I have a 12 yr-old (black) mix cat.  Just before I got her she was 4-way declawed.  She must have gotten out during the riots in Los Angeles and I found her.  Now, this many years later it look like one claw, stunted, soft, deformed, may have grown back.  It doesn't seem to bother her, but one can't always be 100% sure.  I don't want to ignore anything that would affect her health, yet I don't want to put her through anything unnecessary either.  Some vets may want to do surgery to make $ in my area.  What is best for the cat?  Thanks for any advice.  She's my baby...
-Lane

Answer
Hi Rox!

First, I want to commend you for taking in a cat who needed a home.  It sounds to me like she has gotten a GREAT home!!

Sometimes, declawed cats do have one or more claws grow back. This will not affect her health.  Usually it is removed only because the owner had them removed to begin with and are not happy when one grows back.  Unless it looks infected, don't worry about it.   I personally do not like to declaw a cat.  I train my cats from kittens to let me trim their claws, not to mention that I provide a huge cat tree for them to scratch on.   In your case,  you shouldn't have to worry, even though she will pretend to scratch on the furniture as it is a trait they naturally have.

God Bless,
Becky