Once the cat comes home, its activity level should be minimized for the first few weeks. Because regular cat litter can become embedded in the incisions, resulting in infection, either shredded newspaper or a commercially available pelleted newspaper litter should be used instead of cat litter for a seven to 10 day period following the procedure. Until the animal learns to adjust its landings to avoid stubbing the "new ends" of the toes, mild to moderate limping may occur after the cat jumps down from heights. However, the cat should be examined for swelling or infection if the lameness is severe or persistent.
Possible complications of declawing include infection, pain, regrowth of a nail or nails, and chronic lameness. However, if an experienced veterinarian performs the surgery, complications are unlikely to occur.
