Let's take a look at one method of declawing a housecat. (Many surgeons will utilize laser surgery for this procedure or some other method... there is no single and universal method.) In this procedure the last phalanx of each front toe is removed, the incision is sealed with surgical glue and the paw is bandaged overnight. The bandages are removed prior to the cat's leaving the hospital and healing takes place at home over the next ten days.

Another method of declawing a cat really isn't a "declaw procedure". It involves cutting the tendon, just beneath the toe, that keeps the cat from exposing the claw. This is really not a declaw procedure and is less invasive but a relatively new procedure. Time will tell if it is better than actually removing the tiny bone with the claw.