Posted by martisimo on January 09, 2003 at 13:49:45:
In Reply to: ***PLZ READ*** posted by cbreptilesinc on December 08, 2002 at 18:52:28:
:How much money $ does it cost to spay and declaw a cat/kitten????
:Mike
I have a long answer for you, but I hope it's helpful!
There is a message board in this forum that talks a little about declawing. Please research this procedure online before making a decision. Just because your vet offers it doesn't necessarily mean it's good for the cat. Have you tried trimming your cat's claws? Do you have a good scratching post for her? Declawing is not necessary.....spaying on the other hand....
Prices for spaying will vary from vet to vet. Call several places if you don't already have a regular vet. I'd go with the mid-to-high cost, never the low. Here's why:
I worked for a vet for seven years. We researched our competitors every year, finding out exactly what they offered for their prices. Based on my own experience, I can tell you that the differences in price are related to many things. Some are: What kind of anesthetic is being used - the price they charge will be less if they're using the cheap stuff to put your kitty out, but it's not always very safe. It's also based on the hospital's equipment - the type surgical tools, whether they have a heart monitor, whether or not they require pre-surgical bloodwork, what they use or if they even sterilize equipment for each patient, etc. Another factor is whether or not they administer pain medication, don't assume they do, because that's the first corner that gets cut when clinics offer super-low spay/neuter prices. They aren't charging half the price of the other guys just because they're nice doctors.
If you're concerned about spaying/neutering your cat, call the vet and ask them exactly what's being done for the price. Ask them what kind of anesthetic they use and look it up online. Same for pain medication. Veterinary practice is a business above all else, no matter how much we don't want it to be. We have to be educated consumers!
