Answer:
Declawing is not a removal of the nails of a cat. Declawing surgery is actually the amputation of the first digit of each of the cat's toes. In human terms, it would be the equivalent of chopping off each finger tip at the first knuckle. This severs muscle and tendons which causes much pain and discomfort to the cat.
The procedure is often done with use of either a guillotine-type cutter, scalpel or laser, depending on the vet. The cat is often kept overnight to recover from the initial surgery.
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