It is painful and will be for weeks or even months. And the back claws seem to be more so than the front. What is hardest for me to see is the cat we have trying to jump up on a windowsill or perch and having nothing with which to grab and sliding off again.

Our vet tells us there is a much more humane way to declaw now and it's gaining popularity in practice but mostly, it's partial amputation of each toe. It's nothing like removing a fingernail. I had to think long and hard about making that move when we had a cat that was sherdding clothing that was hanging in a closet and pilling carpets with her claws but would not use a scratching post. Finally sent her to live on my sister's farm.

Hope all goes well with the pacemaker today and you come home to a calmer more comfortable kitty.