How you can help stop the Declawing of cats

by Ruth Ockendon Laycock

Declawing of cats in the UK is illegal. But sadly, when we look at the global picture, it seems this is only the tip of the iceberg as there are still many countries throughout the world that still consider declawing acceptable. Declawing cats is still done frequently in the USA and Canada, even though it is banned in 25 other countries as animal abuse.

What is Declawing? How and why is it done?

It is a very serious operation. The last bone joint of the cats toes, along with the tendons, ligaments and claw are amputated.

Let me just repeat that. Amputated.

This is not just about clipping nails. This is about amputation whether by guillotine or laser.

After the operation vet techs have reported that the cat wakes up in the most excruciating pain. Some hunch in the corner of the recovery cage trying to hide their pain, some throw themselves against the bars. All are very shocked. The vet keeps the cat overnight so people don’t see the worst. Some vets give painkillers to the cat so owners can take home their pet the next day, but some don’t! Once home, the cat soon realises he has no claws to defend himself.

Most cats in the USA are kept indoors but if a declawed cat escapes it has no defence from animals outside and no-one can guarantee that a cat may escape or that someone wont break into the house and the cat will go out through the window.

So there are two possibilities here. The cat has to defend himself. So he can withdraw and lead an empty life or he can find another way to defend himself:

HE MAY START BITING

And a cat that once appeared friendly and passive can suddenly appear aggressive and unpredictable. Suddenly he becomes a danger to the household and he has to go – or worse still put down. Some end up in Rescue Centres where sadly most are euthanized as un-rehomable.

Claws are a core tool for a cat

Many have litter tray problems as their feet hurt so much that they can’t dig in the litter, so they start to soil on carpets and soft furnishings. Also cats claws are important and necessary for balance and movement, as they walk on their toes with their weight distributed across their back, shoulder, and joints. After being declawed, many cats have sensitive paws for life and some develop arthritis in later life because of being forced to walk differently. Many declawed cats become depressed and even very good-natured ones can become bad tempered. Cats need to scratch to keep their neck, shoulder, stomach, and back muscles healthy and strong, they can not exercise the same without their claws.

According to the AVMA declawing is supposed to be a last resort procedure for serious scratching problems, yet some vets in in the USA and Canada do it to kittens, which could easily be trained to scratching posts. Some even offer neuter/declaw packages, but the client isn’t often told the truth about how serious declawing is and the behavioural problems as a result of it. Many vets will not do this procedure any more, but because there are still many who do and we can’t reach everyone who considers having their cat declawed to let them know the truth, the only way to stop this barbaric procedure which cripples cats physically and mentally, is by getting it banned.

How can I help this situation change?

We have started an online petition to forward to other countries and Pet health organizations to help them realise the truth about this barbaric act. It takes seconds to fill in. Please click on the link below:

Sign the petition online Here

Read Ruths blog and join the discussion here

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