Declawing

[Teresa@Nutro]

I found this article that in Israel, if you declaw a cat it's a $20,000 fine and you could get jail time. http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80...in-prison-20k/

Israel Bans Cat Declawing. Punishment: One Year In Prison, $20K

On November 28th Israel’s legislature unanimously passed a bill that outlaws the declawing of cats, except for certain medical reasons, making it a crime punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of about $20,000 (or 75,000 shekels).

Declawing is a somewhat misleading term; in the procedure, called an onychectomy, the veterinarian typically removes all or most of the cat’s outer toe joint, bone and all. As declawing opponents have often pointed out, the human equivalent would be the amputation of your fingertips at or just above your third knuckle. Cats also use their toes/nails to walk upon; the Israel bill says the ban will help cats move around more normally, avoid certain medical complications, and defend themselves.

Declawing is not very common outside North America, and is banned in much of Europe, Australia, Turkey, Brazil, and elsewhere. It’s estimated that about 25 percent of American cats are declawed, typically done to protect the owner’s furniture. While the procedure is legal in most places in the U.S., it’s been banned in several cities in California, a state where it’s also illegal to declaw wild or exotic cats.

Scratching is done in part to mark a cat’s territory, and the animal can often be taught to use a scratching post instead of, say, your favorite armchair. Regular nail-clipping can also keep cats’ claws from doing excessive damage. Some studies have shown declawed cats to be more likely to exhibit problematic behaviors, like jumping onto tables or more frequent biting.

One study found that 20 percent of cats underwent complications, like infections, after declawing.

I wish the US would adopt this!

[belka]

I am so glad that to have found this thread here.
I have always been against declawing, but I did not know a lot of things mentioned here.
Thank you for sharing and posting all this information.

[That_girl]

Small victory at work! Talked a client out of declawing his two boy kitties. Always a good day in my book when I get to do that. Shh!! Don't tell the boss man.

[heatedcatbed]

I had my cat Molly's claws removed when she was younger. She had a nasty habit of accidentally scratching me and my son. I feel REALLY bad about it after reading this thread.

[special]

Originally Posted by heatedcatbed

I had my cat Molly's claws removed when she was younger. She had a nasty habit of accidentally scratching me and my son. I feel REALLY bad about it after reading this thread.

If the scratches were accidental, they weren't a "habit". As you now know it is not a "claw removal" as you put it (and probably what your vet told you ) it is amputation of the first toe digit, including tendon, bone, ligaments, nerves and claw.

It makes me sick that greedy vets can't be bothered with full disclosure, they make it sound so pretty "claw removal", ugh.

Claws can be kept trimmed and cats can be trained to not scratch.

Now that you know, spread the word. Speak out against this barbaric practice.

And watch Molly closely for signs of arthritis and pain. Cats instinctively hide pain until they are suffering so badly they can no longer hide it. Declawed cats cannot walk or stretch properly. Spend time with Molly, massaging her all over and encouraging her to stretch and twist.

[spaderdabomb]

This is great info, I thought I had heard that somewhere about dogs, didn't know it also applied to cats tho!

[spaderdabomb]

ALso wanted to add, why do people even declaw their cats? I mean I guess so kneading doesn't hurt? I just feel like it's not really worth going all the way to the vet and causing pain to your pet just to be able to have them play and lay on you more comfortably.

[tiffers]

Originally Posted by spaderdabomb

ALso wanted to add, why do people even declaw their cats?

People declaw their cats because they do not fully understand the declawing process and for various other selfish reasons.

[Yambasticks]

save my furniture from the cat! It's a top priority!!t ! most don't atstop and think about the claws as a defense. so wh couat of it? live with the clawed up furniture, never hurt anyone to sit on an unsightly couch or chair....... The animal needs is claws should it become lost or for peat sakes you kick it out!!1
worse however is the surgery; my cousin recently had her cat declawed and it never recovered from the anesthisa, now she's trying to explain death to her son who keeps asking, mama why can't I bring my moemoe home. everybody brings their kitty home. Dreadful news and it happens the clinic has a bad reputation for losing the life of most animals going into surgery. I just say, live with that dam!!! cat. I sure get irked with mine, but she's never going down without her claws

[Jeanz]

Never liked the idea of declawing. This has probably already been mentioned, but I always thought it was inhumane because it's taking away the cat's best form of defense. A declawed cat wouldn't be able to climb a tree for safety, or defend itself against attackers, etc.

[special]

Originally Posted by butterflyH

The laser surgery for declawing a cat are numerous. First, the laser cauterizes the incision during each “cut” so there is no bleeding and no need for bandages after the surgery is complete. Swelling is minimal with a laser surgery.

The results are the same, a crippled cat who suffers pain all her or his life.

It's a sick barbaric practice and anyone who proclaims to "love" a cat and then have this mutilation done on the cat is full of...it.

Why do you think it is banned in 27 or more countries around the world? Only in USA and Canada is this disgusting practice still legal.

8 cities in the USA so far, all in California, have outlawed it.

[sheltieluver]

i wish i knew then what i know now.

[special]

Originally Posted by sheltieluver

i wish i knew then what i know now.

You make a very good point. Half the trouble is that vets do not give full disclosure. They use pretty words like "simple claw removal". They don't tell the owners what is really involved, amputations of the first toe digit, including ligaments, nerves, tendon and bone, and what will happen to the cat's muscle and bone structure afterward.

Many people, if they really knew what it was probably would never do it. So I have to retract, at least partially my above comment:

anyone who proclaims to "love" a cat and then have this mutilation done on the cat is full of...it.


and rephrase that to say, anyone who KNOWS what it really is and still does it...

The sickest most infuriating part is vets who push declawing. They sell a "kitten package", spay/neuter and declaw. It is just appalling that vets do this. I just can't get my mind around how any vet with any self respect at all, can do such a thing.

If one wants a declawed cat, there are plenty in shelters to choose from. Cats who are declawed are dumped just as often as cats who are not. Perhaps more often.

Ugh, my blood pressure goes up just talking about it.

[Catslave]

Makes me sick thinking it about a cats claws are also part of their personality,I've had cats all my life with various problems never entered my head to do something so barbaric and cruel,plus the fact it's not something done in Australia even before it was banned.

[AnimalFamily]

I did not know that this has been banned in certain places. How refreshing!! Of all the ridiculous laws that are passed every day, the occasional one comes along that actually makes sense. I have had cats for over 30 years, and have never understood declawing?? Besides being cruel, it renders the cat totally defenseless. Some owners say their cat never goes outside, but in the event it accidentally gets out [which almost always happens at least once], the poor cat has no way of defending itself in an encounter with another animal. Also, as for 'scratching' inside the house. I have had many cats, and NEVER had this problem, as we have taught all of our kittens at an early age about not scratching on the furniture etc. Yes, it takes a little time and patience, but if you don't have that, maybe owning a cat is not the best choice for you.