This is abuse! Declawing is inhumane! Declawing is the surgical amputation of the last joints of a cat's toes, similar to cutting a person's finger off at the last knuckle, closest to the fingertip. It can mean as many as 18 amputations for a cat. When the bones are cut, tendons, nerves, and ligaments in each paw are also severed, causing horrible pain. It is an elective surgery that causes permanent damage and is traumatic and stressful to cats. People and organizations against declawing cats explain that it is similar to a human having their finger cut off at the topmost knuckle. There are a few potential complications of the procedure, including possible infection, tissue necrosis, and feet that hurt the cat. Removing claws will also change the way the paw interacts with the ground, which can cause pain that is very similar to wearing an uncomfortable pair of shoes. The cat's behavior can also be changed, causing behaviors that may appear similar to mental health issues. That is why states have instituted a ban on this procedure. It is possible that other states could change their laws and institute similar bans down the road. Studies have shown that declawed cats are more likely to bite than non-declawed cats. This is likely because they feel vulnerable without their claws, which are an essential part of their natural defense system. It's impossible to guarantee that no declawed cat experiences pain. The surgery itself can be painful, and some cats may develop chronic pain in their paws or experience discomfort when walking or using the litter box. Declawed cats can experience various behavioral changes, including increased biting. Since they lack claws for defense, they may resort to biting as a means of protection. Litter box problems, difficulty balancing due to altered paw sensitivity, can also lead to litter box avoidance. Declawing can cause anxiety and aggression. The pain and stress from the surgery, combined with the loss of a natural defense mechanism, can contribute to anxiety and aggression. The Humane Society of the United States and many other animal welfare organizations strongly oppose declawing cats except in very rare medical circumstances. This procedure is irreversible. Several humane and effective alternatives can help manage scratching behavior, such as providing scratching posts: Offer different textures and locations to cater to your cat's preferences. Regular nail trimming is another alternative. Use cat-specific nail clippers and trim only the sharp tips, avoiding the pink quick. Is declawing harmless to cats? No. In reality medical research has found that it is detrimental to their well-being and causes severe pain. Does declawing only cause short-term discomfort to cats? No. Declawed cats suffer from physical and behavioral complications which are often permanent and lifelong. As of 2024, no state in the United States has a complete ban on declawing cats. However, some localities have enacted bans or restrictions, including: California: Several California cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Santa Monica, have banned declawing cats except for medical reasons.
New York: Several Long Island towns, including Hempstead and Huntington, have banned declawing cats.
Denver, Colorado: Declawing cats is prohibited within Denver city limits.
It's important to check with your local authorities to determine the legal status of declawing in your area.
1 Alabama Legal
2 Alaska Legal
3 Arizona Legal
4 Arkansas Legal
5 California Partial Banned
6 Colorado Legal
7 Connecticut Legal
8 Delaware Legal
9 District of Columbia Legal
10 Florida Legal
11 Georgia Legal
12 Hawaii Legal
13 Idaho Legal
14 Illinois Legal
15 Indiana Legal
16 Iowa Legal
17 Kansas Legal
18 Kentucky Legal
19 Louisiana Legal
20 Maine Legal
21 Maryland Illegal
22 Massachusetts Legal
23 Michigan Legal
24 Minnesota Legal
25 Mississippi Legal
26 Missouri Legal
27 Montana Legal
28 Nebraska Legal
29 Nevada Legal
30 New Hampshire Legal
31 New Jersey Legal
32 New Mexico Legal
33 New York Illegal
34 North Carolina Legal
35 North Dakota Legal
36 Ohio Legal
37 Oklahoma Legal
38 Oregon Condition Required
39 Pennsylvania Legal
40 Rhode Island Illegal
41 South Carolina Legal
42 South Dakota Legal
43 Tennessee Legal
44 Texas Legal
45 Utah Legal
46 Vermont Legal
47 Virginia Legal
48 Washington Legal
49 West Virginia Legal
50 Wisconsin Legal
51 Wyoming Legal
Please protect our felines, and those who do not have a voice! That's the least we can do to protect our pets, and those who need and require our protection, and help!
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