When will it be illegal?

Question

Does anyone know if they are going to make it illegal for cats to be declawed? I heard it is in England. I personally think it is wrong, I just feel like cats are part of the family , and it is just like a persons nails getting ripped out.

Answer 1

I hope it will be illegal soon. It's illegal in most countries apart from the States, what I know, and for good reason. Cats ARE part of the family, but I think it's sad that some people value their furniture more than their cats, and sometimes I wonder whether they would amputate their child's fingers if s/he happened to doodle on the floor/wall with crayons.

Declawing is a surgical procedure, and to be honest it's worse than just ripping their claws out. Apparantly (I live in one of those areas where it is illegal, so I haven't had to find out too much about it) they have to amputate the cat's paws to the first joint of each "finger".

I frankly have no idea why it's still legal, but I would guess it has to do with animals (especially cats, I think) still not being respected as anything other than an item.

Answer 2

I was a "government" major in college many years ago. Though I don't remember a lot of "facts" I believe that the reason it cannot be made illegal in the US is that we have a government (senate and house of reps making our laws) that by long tradition has been protective of state rights and such a "national" law would never have the support to pass such a law. We are also traditionally very protective of individual rights and do not pass national laws that infringe on individual choice. European nations are more nationalistic or socialistic, also with much smaller populations than the 300 million we have now in the US.

We do have some representatives in the CA state government that are protective of animals - passing laws about how long an animal must be held by authorities before being euthanized etc.
The local government in Beverly Hills CA I believe passed a "law" prohibiting declawing - and of course it is a simple matter for people to drive ten or so miles and find a community where it is not illegal just as people will drive over state or county lines to purchase alcohol if they live in a "dry" community or go where state taxes on cigarettes are not so high.

I believe the American veterinary society has passed "recommendations" that declawing not be done until sufficient counseling has been given to the cat owner on training cats rather than using the surgery. It is each individual veterinarian's choice whether or not to follow the guidelines as this counseling cannot be mandated by any association. Of course veterinarians receive money from this operation and many don't want to give up that income. I am also aware that in the Midwest landlords require that cats be declawed before they will rent to people with cats.

Answer 3

I don't think it ever will be. I have one cat declawed and one not. It's not ripping the nails out. It is done humanely and they never even miss them. My declawed cat sharpens her "nubs" on everything. She has no idea there's nothing there. If you had a baby and your cat was scratching the kid all the time would you just completely get rid of the cat or declaw it? You are still able to have the joy of a cat without the scratching the ruining of furniture. I don't think there is anything wrong with it.

Answer 4

I don't think it will ever be illegal here. I think it is wrong too, just like taking a dogs voice box out so they can't bark anymore. They are both very wrong and if the owners would just put in a little effort the problems with barking and scratching can be trained out of them.
The only reason I could possibly see having a cat declawed is if someone has a little baby and the cat has a history of scratching the baby. But all they would have to do is not let the cat near the baby like shutting the door.

Answer 5

It will probably never be illegal, but it should be. It's cruel and painful, and there are alternatives to it. They have claws for a reason, and if someone is adopting a cat into their household, they should know that it comes along with the territory. When I got my first cat, I didn't have a clue about anything, but declawing her was never an option because I didn't see the point in it. My kids accidentally scratch me and damage more furniture than my kittens do.

Answer 6

I'm in total agreement with you. After listening to the vet on my first cat, I had her declawed and have regretted it ever since. I have 3 more cats now, and I will never do it again. So what if I have a few loops pulled out of the carpet!!

Answer 7

It's getting to be that way. I believe that it is illegal in many countries, and that many vets in the Americas are refusing to declaw cats. All we can do is 'spread the word,' so to speak, and discuss it with your vet. If he refuses to declaw, thank and congratulate him. If he doesn't refuse to declaw cats, ask him why, ask him if he's aware of the dangers and pain involved. If he acts ignorant about it, tell him that you're sorry, but that you do not feel comfortable going to a vet who condones and practices this horrible procedure.

Answer 8

well, i think it's a personal decision no matter how cruel it may seem. i would never get a cat declawed, but some people don't want to deal with buying scratching posts and risking having the curtains torn or any upolstry. sure, it may be very cruel, but you should stand up in what you believe in by not getting your cats declawed...

Answer 9

I have 2 cats, one pedigree and one is not..
I would never consider declawing either one of them..
I too, feel it is cruel and torturous..

You want a cat, fine..understand what you are getting into..
they are like children, never perfect and love to play..

Answer 10

I hope they never make it legal its cruelty, they were born with claws for a reason, if people don't want them clawing their carpets, furniture etc provide them with a scratch post or even better a new loving home were the owners wouldn't even consider such an cat of cruelty, thats just as bad as removing a dog or cats teeth for chewing.