The very first cat that Dad Tom and I brought into our lives was a brown tabby and white kitten. It was the mid-80s. We named our kitten Skooter. He was the son of a stray that friends had taken into their home. His dad, Tubby, was their neighbor’s cat.
Skooter was five months old when we brought him home. He was a sweet and gentle cat, but we did something terrible to him. We had his front claws removed! I am ashamed to admit this, but we didn’t know any better at the time.
I don’t remember who suggested we do this or why we decided to do it. Even though I had no idea what declawing entailed, I always felt guilty about doing this to my boy.
Of course, now I know that declawing involves amputation of the last bone of each toe. That’s like removing a human finger at the first knuckle. Just the thought of it makes me cringe.
It recently came to my attention that the state of New Jersey’s Assemblyman, Troy Singleton, has introduced legislation to criminalize declawing in his state. Those who perform declawing would face a fine of up to $1,000 or six months in jail, according to the provisions of the New Jersey Anti-Declaw Bill A3899.
Over 25,000 individuals (including myself) have signed a petition, begun by The Paw Project*, in support of Bill A3899. Won’t you please add your signature? Click here to go to Change.org to read more and sign the petition.
Thank you!
The Paw Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that exists to increase public awareness about animal welfare and animal cruelty issues related to the declawing of cats.
Janet, all 3 of the cats my family had growing up were declawed. We didn’t know any better either – it was just something that was done, like taking your cat to get spayed/neutered. Now that I know better, of course I would NEVER declaw a kitty, and I am happy to say that all of our babies have their claws. I’m glad to know that NJ is working to criminalize declawing – I hope that eventually all the states will follow suit. Thank you for sharing.
Sampy sends a kiss to Astrid for every kitty claw in the world, and we all send lots of love!
Heading on over to sign it now! Will share as well.
This topic is very serious to us. We are so against this horrible act. As a former vet tech, I have seen this done and what can happen, even years later from it. It is criminal.
Thank you for what you do and the serious, important things you post, as well as the fun, sweet ones. I am so sorry I am so far behind. Too much stress. Hugs.
We signed the petition. We would never declaw a kitty but we also know that there are people who do for various reasons. At least Skooter had a wonderful life and was well loved.
The Florida Furkids with tons and tons of smoochies and love to Mau from his wife Allie.
Back then no one explained what happened so many people did it not knowing what it entailed. Now we all know better so hopefully one day this will never be done again!
Signed & shared.
Signed ! We hope the petition is huge success and that declawing become illegal everywhere ! Purrs
If you see this you can delete it. Trying an alternate email address to see if it goes to spam like my first comment.
We too hope it gets outlawed everywhere, it is so barbaric.
That’s such an important cause. Good luck, New Jersey, and may many other states follow in your footsteps.
I live in Israel and declawing has been illegal here for many years, just like it is across Europe. Time for the US to step up and say “No!” to declaw.
guys…knot yur moms fault; her dinna noe bak then what her noes now….
on add vize frum de vetz heer …bak in de age oh dark… we had R front claws
ree moved { boom & daiz }
N tuna & sauce were front de clawed when de food servizz gurl adopted em from
de shelterz
we hope thiz law pazzez in all 50 statez
♥♥♥
I understand your guilt. My parents made the decision for Kitty and I knew from the second we set her down at home after her front claws were removed that they made a horrible, horrible mistake. This was long before it became common knowledge what declawing entailed. Her paws broke open and blood flew everywhere. The vet said there was nothing they could do and I decided that I would never be a party to that ever again. Bear likes to claw things – but never once in the 10 years I’d had him have I even considered having him declawed. NEVER. He’s more important that my furniture. He’s more important that ANYTHING.
I will definitely sign.
I wish more states (preferably all states) would jump on this outlaw declaw bandwagon. I learned all about declawing, every last detail, in one of my college courses. The thought of it now utterly disgusts me.
That being said, though, I have firsthand experience with it like you. My beloved angel Rosie, she was declawed on all four paws. My parents, having no idea what declawing entailed, had Rosie and her brother Sammy declawed when they were kittens at the suggestion of their vet back in the ’90s, when they asked how to best keep the kittens from scratching my young sister and myself. Since then, my parents have turned staunchly against declawing. They now have six kitties and not a single one of them is or ever will be declawed.
Kudos to New Jersey! I hope the rest of our nation can take this for an example and ban declawing.
Years ago, most of the vets I worked with were against it — and yet, they still performed it. I never understood it. One said it saved lives because there were people who would rather put down their cat than have it claw their belongings. Just sick. It’s about time somebody took action and I’m glad to hear it. I’ll go sign that petition now.
We hope the bill passes. We’re purring for the day that every state outlaws declawing in cats.
I signed and shared this, I hope it passes
Growing up in the 50s and 60s, my parents did this so once I got cats of my own, I did it too.
BUT, since I joined Facebook 7 years ago, I have learned how horrible this is!
I vowed to never do it again and in March I adopted Munchie.
The rescue organization specified absolutely no declawing and if it still happened, they would take the cat back.
I think that is great and should be in all rescues adoptions! And also EVERY vet should refuse to do it!
We’re crossing our paws this passes. When the head peep was a child, the two household cats were declawed, and she saw firsthand how bad the recovery was. She wouldn’t wish that on anycat. There are good behavioral alternatives, but some humans will take the “easy way out” that isn’t easy on cats at all.
Declawing is EVER so barbaric…….it makes us so sad but years ago people didn’t give any real thought to what declawing MEANT. Now we know better. Hope this bill passes – it ought to be an International Law!!!! As for your Skooter – I know that he had a fabulous life with you as the first Kitty Blue – that’s the important thing – he was loved to the moon and back!
Love, Sammy
I really hope this passes – it’s so tough, the veterinary association always fights so hard AGAINST these bills (whatever happened to “do no harm?”).
YES! Signed it and shared it on my Facebook page.