Declawing cats is an inhumane practice that is banned in dozens of countries, but is still allowed in the United States. Many veterinarians routinely declaw cats without considering the horrible after effects that cause both physical and behavioral issues that will last a lifetime.
The Paw Project is a non-profit organization, started by veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Conrad, that is working to educate people about declawing and ultimately make it illegal in the United States.
In 2013, The Paw Project released a documentary that makes an excellent case against declawing and outlines Dr. Conrad’s work towards changing the laws. It is a very moving film that every cat lover should watch, as difficult as it may seem. It’s critical for all of us to be armed with accurate information if we are going to make a difference!
You can learn more about the work The Paw Project is doing at pawproject.org. Join their mailing list, make a contribution, or learn about other ways you can help support the cause and help ban declawing in the US.
Free Screening in Phoenix January 14
If you live near Phoenix, we will have a free screening of The Paw Project documentary on Thursday, January 14 at 7 pm. The screening will take place at Chartreuse Gallery, 1301 W Grand Ave in downtown Phoenix where the Cats & Guitars Art Show is currently on display. Please join us for an evening of discussion on the topic of declawing. RSVP on Facebook.
If you’re not in Phoenix, you can watch the documentary on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, or YouTube. I know it’s hard, but please watch and do what you can to help spread the word!
Very glad this film has been made. It needs to be seen worldwide, by everyone.
I forwarded the information to Lost Our Home foundation to share with Cool Cats rescue. They share the Petsmart adoption site with us on weekends.
Last Saturday Cool Cats adopted 2 kittens to people we declined for adoption of our cats because they intend to declaw.
Thank you, Diane!
This should be required viewing by EVERY practicing vet. It is the veterinarian professionals in the US & Canada that are responsible for misinforming cat owners about the cruelty of this procedure. Even the term “declawing” does not accurately describe what is done to the cat. In actual fact it is TOE AMPUTATION, or de-knuckling. A vet who swore an oath to do NO HARM, surgical remove a cat’s toes at the first knuckle. Some use lasers, some just surgical side-cutters. Many send the cats home the same day of the procedure WITHOUT PAIN MEDICATION !! The cat’s behaviour is forever changed. Over 60% develop serious behavioural changes, such as avoiding litter boxes and subsequently are often abandoned or euthanized by the owners. Educate yourself and watch this movie !