https://www.abc6.com/rhode-island-becomes-fifth-state-to-outlaw-cat-declawing/
https://siouxempiretnr.org/declawing-cats/
https://www.peta.org/living/animal-companions/8-reasons-never-declaw-cats/
https://catsinternational.org/the-truth-about-declawing/
https://lbpost.com/hi-lo/pets/cat-or-couch-reaching-a-compromise-with-claws/
*Declawing is NOT a Harmless Grooming Procedure – it is Permanent and it involves Inhumane and Extremely Painful Amputation of the last bone of a cat’s toe, similar to severing a human finger at the final joint. This Invasive Surgery often causes Lasting Pain, Arthritis, Infections and Inflammations, plus Behavioral Problems, frequently leading to Abandonment and Euthanasia.
**Declawing by ANY Method leaves the cat Walking on Unprotected, Uncushioned Bone On Each Toe! The Bone into which each Claw is Embedded contains Claw Cells and Has to be Amputated or the Claws will Regrow Painfully Crooked. Each Toe Ends in a Stump of Bone which the cat has to Walk On Until They Die.
Governor McKee of Rhode Island has signed the Cat Declaw Bill (S.B. 180AA/ H.B. 5668A) into law, banning the painful and invasive procedure of declawing cats, except in rare medical cases. Supported by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), Humane World for Animals, and the Paw Project, this legislation aims to protect cats from unnecessary harm.
Declawing is often compared to amputating a human finger at the last knuckle, can lead to lifelong issues such as nerve damage, chronic pain, and behavioral changes like aggression and litter box avoidance.
With Rhode Island joining Massachusetts and other regions, the law reflects growing momentum against the practice. The law also highlights that humane alternatives, like regular nail trimming and scratching posts, are effective in managing unwanted scratching without harming cats.
Recent polling by ALDF found that 70% of veterinary professionals oppose declawing, with many clinics no longer offering the procedure.
Rhode Island’s ban follows similar measures in New York, Maryland, and several major cities, signaling a broader shift toward protecting cats from this cruel practice.
*Whiskers, Paws and Love® stands passionately in support of banning the cruel practice of declawing, as it inflicts unnecessary pain and suffering on cats. We believe that all animals deserve to live free from harm and that such inhumane procedures have no place in a compassionate society.
Declawing not only causes lifelong physical and emotional damage but also deprives cats of their natural abilities, which are vital to their well being. Our commitment to animal welfare drives us to advocate for laws that protect our furry companions from unnecessary pain. We are so grateful to see Rhode Island take a bold step in the right direction, and we will continue to fight for the health and happiness of every cat.
*Every paw deserves to walk without pain, and every cat deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.
