If you are thinking about declawing your cat, please consider the following.

* Declawing is not just removal of the claws, it is an amputation of the toe joints.

*Scratching is a natural behavior. Damage can be minimized by clipping their claws and providing appropriate places for them to scratch.

* A declawed cat who escapes outside has no defense against other cats or dogs and cannot climb a tree to safety. Cats are aware of their vulnerability and remain in a constant state of stress.

*Declawing is considered illegal and/or inhumane in the following countries: Scotland, Wales, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Portugal, Belgium, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand,
Yugoslavia, and Japan.

*What do you love more, you're cat or your couch? There are many effective alternatives to hurting your cat, including:

-Soft Paws, small caps that go over your cat's claws

-Sticky Paws, sheets of sticky paper that keep your cat away from certain areas

-Buying furniture with a smooth fabric like suede, avoid open weaves that your cat can sink their claws into

-Catnip treated scratching posts, the cheap cardboard ones are very effective, so is sisal

-Behavior training, including a spritz from a water bottle for bad behavior, and a treat to reward appropriate scratching on cat posts

-Your cat trusts you and depends on you. Please don't put them through unnecessary suffering just for convenience.

For more on declawing, please check out www.declawing.com