Israel bans Cat Declawing

Hats off to Israel’s parliament for passing a ban on declawing of cats. The ban was approved by the Knesset Monday, November 28. And, the new law has some bite to it. Punishment consists of up to one year in prison and a fine of 75,000 shekels (a little more than $20,000.)

Declawing of cats and kittens is a despicable practice done for the convenience of owners who want to ensure their kitty doesn’t ruin the furniture. It is an elective surgical procedure which puts the animal at all anesthesia risks but has no medical purpose for the cat.

And I’m ashamed to admit, it is a common practice in the U.S. It is estimated about 25 percent of U.S. cats are declawed. Many European countries have already made it illegal or consider it an inhumane practice. It’s time for America to wake up and follow suit.

What is Declawing?

Declawing is a misnomer because in order to remove a cat’s claws, the first joints of each toe are actually amputated. Imagine trying to go through your daily routines of self care with only stubs at the end of each finger.

Declawing is also a very painful surgery that can negatively affect a cat’s behavior and instinctual abilities. Many declawed cats will start to bite because their natural defense – their claws – have been removed and their teeth are all they have left to defend themselves with.

Post-operative recuperation can take weeks with the kitty in severe pain from walking or scratching in their litter box — things they have to continue doing on a daily basis. Cats instinctively will not show pain; so pain relief is often not addressed as a post operative concern. It can also cause lameness and balance disturbances.

Alternatives to Declawing

There are some non-surgical alternatives worth considering. Teaching your cat to use a scratching post, offering cardboard scratching toys and routine nail trimming are but a few.

If your feline indulges in catnip, try embedding it into the scratching post. There are plastic nail caps that can be easily glued to your cat’s nails so the scratch doesn’t damage flesh or furniture. Place sticky tape on furniture to deter unwanted scratching. And citrus sprays will stop some cats from kneading the sofa.

Thank You, Israel!

While declawing in Israel is not common practice, the new law sends a message to the world that amputating your cat’s toes for personal convenience is unacceptable.

Other countries that outlaw declawing or consider it inhumane are:

Australia
Brazil
United Kingdom
Finland
Estonia
Netherlands
Germany
Switzerland
Austria

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Photo by tkw954 via Flickr

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Ann S.

5:56PM PST on Jan 6, 2012

Just noticed there was some comment about owners kicking out a cat because of their natural instincts to claw. Here's my answer to that: if you don't have the time or patience to train/teach a cat in loving ways to not claw your furniture, then don't get one to begin with. It's the same principle with children, DUH.

send a green star

5:54PM PST on Jan 6, 2012

Sometimes we are so ass-backwards in the USA. Bravo and thanks to all the countries that have banned declawing already.

maghon t.

1:56PM PST on Jan 4, 2012

as a vet tech I see EXACTLY how this is... and I plan to not allow it in my clinic when I finish vet school! it's a terrible thing, especially when Soft Paws are available... the best cat thing ever invented!!!

robert w.

6:28AM PST on Dec 30, 2011

What a sickening and cruel thing to do to ANY living creature! How could anyone condone such a thing is BEYOND my belief!

New G.

9:32PM PST on Dec 29, 2011

Great news, thanks.

Sarah M.

10:09PM PST on Dec 16, 2011

Awesome! It's way past due for the U.S. to do the same.

Carrie Anne B.

8:33AM PST on Dec 15, 2011

Great news :) thanks for sharing

Meredith C.

3:53PM PST on Dec 13, 2011

This is so awesome! There is no need to declaw our feline friends. If owners are worried that their cat may scratch and "destroy" their furniture, they need to know that alternatives are available that keep both owner and kitty happy.

Climbing trees (it's in a cat's nature to scratch and "mark" trees in the wild) they are naturally attracted too.You can put one right in your house too. They are exactly like cat climbers, only they are made from 100% (minus the nuts and bolts) wood. Scratching posts, and if possible, letting them outside. Also, certain sprays that the article mentions are good too for repelling cats from clawing on furniture. Herbal, non-toxic ones are are best.

There ARE humane alternatives to declawing. Ask your vet! :)

Steven T.

1:09PM PST on Dec 8, 2011

I wouldn't have my cats declawed. They are more important than the furniture. You can't blame them for their instincts. I cut their claws and they don't like it much, but they also don't really fight. Just get them used to it from an early age. Once it becomes a regular thing they put up with it and are over it in 5 mins. Next we need to outlaw circumcision of babies. It's barbaric!!

maryam p.

10:09AM PST on Dec 8, 2011

it's really sad that we need laws for this to speak. how about your own thoughts and ethics? also sad that the vets don't look into animals wellness and only work for money! i never take my cats to vets who do declawing.