Declawing is a horrible thing to do to cats. It causes excruciating pain and many suffer behavioral issues as a direct result. I was at my veterinarian's office and heard a cat screaming in agony, and when I asked I was told they were just waking up from being declawed. When cats lose their claws they begin to bite instead, and many have litter box issues because their feet hurt - which they associate with the box. They are prone to more health issues, such as arthritis and many times nails grow back under the pads necessitating further surgery. The shelters are filled with declawed cats surrendered for behavioral issues. I am sure that none of this comes as a surprise to you... What surprises me is that the U.S. is one of the few first world countries that allows this awful practice. We understand you do not recommend it except as a last resort, but vets do not do that... many look at it purely as a revenue stream, going so far as offering it at a reduced price with spay/neuter surgery even if the owners did not bring it up and hadn't considered it! Please use your influence to make veterinarians stop offering this surgery except in matters of medical necessity for the cat itself, by writing a paper declaring this practice as unethical. In addition, use your influence to get help get this practice banned outright in this country.

Take a stand and save our feets!