As a cat lover and an Arkansas resident, I am passionate about the health and happiness of all the felines in this natural state.

Declawing is an unnecessary surgical procedure where the cat’s toes are amputated at the last joint. Many do not realize that bone is removed in this procedure as well. It is compared to cutting a person's fingers off at the first knuckle.  Declawing can potentially result in arthritis, lameness,extreme pain, and litter box aversion among many other complications. 

This is not in the best interest of the cat. Cats need to scratch to stretch and mark their scent so they feel safe and secure in their territory. If they get outside, declawed cats cannot defend themselves. 

We need to ban this procedure and begin educating our communities on the realities of this surgery and ways to prevent unwanted scratching such as cat trees and scratches rather than amputation.

I am calling on our governor to ban the practice of declawing in Arkansas and I hope I can count on your support!