My seven-year-old cat is like my child. I love and care for her deeply. I'm heartbroken, as my mother wants to declaw her - a practice that would permanently hurt and scar my beloved pet. Unfortunately, this is not a unique story in Oklahoma, as many cats are subjected to this cruel and inhumane practice of declawing.

Declawing is more than nail removal; it is an operation that involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe. This is equivalent to cutting off a person's finger at the last joint. Cats may suffer both physical pain and psychological trauma as a result of this cruel procedure. They use their claws for various natural behaviors, and stripping them of this vital part of their anatomy can result in significant behavioral changes and physical complications (American Associations of Feline Practitioners).

In the USA, several cities and two states (New York and New Jersey) have already declared cat declawing illegal - a stand against animal cruelty (Humane Society, USA). It is time that Oklahoma follows suit. We, therefore, request an immediate ban on cat declawing in Oklahoma and raise our voices against this inhumane practice.

For the wellbeing of our feline companions, for love, and for humanity's sake, we urge our representatives to enact legislation to make this practice illegal. Stand with us. Please, sign this petition to stop cruelty to our cats now.