Bill To Ban Declawing Cats

Declawing Cats Is Cruel

Declawing cats is an outdated and unnecessary procedure that amputates the cat’s toe at the first joint - thus removing not only the claw but a portion of bone as well. Many provinces in Canada have banned the practice but it’s still allowed in Ontario.

Declawing has been shown to cause various physical and behavioural problems in cats including:

• litter box avoidance - The pain felt after the surgery can cause lasting trauma and lead to unwanted behaviours such as inappropriate elimination.

• increased biting - A cat’s claws are their main defense and when you remove them they must resort to other defences such as biting.

• arthritis, and mobility issues - Cats walk on the tips of their toes therefore amputating those tips causes uneven weight distribution

As an animal rescue organization, EHS is against declawing and supports a bill introduced by MPP Marit Stiles (Davenport) to ban declawing in Ontario. Titled “Teddy’s Law,” the bill aims to update Ontario’s animal welfare laws to ban the practice of declawing cats, unless deemed necessary by a veterinarian. 

If you’d like to show your support, add your name to the petition: https://www.maritstiles.ca/teddys-law

We encourage people to research alternatives to declawing. Engage your cat in play using wands, string toys or other items they can “hunt”. This will allow them to use innate instincts while also burning off energy that could otherwise become destructive. Bored cats are not happy campers.

Learn to read their body language. Cats are the ultimate lesson in consent - if they don’t want or like something they will tell you in the most efficient way available to them. Learn what they like and dislike and learn how to read their body language. Cats may not be able to speak but their body language can be very clear if you know what to look for.

Research items like:

• Soft Paws - a nail cap that must be applied. Effectively blunts the nail to prevent damage when a cat scratches. Does require upkeep.
• Scratching posts/scratchers - it is instinct for a cat to scratch and they do it for many reasons so providing them with furniture or toys that allows them to is a great way to keep them happy and satisfied.
• Furniture guards - cats will often scratch the same place over and over. Cats have different likes when it comes to what they scratch. Guards are essentially items you place on your furniture to deter cats from scratching. They can be sophisticated plastic sheets you install, or as simple as using products that cats don’t like the feel or sound of, i.e. sticky paws, aluminum.

Ultimately keeping your cat happy, healthy and safe is the goal.