[withhope2010]

EXPLAINING THE HORROR OF DECLAWING CATS TO YOUNG CHILDREN WHO WANT TO KNOW WHY?!
I would appreciate if members can advise me on explaining to a 10 year old, the truth on what the Vet does, to unfortunate cats who are declawed. I received a letter asking me this (I do rescues) - and I need to respond to her. Most people are not aware of the "specifics" - in that it is truly a HORRIFIC and very ABUSIVE operation, and it leaves cats with an enitire lifetime of mental and physical PAIN - and very often - with traumatic behavioural problems, as a result of this surgery. (such as personality changes - becoming withdrawn, introverted, nervous, fearful, aggressive, biting, urinating on clothes, not using the litter box - because of how painful it feels to scratch the litter, after the surgery... :( etc. etc. ) The fact is that they do not only remove the nails (which the thought of causes me great distress... but they actually do an AMPUTATION all the way up to the first joint of each of their digits. She asked me: "is it really true that when the Vet does this operation it is as if the poor cat is HAVING THE TIPS OF THEIR 10 FINGERS CUT OFF?" I would like to have this child know the TRUTH... but, I am not sure of myself - in how to respond to her letter properly, with a proper description. Are there any members who can help me with this? She is also asking why it is legal here in North America - she commented that the people in Europe are so much nicer because over there it is illegal to do this to cats. I have received information that it has been used for torture of prisoners of war!

In my opinion, this inhumane, and very barbaric surgery should be OUTLAWED all over the world! :( Thanks.

[Curlyben]

Tell them it's very similar to having your own finger nails removed and them never growing back.