Declawing of cats: "Declawing is illegal or considered inhumane in many countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil. In the United States and throughout the world, many respected individuals and organizations are opposed to declawing." Source: The Paw Project. The links below give detailed information about declawing and humane alternatives to declawing. The Paw Project - "The Paw Project exists to increase public awareness of animal welfare issues related to the crippling effects of feline declawing, to rehabilitate big cats that have been declawed, and to abolish the practice of declaw surgery." FAQs About Declawing by Jean Hofve, DVM Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights: Surgical Claw Removal ... An Extreme Solution - "Declawing generally is unacceptable because the suffering and disfigurement it causes is not offset by any benefits to the cat.... Some veterinarians have argued that some people would have their cats killed if declawing was not an option. We should not, however, allow ourselves to be taken 'emotional hostage' like this. If a person really would kill her or his cat in this case, it is reasonable to question the suitability of that person as a feline guardian, especially when there are millions of non-declawed cats living in harmony with people." Humane Society of the United States: HSUS Policy: Cosmetic Surgery on Animals Declawing Cats: More Than Just a Manicure West Hollywood, Calif., City Council Denounces Declawing IDA - In Defense of Animals: Cosmetic Surgery for Dogs and Cats: Tail Docking, Ear Cropping, Debarking, Declawing - "Declawing in cats is a surgical procedure that involves amputating each front toe at the first joint. This is equivalent to you losing the entire tip of every finger at the first knuckle. It is an excruciating procedure that may result in chronic lameness, arthritis, and other long-term complications... It is a barbaric and cruel procedure that is actually illegal in many countries." Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS): Declawing of cats - "CFHS is opposed to the declawing of cats, but reluctantly accepts declawing if it is the only alternative to having the cat killed." Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA): Adopting a shelter cat: Ain't misbehavin' - "Declawing is a last resort. It's a painful operation that may affect leg strength and other behaviours. Some cats may bite out of frustration after they're declawed because they can't scratch." The Cat Site: Declaw - More than Just a Manicure A Personal Look at De-Clawing Alternatives to Declawing (from the Peoria Humane Society) Declawing Cats: Issues & Alternatives The Wisdom of Declawing Cats - "a growing number of veterinarians are urging cat owners to consider other options." From CatFocused.com. Products These products are safe scratching alternatives or products meant to prevent damage to furniture, carpets etc. Check your local pet supply store for more products. Cosmic Pet Products - "Cosmic catnip" scratchers available at local pet stores. Five former Animal Aide cats* "highly" recommend the Alpine scratcher. (*Mustard, Ming, Ling, Tigris and Midnight. Foster cat Dulcie loves it too!) Soft Paws® Nail Caps for Cats or Kittens - "An effective, safe and humane alternative to declawing!" Purrfect Paw - "These lightweight, crystal clear acrylic shields can be attached to the corners of most sofas and chairs in seconds and are guaranteed to immediately stop even the most aggressive scratcher." Sticky Paws - "Sticky Paws® products control cat scratching behavior humanely. Transparent adhesive strips apply directly to fabric and are harmless to cats and furniture when used as directed." « Resource centre