A cat declawing ban has come to Colorado, the first of its kind outside of California.

The Denver Post reports the Denver City Council has passed an ordinance prohibiting the declawing of cats. Denver becomes the first city in the country outside of California to enact such a ban.

Cat lovers seem to be divided on the issue, but the Humane Sociey of the United States presents a pretty compelling case in favor of the ban.

The Humane Society says this.

Declawing traditionally involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe. If performed on a human being, it would be like cutting off each finger at the last knuckle."

I have to say, that doesn't sound like a very pleasant experience, and the Humane Society goes on to talk about some of the negative effects of declawing and the painful recovery process.

There are alternatives to declawing. The Humane Society suggests keeping claws trimmed, provide scratching posts around the house, get plastic caps for the nails, and use a special tape on furniture to deter scratching.

Denver's new ordinance does allow for declawing if it's medically necessary, and performed by a licensed veterinarian with anesthesia.

Will other U.S. cities follow Denver's lead in banning the declawing of cats? Is the Denver City Council acting irrationally and unreasonably? What are your thoughts about the declawing of cats?

 

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