"Imagine having your toe bones cut off, being overweight, and having to support that weight on what is left of your toes, then dig in litter with the stumps and retracted tendons to use the bathroom. I wouldn't consistently use the litter box either."
Meet Olive. Olive was going to be euthanized/killed yesterday. Why? Because the "rescue" the owners adopted her from declaw all their cats. Olive is a 6-year-old, otherwise healthy cat. She has problems consistently using the litter box. She was brought to the vet several times for this problem and does not have any urinary issues. This is 100 percent because she is front paw declawed and weighs 17 lbs.
Imagine having your toe bones cut off, being overweight, and having to support that weight on what is left of your toes, then dig in litter with the stumps and retracted tendons to use the bathroom. I wouldn't consistently use the litter box either.
The "rescue" that electively mutilates all their cats despite continued education, refused to take her back because of her litter box issues. They caused this problem and would rather see her dead than take responsibility. I am angry and sad and frustrated.
She was terrified and didn't understand what was going on.
She will need X-rays to see what is going on with her paws. She may need another surgery to help with the pain. She will need pain management and lots of love and reassurance and a good diet plan. Had she not made it to Second Chance Cats of West Michigan, she would be dead. And that would be on this "rescue's" hands. I am not going to name them, but with a little research, I'm sure you can find who I am referring to. People have endlessly tried to educate them, and they retaliate with legal proceedings. Stubborn in their thinking that declawed cats are more likely to have forever homes. Willfully blind to the immense pain and suffering they are causing.
You are worth it, sweet Olive. Your life is worth it. I'm sorry for what has been done to you.
TL:DR - DECLAWING CATS IS ABUSE
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