Massachusetts Could Become The Third State To Ban Cat Declawing
If you’re a cat lover, this is for you. Massachusetts officials are taking a stand against a practice many people used to keep their cat from scratching up their furniture. The state is one step closer to becoming only the third state to ban cat declawing.
What is cat declawing and why is it so bad?
Cat declawing is the process where the last bone of each toe on a cat’s paw is amputated. It’s been compared to cutting off your finger at the last knuckle. The wounds are then closed with surgical glue or stitches, and the cats paws are bandaged. Amputation is done in various ways including: scalpel, guillotine clipper, or laser surgery. According to the Humane Society, declawing can cause both physical and behavioral problems for your cat. It also significantly increases the odds of back pain in your kitty, litter box aversion, as well as biting.
Here in Massachusetts, about the procedure, the MSPCA says, “Our animal hospital, Angell Animal Medical Center, has not performed declawing surgery for decades because it is not in the interest of the animal, often involves painful complications, and can create lifelong behavior problems.”
What’s in the bill to ban cat declawing?
The Massachusetts Senate has unanimously passed the bill to ban declawing on cats. The bill is sponsored by New Bedford Sen. Mark Montigny. It was passed unanimously by the Senate, and now needs to pass the House before it heads to Gov. Maura Healey for her signature. Once passed, Massachusetts would be only the third state to ban the practice. New York was first, and Maryland second.
There will be exemptions made if a vet determines that it is medically necessary. People who violate the bill would face a fine of $1,000 for the first offense, $1,500 for the second and $2,500 for each additional offense.
14 Fascinating Feline Facts To Celebrate International Cat Day
A group of kittens is called a kindle
No it’s not just an e-reader! A kindle is the word used to describe a group of kittens born to one cat. Meanwhile, a group of full-grown cats is called a clowder.
Cats LOVE being clean
It’s believed that cats spend 30-50% of their day grooming themselves. This behavior serves several purposes: It helps cats tone down their scent so they can avoid predators, it cools them down, it promotes blood flow, and it distributes natural oils evenly around their coat, allowing them to stay warm and dry.
Egyptians mourned their cats in a unique way
The mummies of cats and other felines are displayed after the announcement of a new discovery carried out by an Egyptian archaeological team in Giza’s Saqqara necropolis, south of the capital Cairo, on November 23, 2019. – Egypt today unveiled a cache of 75 wooden and bronze statues and five lion cub mummies decorated with hieroglyphics at the Saqqara necropolis near the Giza pyramids in Cairo.
Mummified cats, cobras, crocodiles and scarabs were also unearthed among the well-preserved mummies and other objects discovered recently. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP) (Photo by KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images)When a family cat died in ancient Egypt, family members would shave off off their eyebrows as a sign of mourning.
Cats have fewer taste buds than dogs or humans
Cats have about 473 taste buds, which is far fewer than people or dogs. We have 9,000, and dogs have 1,700. Cats can taste savory, salty, bitter, and sour flavors, but they don’t taste sweets. Scientists believe that it’s due to a genetic mutation that affects key taste receptors.
Cats are more popular
This may come as a surprise, but cats are actually more popular in the United States than dogs are. There are around 88 million pet cats versus 75 million pet dogs.
Male cats have barbed penises (ouch!)
This is just wrong on so many levels. Apparently this is true, and the barbed penises serve a purpose. The barbs stimulate the vulva, allowing the female to ovulate, and they also keep her from escaping mid-coitus. Again, just so wrong.
Cats have more bones than you do
Cats have 244 bones in their bodies. That’s even more than humans, who have 206.
In cat life, a year is not a year
The first year of a cat’s life equates to around 15 human years. The second year is about nine human years, and every year thereafter is approximately four human years. It’s said this fascinating cat fact helps us better understand the age and life stage of our feline friends.
Cats are power nappers
Cats are well-known for their sleeping habits, and are reportedly knocked out for an impressive 12 to 16 hours daily! This means cats spend approximately 70% of their lives in asleep. Despite their reputation for laziness, cats are incredibly alert when awake and spend considerable time hunting.
Many cats are lactose intolerant
Contrary to popular belief, many cats are lactose intolerant. After weaning, cats cease producing the enzyme that allows them to digest lactose, so feeding cats cow’s milk can often lead to digestive issues.
Cats do dream
Just like humans, cats go through different stages of sleep, including REM sleep, which is when dreaming occurs. So, yes, your cat likely dreams!
Felines are very fertile
A single pair of cats and their kittens can produce as many as 420,000 kittens in just seven years. That’s a lot of cats! That’s why spaying and neutering are so important!
Longer life for neutered and spayed cats
Neutered male cats live an average of 62% longer than unneutered ones, while spayed female cats live an average of 39% longer than unspayed ones.
Six-toed kittens are common in Boston
Six-toed kittens are so common in Boston, as well as surrounding areas of Massachusetts, that experts consider it an established mutation.
