Ban the practice of declawing cats in the United States.

The declawing of cats - scientifically known as onychectomy - is a cruel and inhumane practice that results in the disfigurement, psychological detriment, and even death, of thousands of cats every year. In many scientific journals declawing is accurately referred to as “elective mutilation,” as it involves cutting the first knuckle off the cats fingers for mere convenience and cosmetic purposes. It's painful, results in permanent mutilation and psychological damage, and renders the animal defenseless. The majority of developed countries ban the practice of declawing cats for anything other than medically dire situations. England, Australia, Finland, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, and Germany are just a handful of countries who have banned its practice. It's time we joined them.