‘The Paw Project’ FILM REVIEW – by Katniss, Cat Reporter
To be honest, I wasn’t all that interested in watching The Paw Project – I kind of figured it was preaching to the choir, right? I mean, why would I – or any cat – want to have my fingers cut off at the knuckles? Sounds like torture (literally).
But when I went to the Echo earlier this year to meet with The Official Grumpy Cat, Keyboard Cat and watch cat videos with Henri, le Chat Noir‘s Thieving Filmmaker, someone handed me a ‘Paw Project’ flyer. Then when I went to see Lil Bub at a fundraiser for Kitty Bungalow-Charm School for Wayward Cats, and saw more flyers. And after that, at the Los Angeles Feline Film Festival, where I went to interview
Tara Hero Cat – Official, Dusty Klepto Kitty – The REAL One, Lord Tubbington (Glee) and Cole & Marmalade‘s Human, there was a booth set up to promote #ThePawProject.
So I thought OKAY, ALREADY. I guess I should watch this. I went home and streamed it on Netflix.
‘The Paw Project’ was really eye-opening – I never knew so many cats suffer, not just during the amputation of each digit, but many have chronic pain as a result of the procedure that they develop behavioral issues and their Humans wind up dumping at them at the pound. I was just a kitten when I was adopted from the pound, so I don’t remember it too well, but I was grateful to leave and don’t ever want to go back! (Plus, I heard an ugly rumor that some cats never leave, if you get my drift.)
I found ‘The Paw Project’ to be compassionate and informative. Many people who declaw their cats do so on the recommendation of their vets. They don’t realize what a cruel practice it is and what the long-term complications to their cats might be. I appreciated that the tone wasn’t overly dramatic or sensational because, you know, eww. (Although filming the vet visit through the cat’s point of view gave me chills.)
My advice to Humans and cat lovers who are considering declawing (if it is legal in your state) is to watch ‘The Paw Project’ first. Your cat will thank you for it.
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Interview with my feline friend LILY, declawing survivor and Anti-Declawing Advocate:
KATNISS: Lily, it is very brave of you to come forward and share you story with others.
LILY: Thank you, Katniss. This isn’t easy for me to talk about, but
I decided to speak up in the hope that others won’t have to endure what I went through.
I was declawed by my previous owner. I am a forgiving sort, so I don’t hold any anger for what was done to me – I believe they didn’t know any better. My current Humans are anti-declawing.
KATNISS: Have you had any complications from the surgery? Are you in any discomfort or pain?
LILY: No, I am one of the lucky ones in that sense. But there are other potential hazards that come with declawing. My Daddies are very worried that if I were to get out by mistake that I wouldn’t be able to protect myself from predators. I couldn’t even climb a tree if I needed to.
KATNISS: And this is L.A., so what if there’s an earthquake?
LILY: Exactly. I couldn’t claw myself out from the rubble or defend myself. I have, in a sense, been rendered helpless. No one should be made to feel – and actually be – helpless. Cats have claws for a reason.
KATNISS: So what would you tell Humans who love cats… but also don’t want their furniture scratched?
LILY: I have heard that scratching posts with sisal are very appealing to cats with claws. There are also anti-scratching sprays and stylish nail covers which cover the claws. I’ve seen them and they’re quite lovely.
KATNISS: What about those who feel they absolutely must have a declawed cat?
LILY: I would encourage them to check Petfinder. There are plenty of declawed cats looking for homes.
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