For instance, when I begin walking in the direction of the fridge to get Hubble's daily medication, no matter what time of day, he immediately takes off in a blur of white fuzz, often leaving me totally frustrated with a plastic bag in my hand.

When I am just considering doling out some kitty treats, both of our cats are at my feet, looking up at me with that manipulatively loving expression, eyes sparkling. I swear they are smiling at me and follow up with several eye blinks which melt my heart. Kitty kisses are so precious. But I must emphasize that while they are behaving in this manner, there is nothing in my hand, nor have I removed the treats from the drawer in which they are stored.

While I am completely convinced that they have ESP down pat, I started thinking about whether they actually understand spoken language. So, of course, I had to start researching what some of the more scientific conclusions which may have been published on this topic.

As I delved more deeply into my investigation, I was reminded that during the 1970s, researchers were able to teach Chimpanzees to read and use sign language. While of course they do not have vocal cords which permit understandable verbal speech, they definitely possess the brain power which enables them to communicate their thoughts and feelings very clearly. Dogs can easily learn and respond to a rather large number of spoken commands, and parrots are quite adept at learning how to speak human words. Unfortunately we have no way of knowing if they really understand the words they are speaking.

Cats are certainly capable of learning their names, and if they are in the mood will come when called. In my over 40 years of living with felines, I am absolutely positive that they do know the words, "no" and "get down" but choose to ignore them most of the time. That is just the essential nature of the cat! Many people think they own their cat, but truly passionate cat people are hip to the real deal . . . they own us.

I discovered a children's book, "I'll teach my dog 100 words", written by Michael Frith, and noticed how the title alone clearly demonstrates how "dog people" enjoy bragging about canine intelligence. Stanley Coren, a human psychologist who has done extensive research on canine intelligence suspects that the average trained dog is capable of learning at least 160 words, rivaling the verbal skill of a human toddler. And while I could not find any scientific study on the number of words that a cat can understand, according to Wiki Answers, "cats rule". It is thought that cats respond mainly to voice inflection and also to clicker training.

More than ever I now believe the phrase "dumb animals" is a myth which clearly needs to be dispelled. I am willing to bet my bottom dollar, that those of us who share our hearts and homes with pets, whose observations which may not be strictly "scientific" will support my hypothesis that animals do communicate not only with one another, but to their human companions far more extensively than many people may be aware.

Leave a comment and share your experiences in communicating with your pets.

Folks dig deeply into their pockets and contribute their hard-earned dollars to help needy, abused and neglected animals in order to find new, forever loving homes, or adopt special needs pets that have been overlooked and remain neglected in overcrowded shelters.

Of course, I am always overjoyed when I hear about the many happy outcomes in which our forsaken and rejected animals are given a second chance to receive the care they so richly deserve.

But yesterday was not a day in which my heart overflowed with joy. In fact, when I read the story which was sent to me by a dedicated and passionate animal rescuer, I could hardly contain my rage and anger. The subject line in her email simply read, "Betrayal by the ASPCA".

Oreo after being rescued
Dubbed by the ASPCA as their "miracle dog" last June, shortly after the ASPCA quickly responded to reports that a one-year-old dog named Oreo was intentionally thrown off a sixth floor Brooklyn building roof top, by her abuser, she was rescued. She had also appeared to have been beaten in the past, which was substantiated by several neighbors residing in the building who reported sounds of the dog being struck.

The ASPCA nursed Oreo back to health and arrested the perpetrator. But here the "happy" part of the story abruptly ends.

According to the "San Francisco Animal Shelters Examiner", in an article entitled "The Meaning of Oreo", last Friday, the ASPCA killed Oreo, in spite of the fact that a No Kill shelter had offered to save her. Ed Sayers, the President of the ASPCA chose to kill the dog instead of handing her over to Pets Alive in Middletown, New York who offered to keep her.

Pets Alive is a member of the Mayor's Alliance for New York City. The ASPCA is also a member of the alliance. The public was in favor of Oreo being saved, and the No Kill Shelter had offered her lifetime care. Sayers claimed that the dog was aggressive and dangerous. What animal lovers nationwide are incredibly furious about is that most aggressive dogs, with patience, kindness and special training can be rehabilitated.

Sayers issued a press release in which he claimed, "We are all upset by this", and emphasized that Oreo was truly vicious. He went on to claim that a lifetime in a sanctuary would provide a poor quality of life for the dog, so the decision was made to euthanize her. Even though Pets Alive is a facility with experience in rehabilitating aggressive dogs and is a highly respected and credible shelter Sayers chose to take this dog's life, prematurely. Additionally, Middletown, New York is only a little over an hour's drive from New York City.

I cannot understand how the ASPCA could act in such a reckless and irresponsible manner. If they truly respect the lives of helpless animals, and are dedicated to save them, why would they disregard the compassionate invitation made by Pets Alive? No matter how I try, I cannot get my head wrapped around their decision to kill the dog without offering her another chance at finding love and protection.

To say that I am upset about this is a huge understatement. I am livid!

Read the full story by visiting: http://www.examiner.com/x-16635-SF-Animal-Shelters-Examiner~y2009m11d16-The-meaning-of-Oreo

What are your thoughts about Sayers' action? Leave a comment and share them with us.

And while cat lovers who abhor this inhumane and cruel surgical procedure are thrilled with the City Council Members decision to pass these bans, according to an article published in the "Los Angeles Daily News" on Monday, November 16, apparently there are some people who are not as equally thrilled.

Photo credit: Michael Owen Baker/staff photographer LA Daily News
Nancy Bonus, a psychologist in Van Nuys, pictured to the left with her cat Petunia, remarked that the cat shredded the chair prior to being declawed. She spoke out passionately about her concern regarding the bans.

Saying she "dearly loves cats - whether they are declawed like the two she keeps as pets, or still have their claws like those she cares for when they wander into her yard", Ms. Bonus is troubled by what affect the ban will have on the local cat population, whether domesticated or "wild", if the City Council passes their final vote on the proposal to ban declawing, scheduled for Tuesday, November 24. She said, "I'm just not sure they have thought this out. I worry that it means fewer people would be able to have a cat as a pet and more would be put in shelters and euthanized."

It also appears there are still many cat owners who are concerned about these bans. They feel that declawed cats are easier to keep since declawing prevents furniture destruction, accidental scratching to humans and pets. They are concerned that the bans may result in more cats being surrendered to shelters at high risk of being euthanized.

On the other hand, proposing the ban, Paul Koretz, City Councilman, along with other critics strongly views the procedure as inhumane. It is amputating the last joint of the cat's paw. In response to those who argue that many more cats will end up in shelters should these bans pass, Mr. Koretz said, "It is a common argument against declawing. The reality is there are more cats that end up in shelters who are declawed because it is not unusual for them to exhibit bad behavior after being declawed."

Here's the rub! Shelters are not documenting reasons for cats being surrendered or if the cat is declawed. People relinquishing their cats may share inform shelter workers if unacceptable behavior is the cause, following declaw surgery, but shelter workers are far too busy to document them. So no one knows if the ban will result in fewer cats surrendered for a couple of years after the bans are in place. With few reliable studies available which support the information which veterinarians and other protestors use to refute these bans, how do they know?

A growing number of veterinarians refuse to declaw cats. Dr. Michael Fox, writer and distinguished veterinarian, in a United Feature Syndicate publication wrote, "Declawed cats tend to bite more, in part because their first line of defense, their claws, has been removed. Cat bites are much more dangerous than the occasional scratch because of possible infection.

Without claws to hold and manipulate things, declawed cats tend to become more oral, mouthing and chewing more." Dr. Jean Hofve, DVM and author writes, "Since animal shelters and humane societies are prime dumping grounds for cats with behavior problems, personnel there should have a realistic and practical view about whether declawing keeps cats in their homes, or creates worse difficulties."

As far as published studies go, Dr. Gary Patronek, after speculating that declawing may protect cats against relinquishment went on to say: "After adjustment in a multivariate model, declawed cats were at an increased risk of relinquishment". Dr Hofve's interpretation is "that declawed cats who developed another unwanted behavior (as 1 out of every 3 declawed cats do, according to published data) were very likely to end up in the pound. These cats are usually unadoptable because they developed a behavior problem subsequent to declawing, and are likely to be euthanized."

Read more by visiting http://www.dailynews.com/ci_13797072?source=rv&_requestid=3915505

What are your thoughts about this controversy? Leave a comment and share them.

Submitted by Diedre Dee Coleman Huston

"Ahhh, here's a CUDDLE CHAMPION for sure, Kate is 16 months old and 6.5 whopping pounds of joy. Her daddy is a Long Hair Chihuahua and her mom is a Toy Poodle."

But no matter how hard I tried to convince myself that it was a necessity, I could not justify the expense. Since we have a relatively decent canister vacuum cleaner that works perfectly well, and gets up all the dirt very quickly, it seems like a frivolous purchase. In addition, our cats have already learned to tolerate the vacuum cleaner noise fairly well, and no longer dash under the bed in abject terror. In fact they are rather blasé about the entire process.

So I began wondering what other uses I could find to convince my husband that it might be a really good idea to get one. It even amazes me how strongly I am determined to get one of these unique home helper items to help me with my household chores. By now you must realize that I am really into this quest. I have a friend that owns one. She thinks it is a hoot and I am green with envy.

And out of the blue, just as if my fairy godmother was looking out for me, wanting to gift me with something I truly coveted, an email arrived in my mailbox from a friend which actually gave me the answer for which I was so earnestly searching! Apparently the Roomba Vacuum cleaner can be used as a cat toy which will amuse both feline and human.

You may wonder how I arrived at this conclusion. I have to admit I was influenced by this very cute video, uploaded to YouTube by texasgirly1979, which convinced me that Hush Puppy, one of our more adventurous kitties, might find the Roomba to his liking. After all, the video promoted the Roomba as the "CATillac" Driver.

My next step is to try to convince my husband that this could be an essential tool to help enrich our cats' environment to which we strive to achieve all the time.
Watch this very amusing little video which clearly demonstrates how much fun a cat can have riding a Roomba.

Now that you have viewed the video, do you think I have a ghost of a chance of convincing my husband to buy one? Leave a comment and please help me out with any promising suggestions.

But being owned by pets is not all fun and games. There is that rather unpleasant "poop patrol" which dog people must embark upon, and those endless trips to the litter box to scoop them thoroughly keeping them immaculate to suit the taste of any discerning feline.

While animals are certainly not the biggest contributor to toxic pollutants in urban waterways, their waste is just one thing, when combined with other factors which add up to a serious problem. Since a dog or cat resides in four in ten households, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturer's Association and up to 40 percent of dog owners do not bother to pick up their dog's feces it is easy to see what kind of impact our pets can make on our environment. So the not so pleasant task of picking up after your pet is not just to please your pets and prevent nasty odors from assailing sensitive noses; it is both environmentally sound and healthy.

So now that you have walked your dog, and carefully scooped up the waste, placing it in a plastic bag, and have cleaned your litter boxes, what do you do with the waste? We all know that animal feces if left behind, it will ultimately end up washed into a storm drain by street cleaners, or rainstorms. This fetid matter impacts our rivers, streams and lakes, carrying dangerous bacteria and polluting our aquifers. It also negatively impacts wildlife and fish.

Canines carry Coliform bacteria that may cause serious illness to children and older folks. It is especially dangerous as it contains E.Coli and Salmonella. Cat feces can also carry parasites such as toxoplasmosis and roundworm which can affect both humans and other animals. Gardeners are especially at risk since outdoor cats frequently defecate in flower beds and vegetable patches.

What we can do to help:

Here are a few things we all can do to protect our environment from animal-related disease.

1. When walking the dog, bring along an eco- friendly grocery bag. Bring along an extra bag to share if you run across someone who left theirs at home!

2. Consider providing litter boxes for outdoor cats to use in preference of the garden soil.

3. Never flush cat's waste down the toilet. Dispose of it properly in the trash.

4. Gardeners can lay one inch chicken wire over soil beds to prevent cats from defecating on them.

5. Check for animal waste at least once a week in yards or property.

Proper Disposal of Pet Waste:

Make sure to double bag litter or dog waste. Securely tie and dispose it in the garbage. If you live in a home with a yard, another option is to bury pet waste at least one foot deep and 100 yards away from any well, lake, ditch or stream. Pet waste decomposers, which work similarly to mini- septic tanks, are available at local retailers and online. They break down the waste to a ground absorbing liquid. There are pet waste pick-up services. Check out your yellow pages for a local provider.

Some folks refuse to leave their homes, and those that do venture into the great outdoors, watch carefully not to walk under ladders, or step on the cracks on sidewalks.

Photo credit: Wikipedia: Lilith The Cat
People who are worried about Friday the 13 have had three opportunities in 2009 to be afraid . . . very afraid. The dates of these three challenging calendar events are February 13, March 13 and November 13. The good news is that in 2010, Friday, August 13 will be the only occurrence of this oftentimes dreaded date.

The fear of Friday the 13 can be quite dramatic. Dr. Donald Dossey, author and founder of the Stress Management Center/Phobia Institute reports that as many as 21 million Americans fear the day. Symptoms can range from mild anxiety to full blown panic attacks.

Some folks actually celebrate this event. Parties are often held, some fund-raising and charitable organizations hold their functions and events on Friday the 13th. Concerts, wine tasting nights and art exhibitions are often held to celebrate the day. This day is not always gloomy for everyone!

In fact, there are those that consider themselves lucky to be born on Friday the 13th. Lottery ticket agents are often kept very busy, with people taking extra chances to beat the odds. According to CNN.com, a British couple who purchased a lottery tickets on Friday the 13 won $17 million, shortly after a mirror in their home fell off the living room wall and smashed to pieces. However, In Brazil if Friday the 13 falls in August, it is considered to be unluckier than any other Friday the 13.

Of course the black cat, steeped in mystery and fable is generally associated with Friday the 13. These cats have been given a very nasty and uncalled for reputation. Some folks think, "What could be unluckier than a black cat crossing your path, or appearing under the ladder that is so carefully avoided?"

The black cat is considered by many folks to be either a diabolical sign or completely at the other end of the spectrum, a bringer of good fortune. Read more about these very maligned or adored felines by visiting: http://www.petside.com/the-sidewalk/black-cat-myths.php

What is your take on black cats and Friday the 13? Are you worried? Leave a comment but don't scare us too deeply.

However, I think that naming a kitten or cat should be considered a very serious undertaking and one that never should be done in haste, or taken lightly. After all, as the cat servant becomes more familiar with their new kitty and the name chosen proves to be totally inappropriate, think of the confusion that the poor feline may experience when names are changed rapidly. The naming of a kitten or cat carries a high degree of responsibility but many folks lack the patience to discover a suitable and appropriate name for their new kitty. This can cause some pretty disastrous results.

Photo credit: Jo Singer

Rather than picking a name off a website, or choosing a name that someone else is suggesting, it is far better to wait and spend time getting to know the newcomer. Each kitten and cat has unique behavioral antics that endear us to them. A kitten may have a particularly unique appearance that may suggest a more suitable and catchy name as well.

For example: My husband and I were given an adorable seal point Siamese as a wedding gift, years ago. Even though he was 4 months old, he was the cutest tiny ball of fluff. We fell in love with him the minute we set eyes on him. He came to us with a fancy long registered name, "Brown Toast", prefixed by the name of the cattery. His name was longer than he was, in fact! As we gently let him out of the shipping carrier in which he arrived after his long airplane voyage, we instantly felt that the name that was given him was totally wrong.

After spending time with him and observing his little purrsonality quirks, with his endearing habit of licking us with his incredibly long tongue whenever he was petted, coupled with his diminutive size being the runt of the litter, his name came to us in a flash. As he was an oriental-type cat, and I am an avid pun-maker, the name "Mousie-Tongue", a play on Chairman Mao-Zedong nailed it. And not so amazingly he responded to the name immediately. The Vulcan "Mind Meld" had obviously been affective.

I always advise people be patient and wait for their kitten or cat to "reveal" his or her name. Keeping our ears and eyes open for the obvious hints being offered, letting our innate intuition guide us, will always lead us to that purrfect handle.
What method do you use to name your cats? Leave a comment and share your techniques.

Dispelling ancient myths is one of my favorite hobbies. I especially love to debunk those urban legends that have been passed down from generation to generation that pertain to cats. Those as "Men don't like cats", and "Cats are sneaky" are some of my all time favorites.

I also love watching cat related videos which are both humorous and well made, which this little piece certainly fits the bill in both departments. The background jazz is very appealing as well.

But after you finish watching the hysterical, thigh slapping video of a French kitty uploaded to YouTube by HolaKenty who so does such a tremendous job at thoroughly discrediting one of the most popular ones, "Cats hate water", you will have to admit that it certainly demonstrates that some cats are fascinated with the "wet stuff".

I particularly found this attractive kitty's rather unique technique of washing his face and ears a complete delight. I also think his particular drinking contraption far surpasses any of those costly automatic water fountain dispensers, which our cats hated due to its very unpleasant noise.

I wonder if I can teach our cats to help themselves to our kitchen faucet when they are thirsty . . . but on second thought, living in Florida with the exorbitant cost of water, perhaps this is not so wise. I sure hope that this petite chat's human pawrents have reasonable water rates.

Do your cats enjoy drinking from the faucet? Leave a comment and let us know.

Submitted by Ashley E Sanderson

"MY Bella is the Ultimate cuddle champ. Just look at those rolls"

Diabetes is a condition in which the body lacks insulin. This may occur when the pancreas cannot produce sufficient insulin, or when the body cells are resistant to it. Glucose or sugar is carried by the hormone insulin for the body's use, and without it the body cannot use glucose, so it remains in the blood stream causing high blood glucose. The disease is often referred to as "Sugar Diabetes" or more correctly called, Type I or II diabetes, or diabetes mellitus.

What are some of the causes of diabetes? Obesity and lack of exercise are the main causes of diabetes in both humans and pets. Since overfeeding, giving too many treats and failing to provide sufficient exercise to keep pets at a healthy weight, we are the ones who are, for the most part, responsible for causing this condition. Feeding our pets the proper diet based on their weight, size and age and the amount of daily exercise we provide them can make a huge difference.

What are the symptoms of Diabetes in pets? In the early stages of the disease, pets may show little or any symptoms, so annual veterinary checkups, including blood and urine tests are essential. Pets may start exhibiting symptoms of Diabetes such as excessive thirst, frequent urination and urinary tract infections, sudden weight gain or loss, increased appetite, or total lack of appetite, weakness, muscle atrophy and poor coat condition. In dogs, cataracts may appear, and in cats the hind legs may become weak and the cat may start walking with a wobbly gait.

How is Diabetes treated? A medication such as Glipizide, in felines, helps to stimulate the pancreas's production of insulin release or reduces the production of glucose. Dogs generally have type1 diabetes, so oral hypoglycemic drugs are not as effective. If the pancreas is not working at all, these drugs are ineffective. Daily insulin shots may be prescribed by the veterinarian. While the diagnosis can be frightening to owners who may become intimidated by the thought of having to inject their pets, veterinarians are skilled in teaching clients how to do perform this life saving measure. Special diets may be recommended as well.

Keeping our pets "fit and trim", providing regular veterinary care in addition to feeding the most appropriate diet and limiting those treats, are the most effective ways to keep diabetes at bay.
For more information about diabetes in pets, visit http://www.2ndchance.info/diabetes2.htm

Have you ever had a pet with diabetes? Please share some of your experiences in a comment.

It seems that a neighborhood feud over the 15 cats owned by town resident Mary Ellen Richards is the reason for this ordinance's passage. According to the "Telegram & Gazette of Worcester" one neighbor blamed Ms. Richard's cats for ruining his yard. Another neighbor accused Ms. Richard's cats for being responsible for her two-year-old daughter contracting hand-foot-and mouth disease (Coxsackie virus) from a cat toy that may have come into contact with cat feces.
Ms. Richards who is actively involved with Willy's Kitty Angels Rescue, an organization which traps feral and stray cats to help control the feline population. She takes these cats to free clinics to get them neutered or spayed, and then place them in foster homes outside the town. She says that all of her own cats receive appropriate veterinary care and are current in their vaccinations.

The Town of Dudley is fining Ms. Richards $100 a day for keeping more than three cats in the home she has owned since 1997. In an interview with the "Telegram & Gazette" she said, "This is the worst thing in my life to happen, this whole thing."

In comments made by readers of the newspaper's website, it was obvious that some people strongly supported the town's decision, while some thought it was ridiculous. One commenter, who signed her name as "Cat Mommy" posted, "When will we need licenses to have more than three children? This is stupid. My cats live inside and don't bother anyone. Hope they can sleep at night knowing that some lovely cats will be put to sleep or left outside in the cold now. Shame."

Another reader who was supportive of the ordinance posted, "I fully agree with them having to get a kennel license to have more than three cats. I currently have more than three dogs and in my town I have to have a kennel license for that so why should cats be any different. Especially when cats are allowed to roam free and dogs have to be leashed."

What gets me all riled up, making the hair on the back of my neck bristle is how narrow and limited the thinking was that went into the writing and passage of this legislation. Did the council take the time to consider the impact that this law may have on shelters, especially for cats that are in desperate need of adoptive homes? What effect will this law have on that abandoned orphaned kitten found wandering the streets? I shudder to think about it. What were these lawmakers thinking when they passed this ordinance?

Do you think this ordinance is fair? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

Photo credit: Golden Labrador Retriever Dogs Blog
The American Veterinary Medical Association defines service animals as, "The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and other animals that is influenced by behaviors that are essential to the health and well being of both. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, other animals, and the environment."

It is very commonplace today to encounter guide dogs along with their owners at hotels, stores, on airplanes and trains or just walking around through the neighborhood.

And while Seeing Eye dogs are now readily accepted around the world today, apparently 36 year-old Laura Eitjes, a resident of Tauranga, New Zealand, ran into a disturbing situation while vacationing with a friend and her guide dog, Rua, according to a recent "Bay of Plenty Times" report. She and her friend and dog were asked to leave the holiday accommodation where they had been lodged for one night.

On the second night, the owners of the inn, a husband and wife couple, forced them out of their lodgings due to Rua's presence, even though Ms.Eitjes explained that Rua was a guide dog.

And when the wife blatantly refused to listen, Ms Eitjes tried to reason with the owner of the inn to no avail. Eitjes said, "I tried to explain to her that Rua was a guide dog and guide dogs had certain rights. But I was cut off at every attempt, and she flatly refused to let Rua back in."

Fortunately they were quickly able to find other accommodations and were welcome to remain for the remainder of their vacation.

Upon returning from holiday, Ms Eitjes complained to the Human Rights Commission about her ordeal. The HRC offered the two parties mediation. The inn owners refused and took the case to the HRC Review Tribunal. Robert Hesketh, the OHR Proceedings director said that this was the first time proceedings were issued in a case where a visually impaired person was denied accommodations for the use of a guide dog.

Following a long and drawn out battle, the inn owners agreed to an out-of-court settlement in Ms. Eitjes received an "unreserved apology" and in a "landmark" settlement, won $8,000 in compensation. Eitjes has donated $5,000 from the proceeds to the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind's guide dog services.

My blood was boiling when I read about this very unfair incident. The saying that "ignorance is bliss" certainly does not apply here as the ending of the story may not have been as fortunate. What were your reactions as you were reading this item? Leave a comment and share.

The legislation, written by Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, includes a provision that anyone violating the ban may be subject to a fine of up to $1,000, or up to six months in jail. Supervisor Mirkarimi said, "It is well documented that it is a form of torture, and animal cruelty." The ban now needs Mayor Newsom's signature, and due to the 9-2 margin it will withstand any veto attempt. West Hollywood already has a ban in place prohibiting the declawing of cats since 2003.

On November 2, 2009, a key committee of the Los Angeles City Council passed an ordinance banning the procedure, calling it animal cruelty. Councilmen Bill Rosendahl and Paul Koretz voiced the opinion that the surgery causes cats "unnecessary pain, anguish and permanent disability". A cat lover and owner himself, Councilman Rosendahl added, "Anyone who cannot handle the claws of a cat should not have a cat to begin with". Councilman Koretz in his capacity of lawmaker in Sacramento unsuccessfully tried to enact a statewide ban in 2003. However he was able to win the passage of a bill prohibiting the declawing of exotic animals, which of course, includes the "big" cats.

On October 12, 2009 Santa Monica passed their ordinance banning cat declawing.

On Tuesday night, November 3, Nancy Krasne, Mayor of Beverly Hills sent an email message to people who contacted her in support of their pending ordinance banning declawing in the city. It read, "We are banning this cat mutilation procedure in Beverly Hills, but on all animals.", and thanked them for their support.

Even though Malibu recently rejected their pending ordinance, they are now discussing a city-wide resolution recognizing that it is an inhumane procedure.

Declawing is illegal or considered grossly inhumane presently, in over 37 countries around the world as it is considered extreme cruelty to animals.

Just think: the passage of these humane ordinances will even lead to a boost in California's economy. Over the lifetime of a pet cat, professional nail trimming provided by veterinary clinics far exceeds the cost of one declaw surgery. Couple this with sales of cardboard and sisal scratching posts nail clippers, plastic claw covers and attractive cat trees will fetch tidy revenue.

If you wish to help, your supportive phone calls and emails are needed before Friday morning for Los Angeles. Please send "thank you "emails to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors as well. For further information visit The Paw Project at http://pawproject.org/

Personally, I am hoping that the rest of the country will soon follow in the footsteps of the courageous and forward thinking legislations which are being passed in these California cities. We must end the common practice of routine cat declawing. It is barbaric.

Please share your thoughts about what is generally considered to be a controversial issue by leaving a comment.

Submitted by Alyson Fischer Amsterdam

Biggie and Louie are brothers who love each other so much that they share a bed that's only meant for one kitty! They have to snuggle up to stay on it and they look super cute! They were found in a box on the side of a road a few years ago but now clearly have a loving family who just adores them.