The Humane Bean

05/30/2026

🐾 Declawing Is Not “Just Removing Claws” 🐾

One of the hardest things in rescue is seeing the long-term effects declawing can have on cats.

Many people still don’t realize that declawing is not like trimming nails. It is actually the amputation of part of a cat’s toes — comparable to removing a human finger at the last knuckle.

Cats use their claws for:
• balance
• stretching
• protection
• climbing
• confidence
• normal behavior and play

When those claws are removed, it can lead to:
💔 chronic pain
💔 arthritis
💔 litter box avoidance
💔 biting behaviors
💔 anxiety and fear
💔 difficulty walking or jumping

We have met declawed cats who became withdrawn, fearful, or started biting simply because their only form of defense was taken away. Others struggle silently with pain for years.

Scratching is not “bad behavior.” It is natural, healthy cat behavior.

Instead of declawing, there are so many humane alternatives:
✔️ scratching posts
✔️ nail trims
✔️ nail caps (still need to trim nails with this and keep an eye on them)
✔️ training and redirection
✔️ cat trees and enrichment

Furniture can be replaced.
A cat’s toes cannot.

Please help educate others and encourage humane choices for our feline friends. The more people understand what declawing truly is, the more cats we can protect from unnecessary pain. 🐱❤️

05/21/2026

05/01/2026

Cigarette or ‘Ziggy’ has been with us since 2024. The poor girl has been adopted and returned twice during that time. She is often misunderstood, as she hides in new environments and doesn’t enjoy cuddling like some other cats. Ciggy needs someone who understands that she likes her space, although she will be sweet and ask for pets on her terms. She is affectionate when she wants to be. She tolerates other cats, but would likely do well in a low-traffic home.

APPLY TO ADOPT: humanebean.org/ATA

05/01/2026

Penumbra, turning 1 in June is neutered, microchipped, and current on vaccines. This playful kitten requires a patient owner to help him overcome his playful biting habit, which we've been addressing through redirection. He is very food-motivated! He loves other cats, but is not a big fan of dogs.

APPLY TO ADOPT: humanebean.org/ATA