Many new cat owners and potential cat owners have one fear: getting scratched, or rather, having living room couches and other furniture torn up. It's a valid fear to have. However, many people also believe that getting their cats declawed will serve as a quick-fix to this issue. Declawing a cat is a procedure that involves "the amputation of the last bone of each toe," according to The Humane Society's website.

No, it is not the same as getting your finger nails trimmed.

It is actually equivalent to a human being getting his or her fingers amputated at the last knuckle.

Cats do not claw to spite us. They claw because it is an innate behavior.

Cats will rarely ever claw a person without a reason. They scratch in order to trim or clean their claws, mark their territory, and stretch their muscles. They mainly go after furniture and fabrics.

What many people don't realize is that they can train their kittens to use a scratching post or board.

What many people don't realize is that they can simply get their cat's nails trimmed every so often.

What many people don't realize is that declawing can lead to chronic pain, infections, tissue death, and nerve damage.

If more people knew about the harmful effects, I do not think pet owners would subject their cats to this procedure.

I am not typically one to voice my opinion online about controversial subjects. However, with a platform like this, it can be incredibly difficult to sit back and watch, rather than spread awareness. It really surprises me that this procedure is still legal in nearly every state. New Jersey is the only state thus far that has passed a law banning cat declawing. It has been banned in the United Kingdom, Australia, and at least ten other countries.

I hope more people will take the time to become well-informed on this issue so that we can put a stop to this cruelty.