True confessions. I am not a cat lover. I am a “dog person”. Once upon a time I was cornered by a Quebecois cat and kept prisoner for a few hours. I suppose that cat sensed my at best “indifferent” attitude toward cats. I might share that story with you one day.
Then I met Boris and Natasha, two ragdoll cats. Don’t share this with indifferent catters but I rather like Boris. Somewhat aloof but approachable and enjoys a good scratch. Natasha on the other hand is very flighty. Truth be told I rather enjoy meeting up with Boris.
The only reason I watched “American Cats” is attributable to Boris and I am glad I watched it. It is a rather light and mildly humorous investigation into the declawing of cats in The United States. In fact it is battle royale between corporate interests and cat lovers.
Declawing is a painful and crippling practice that can take minutes to perform, at a very high veterinarian profit margin, but a life crippling event for cats leading to aggression and undisciplined “bathroom” manners.
I will not say much more than watch and listen to the battle cries of veterinarians, animal behavioralists, rescue shelter operators, politicians, big pharma reps and cat lovers. Rather one sided in favour of the anti-declawers but the declawers get their licks in. And there are plenty of cute and cuddly cats although my friend Boris beats em all in the looks department paws down! All other cats are just mousey looking!
World premiere HOT DOCS showings 28/29April2024.
RKS 2024 Film Rating 82/100.
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