I was thinking about declawing today. I guess I started thinking about it after a comment that a co-worker made to me the other day. I have pics of all of my kids and pets on a bulletin board at work. I get many questions about Duncan because of his relative rarity in my corner of the woods. People inquire about what breed he is, where I got him from etc. One of the people I work with said, "well, I presume he is declawed"...or something of a similar nature. I said..."ABSOLUTELY NOT!...and why would you think I would do that"? I could see the look of absolute shock/ignorance on her face. She said,"well, you can't have an indoor cat with claws, you know. It sure wouldn't make a good pet". She said this so matter-of-factly, I almost questioned if I am in the minority on my views about declawing. I spent the next 20 mins or so explaining the ins and outs of declawing. Why it shouldn't be done. The risks of declawing to the cat. I also explained that I have never once had a problem with Duncan ripping up furniture. Explained that scratching posts and sisal rope are all you need to ensure a happy cat and happy owner! I think I made some progress with this person, but, I am absolutely shocked to think that so many people deem declawing a NECESSITY! I argue with my dad to no end about the declawing issue. He thinks Duncan should be declawed. I always say...NEVER and over my dead body! He laughs and says...well, he would make a better pet. I reply, "how so"? He never has an answer...just shakes his head. Is declawing so firmly ingrained in people? I took it for granted for a long time too. My parents last 3 cats were declawed. Their decision...not mine. My first cat that I got on my own, in my own home, Hattie, came to us already declawed. When I got Duncan, I was so educated by what I read online by various breeders and cat owners about declawing, I never could do that to my cat. Besides, my Duncan's breeder firmly forbid it. I also have another perspective on declawing. I have a friend that is a vet. He allowed me to follow him in his practice one day (I'm a vet wannabe...lol). I watched him perform surgery, including a declaw. By his own admission, it is probably the most miserable surgery he performs. If people KNEW what a cat goes through on a declaw, they wouldn't be so inclined to do it. It is a nasty, mutilating surgery. I just can't believe that people are so in favor of this procedure. It is like they think that those of us who DON'T declaw are in the wrong. I don't get it. Anyways, I know I am preaching to the choir here, but, just wanted to see what everyone thought, esp. about peoples attitudes about declawing. PS...I understand that the 4-paw declaw is becoming more and more popular with the increased popularity of leather furniture. Cindy W.