what if a landlord requires a emotional support cat to be declawed?

What if you were disabled and had a letter from a therapist saying you needed your cat as an emotional support animal but a landlord still tried to enforce a mandatory declawing policy on you?

You could try taking your landlord all the info on why declawing is mutilation, and see if he'd accept the use of soft paws/claws as a humane alternative (take all the info on those too). If he won't budge, adopt a cat that's already been declawed, so that at least you won't be adding to the misery of declawing.

Have a talk with your landlord and point out why declawing is illegal in the rest of the world. Understand it from the landlord's point of view though; many irresponsible owners cost landlords lots of money in damages when they move out. If you have lived in other places before, see if you can get a letter of recommendation from your previous landperson and/or vet who will vouch for what a responsible owner you are. Your job is to convince the landlord that they would not have to spend thousands of dollars ripping out and replacing the carpet, the walls, etc.

Bonus points if you can point out the irony of emotionally damaging a cat who is supposed to be an emotional support animal.

If they are adamant, then as Columbine said, either adopt an already declawed one, or look for another place. There are places who will happily take you in.

Josh Beck said:

 
What if you were disabled and had a letter from a therapist saying you needed your cat as an emotional support animal but a landlord still tried to enforce a mandatory declawing policy on you?

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did you tell your therapist? he/she might know of some resources you could use, depending on where you live -- tenants rights group, legal aid, etc.