I'm with you FastDak, declawing shouldn't be a standard procedure, HOWEVER...Originally Posted by FastDak
I am not an advocate of declawing. I dont like it at all. But I had to have it done for Miikka. The operation was done 1.5 weeks ago. She has FULLY recovered and has learnt that her claws are gone. She is strictly an indoor cat so I dont have to worry about her need to protect herself.
Its quite nice having those claws gone. We can now play without me getting hurt, she can still climb, jump, run and play. After the spay and declaw I have noticed that she is a nicer, calmer and seems to be happier cat. She spends more time in my arms and on my lap purring, and kissing.
Aside from the whole procedure and everything, if you need to get this done instead of giving up your cat, I would much rather declaw than give up a cat.
Done properly, the cat never knows any different, and actually can benefit greatly from the surgery.
Try alternatives first, but if it comes to down to declawing vs abandoning the kitty (and the kitty is young) choose declaw. But made dang sure that the vet you have do the surgery, knows what the heck he's doing.
There's a fine line between a butcher and a surgeon.
Spotz