[YorkieShadow]

I would like to accurately explain what actually happens when a cat is declawed and why it is NOT inhumane.

Reason 1: The toes and pads are NOT amputated.

This a concept that is the most curcial for people to understand, yet easiest to misinterpret. I will try to explain it better. Many people will tell you that declawing means cutting off the ends of the cat's toes. This is just not true. the bones in a cat's finger (or toe as the case may be). In fact, they are the same two bones as in a human finger, . Cats have a unique third part of their finger, a bone called the distal phalanx. This bone, and connecting tendons, allows cats to retract their claws, a unique characteristic to this animal. Cats do NOT use this bone to walk or for balance. They walk on their four paws just like we walk on our two feet, using the toes in the exact same way.

Anyway, this third bone is all that is amputated. NOT the toes, NOT the pads. The front paws' pads become no more callused than the back ones, because the claws weren't doing anything the help them walk in the first place. Look at your cat's paws right now. The claws are nestled snuggly out of the way, ABOVE the pads! Some people will tell you that declawing is just like cutting off the first bones in a humans fingers. This is totally misguided! Cats don't use their last bone to walk! yes their going to be sore after words just like any operation or surgery.

(I'm sure getting your pets fixed didn't feel too good either, right? or neighter does getting tails docked or dewclaws cut.)
I would not declaw any cat that is going to be out on its own, it needs those claws to protect its self, But I cant say the same for an indoor cat. If it came down to getting the cat declawed or getting rid of the animal I love, sending it to a shelter and not knowing where it would end up. yes id declaw it. and keep the cat. and they can now have it done by lazer.