[Ellie May]

There are different methods of declawing. The old method is going to cause more pain, more recovery time, and it is more like cutting off the end of a finger. The newer, better methods cannot necessarily be compared to this. If the pad in the area is left, the cat is much more comfortable quicker. They can also just cut a ligament so the claws can't be extended.

Cat scratches can be very dangerous. In situatios where an imunocompromised person is involved, then it is probably the best option to get rid of them. And people would really rather see a cat get brought to a shelter and probably getting euthanized instead of declawing it??

Most do fine with it, esp. with the better procedures. There are complications just like with any surgery, but sometimes it is the best thing to do. Not everybody would be willing to use Soft Paws. I'm personally not a big fan. That's not to say I think every cat should be declawed routinely. i think training should be attempted. But if needed, it's just something I wouldn't hesitate to do.

FWIW on the quicking the nails under anesthesia thing, my vet does that to her own dog because he hates having his nails clips. Then she cauterizes them after. I'll be asking her to do the same with Rylee when he goes under next because his nails are crazy long. Is it the best thing to do? Probably not. But I don't think he's all too comfy with his nails being so long either.

There are a lot of things done in vet med for owner convenience. That won't stop anytime soon.