With spokescat in tow, vet group pushes to ban cat declawing in New York

[Orrex]

22. We had two cats, both declawed

We also had an infant in the house, so it wasn't simply a matter of protecting the furniture, as some are inclined to characterize it.

We adopted these cats as free kittens out of a filthy, flea-infested basement, where they were kept in a small cage with their litter and food in adjoining bowls. Both kittens were worm-ridden and scabby from dozens and dozens of flea bites.

When we had them declawed, they walked around somewhat gingerly for a week, but after that it didn't seem to bother them in the slightest. They were exclusively indoor cats, fond of rough play, and they never turned into "biters," which I've also heard is the inevitable result of declawing.

There is no question that we gave them a better life than they would have had in that basement, claws or no claws.