Hi my name is Amy and I'm from the states where de-clawing is still pretty common. My boyfriend has two ailing and old cats (15 and 13 respectively). He had them de-clawed as kittens and does not see what I perceive as a horrible procedure AND he doesn't not see the ill effects of it. I think his thirteen year old cat tends to bite when irritated because Nick (the cat) no longer has the claws to use as a warning swat.

Anyway, should his cats pass, we would move in together with my two younger ones who have claws. However, he wants me to get them de-clawed. I have stressed that my place has not been torn apart and that the cats have several good scratching posts. If we adopted another together he would want that de-clawed as well.

Let make it clear: I am never de-clawing my cats. I am just looking for set facts so I can make him understand what this procedure really is. I think part of the reason he is being so obstinate is that he doesn't want to believe he did anything to harm the pets he loves so much. Although I understand that, I am not willing to mutilate my pets to make him feel better.

So I am looking for facts and suggestions (besides find a new beau). Please help.

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