Because the cat is theirs to declaw. And it's a cat.

Yeah we had that same feeling, until we came home from vacation to find out that not only did the nephew not come over the feed and water the cats daily, but that one of ours got a claw stuck in the couch. Let us pray that the cat wasn't stuck there the full week we were gone. It was long enough for him to potty on himself and for it to smear and dry into his fur - not only that the claw was half ripped out - so emergency vet visit to have it removed and the paw repaired and of course sedatives.... So I have witnessed more horrifying things than a cat with out claws.

Cats have a way of tearing up things AND people with those front claws. We always have. As long as they are indoor cats, there's NO problem. We DO have one that finally got PUT out (he wanted to go) who's declawed. Went with my first wife for a while, wanted outside, and began to stay out. When she moved to an apartment, she dropped him back here, giving me the choice to put him down or let him live outside. He's done QUITE WELL for himself outside, here, for the past 8-9 years. To me, better that, than docking a dog's tail or ears (cosmetic purposes ONLY).

It's fine to get the claws trimmed regularly, if you don't want the cat to rip your furniture to pieces, and get them a scratching post; they have urges if you don't declaw them, and if they grow too long, that's what happens, the claws can fall off or get ripped out and it hurts the cat. Most people probably don't want to go to the trouble to manage the claws, but I wouldn't declaw them either, in case it needs to defend itself or something, can't do so without any claws, really.

I am sorry to say, there are actually times when it comes to a choice between declaw or euthanasia. It is very rare, but it happened to me. My older cat playfully reached up and swiped at the baby. He just missed baby's eye. If I took him to the pound, they would just kill him, so I very reluctantly had him declawed. He was an entirely indoor cat and it was done as humanely as possible. The cat and the baby spent many more years as great companions. I do not recommend it except in extreme circumstances.

Removing the claws of domestic cats is a procedure banned or considered inhumane in many countries around the world including the UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and Poland. It is widely available in the United States and other countries where the degree of public information about the procedure is limited. A cat's claws form part of the last digit of each toe. It is not possible to remove the claw without amputating the bone, ligaments and tendons. The declawing process thus involves 18 separate amputations. Each amputation is a complex process and the chances of complications are high. Some of the complications include, but are not limited to: Excruciating pain Postoperative haemorrhage Necrosis of the second phalanx Abcesses Accidental shattering of adjacent bones Abnormal re-growth of nerve endings Damage to the radial nerve Painful regrowth of deformed claws Chronic back and joint pain Declawed cats often develop behavioural problems. The stress of feeling defenceless can cause high blood pressure and heart disease. Traumatised animals will often suffer from depression and develop weight problems. Many will seek security positions on the top of tables or wardrobes - anywhere they can still climb. The whole personality of the cat may change as the animal feels fearful and insecure. source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A25953230

Maybe someone out there thinks that their furniture, kid's face, etc is more important than the cat's pleasure. The cat is there for you and not the other way around regardless of what the cat thinks.

I had my cat declawed in the front only. I had to do it for his own good. I use to trim his claws about once a week. But that only made him want to sharpen them more. And he wasn't a fan of the procedure. By declawing him in the front only. He can come in the house periodically and the furniture doesn't suffer. And his hind claws still provide him with a defense if needed. As far as mutilating a cat, I'm not sure that it does. Sorry Ali....:(

How do you feel about human male circumcision?

I am the original poster--- As it would take me too long to comment everyone's replies, I thought I'd sum up my views on this in one go. As I stated in my comment to malevolentbutticklis, it is not mandatory to take a cat into your home, or any pet for that matter. If a person chooses to, they should make an informed choice. A cat will be a cat. It's not a mystery that cats claw at things and do their nails. There are solutions such as scratching posts and trimming their nails (a 5 minute chore every 2 weeks or so). If you care about your furniture, a cat is not the right pet for you. It's that simple. To use a paradox, that would be like saying it's ok to cut your child's hands off so they won't draw on your couch or your walls. It's fine not to want pets for any of the reasons mentioned. Not so much to "modify" your pet to your liking (cutting ears and tails included). De-clawing a cat is a mutilation, pure and simple, and often (though not always as BigDaddy attests) it gives them lifelong problems and pain. Plus it deprives them of a means of self defense, and the mobility they are used to (jumping and climbing). I apologize for the rant, but this is how I feel about it. That said, I have given + points to all to thank you for your time in reading and answering my question.

I believe that people should just de-paw the cats.

Yes, the ignorance of the average person is shocking! De-clawing causes so many emotional problems for cats, but many see them just as objects. I have even heard of veterinarians asking if they would like a de-clawing ($$$) to go with the immunizations. Many (especially here in the States) are just plain selfish. They say that the reason for having a cat is their pleasure, and really don't care about the cat as a sentient being. That is the way their parents raised them, and thinking for yourself takes some effort. I appreciate your wisdom!

I've never ever declawed any of my cats and never heard of anyone doing it to their cat. The first I heard of it was on this site. Personally I don't get it. My cats never scratched me and if they did well I probably deserved it but it didn't make me want to rip their claws out. I spose it's just as bad as people who debark their dogs. Dogs that have been debarked sound so miserable when they are trying to bark. It's natural for a cat to scratch and a dog to bark.

How about getting their eyes clawed out? people are more valuable than animals!