I have two cats, and I will not declaw them.

Why alter an animal's body because it is more convenient for you? Think about it, we didn't exactly get their consent to adopt them. So I'll just live with slightly messed up furniture, as I cut my cats's claws down on a regular basis. They do make special clippers for cat claws.

Please don't hurt me, I love you!!!!
http://thumbs.webshots.com/sym/na3/7...3WopjUu_th.jpg

The giant kitty will come get you if you hurt my friends!

http://community.webshots.com/sym/im...6MdWPta_ph.jpg

I think there is also a "more humane" way to do it. I don't know the exact details, but I think they cut the tendon thats controls the claw, taking away the ability to engage them and cause damge, but they are not ripping the claw out, so it's less toturous with less chance of infection because there is no big open sore where the claw once was. The procedure is more expensive, but a lot of animal people I've talked to said it was a lot better for the kitty. You should look into it. And onl do the front paws so they still have some defensive/grip.

I have four cats, all of which are declawed. I don't recall any of them acting like they were in pain after the procedure, and they haven't had any problems in the 2+ years since. The cat is anesthetized during the procedure, and mine were given pain medicine afterwards.

As for the litter problem, you should use shredded paper in the box until toes are healed competely - after that it shouldn't be a problem. If regular litter is used when the toes are still a bit tender, the cat may associate any pain from digging in the litter with the litter box, which would cause the problems with not using the litter box.

I honestly don't think a vet would do the procedure if they really believed it was painful and inhumane. However, since your cat is a bit older (and used to the claws, as someone said) I would try to find an alternative, only because older cats may have complications from the anesthesia.

wow, i didnt know declawing was considered so taboo.

my precious little princess kitty is 12 now, and we got her declawed when she was just a baby. (i was only 7 yrs old at the time, so i had nothing to do with it!!) i dont think it has affected her in any way other then she has no claws. i think since she was so little she doesnt even remember ever having claws, or know that she should have them. also i am a vegetarian and have a HUGE soft spot for animals, but i really dont see it as being that bad... i mean, geez, we cut out theyre utereus's and no one complains about that, so whats the diff?? but if you do do it, i think it should be done when they are little so they dont suffer any mental repercussions. i may sound crazy, but what they hey.