My cat Sonny was front declawed thirteen years ago because my parents felt it was better. I personally wouldn't do so because of the alternatives available. I like soft claws products. The county vet here does not do a good job declawing. Three people I know have brought home cats with bleeding paws and nerve problems that last the cat's life. My mom's friend has a siamese that has limped on the sides of its paws for years because of being declawed. When I volunteered at the local humane society I kept the cats' nails well trimmed so people didn't look in the cages and see talons coming at them like they do sometimes when nobody cuts their nails.