Randi. I don't neccessarily see the problem. I've seen tons of cats being declawed, and its not that bad. They give the animals pain meds after also. Atleast here they do. One of the new vets at the clinic had a different, more humane way of doing it. She would just cut out the part that makes the claw grow back instead of cutting the claw off at the 1st joint. This was takes longer, but its not as painful for the animal. I think the main/only reason people get cats declawed is so they don't ruin the furniture and carpets and such. My cat lives in my moms apt, where its totally not allowed to do that, so its either get her declawed, or give her away. My cousin has a cat who is an out door cat, which would wouldn't be able to tell is declawed. This cat climbs trees, and catchs 'cat things' better then most cats with claws. My opinion. Im not saying its not cruel, i'm just not saying its very cruel either.