Moon is an indoor cat however, we do let him hang out on the back patio and in the yard if we are home. He never goes far. A month ago, my neighbor brought her dog over for a playdate with Sunny. I forgot Moon was on the back patio and I told her to meet me and Sunny out back. Her dog saw Moon and the chase was on. Moon headed for the closest tree. It is a miracle that he made it there because how my fat 18 pound cat outran a beagle/lab mix is beyond me but he made it to and up the tree. He has never had to climb a tree in his life but his instincts kicked in. Thank God he had those claws. I meant to cut his nails the day before and was so grateful I didn't. He needed them as sharp as they were to get up that tree. Did I mention he's fat? LOL!! My point is (and I am not failing to recognize that his near death was ALL my fault on many levels) EVERY cat needs it's claws. You never know when they will need them to defend it's life.