I think you are brave for asking too. And I'm glad you did. We obviously all have our reasons for not declawing, and there are two reasons I don't. First, I have indoor/outdoor cats and it wouldn't be fair for them to be unable to defend themselves. Second, I could not put them through the pain of the removal. I've had an ingrown toenail removed before. I know how much that hurt. I'd never do that to my kitties. Just couldn't.