Hi, Catfancier, welcome! My name is david p and I live in Pittsburgh, Pa. I'm owned by two cats, Nikki, a 4 year old tuxedo, and Daisy, a 16 month old tortoiseshell. I very much agree with you about declawing. It is done in the United States, but the practice should be banned! My two kitties are not declawed and a couple pieces of furniture have battle scars! I have themn trained to a point where I say "Nikki!" and she will stop woking on the furniture. Catfancier, I hope that you stay and post alot and there are alot of people here that share your viewpoint.