h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Couldn't help agreeing with you about some people's comments regarding animal welfare:

"It is a calculated decision to inflict suffering for personal satisfaction"

Like you, I wonder how long these folks who are casting judgment have been vegetarians. Not because I think all people who eat meat should be put down , but because I think people who would condemn someone else while actively contributing to other kinds of suffering they feel are perfectly fine, are rather hypocritical.

Anyway, I think it's a shame that people had to focus on attacking that woman for something that's already been done and can't be undone, rather than on how traumatic it would be for her cat to move into a new home, with a cat with a full set of claws.

Incidentally, I wouldn't voluntarily declaw any cats of my own. But it's been my experience that most vets *recommend* the procedure, and more to protect people, especially children, from scratches than to protect furniture. Why wouldn't they- it's one of the more costly procedures that pet owners can't use vouchers for. I've owned nine cats in all; all but two were adopted from Humane Societies having already been declawed by previous owners. The procedure itself may have been traumatic and painful, but the cats *were* able to carry on having long, happy lives. It's possible the cat in question might be able to, as well- if only people could focus on the issue at hand.

It's been a while since we've talked online- I really don't have time for much blogging-related activity these days- but I hope you don't mind my popping by uninvited to agree with you and mumble something to that effect.