Did you know that, in California, it is illegal to declaw all large cats? California Penal Code Section 597.6 states, "No person may perform, or otherwise procure or arrange for the performance of, surgical claw removal, declawing, onychectomy, or tendonectomy on any cat that is a member of an exotic or native wild cat species, and shall not otherwise alter such a cat's toes, claws, or paws to prevent the normal function of the cat's toes, claws, or paws." Unfortunately, the law DOES NOT protect domestic cats. In other words, veterinarians are free to make $$$ by declawing Fluffy for your "convenience!" It is a disgusting practice and shows that the CA legislature in Sacramento are in the pocket of the largest veterinary lobbying group, the California Veterinary Medical Association. This organization, whose stated "mission" is "Improving animal and human health in an ethically and socially responsible manner," advocates FOR declawing Fluffy for the needs of the human! So basically, the petty and frivolous (not to mention UNethical and IRresponsible) needs of some people are, according to the CVMA, more important than the humane, ethical and kind treatment of cats. If you find this as sickening as I do, please contact the CVMA and tell them they are WRONG about their policy encouraging veterinarians to declaw cats. You can email them at staff@cvma.net.