I will not be subdued by zealous rants of unfounded fears so here goes [please direct all responding rants and vengeful viruses and mail dumps to the email address above :-)]. Declawing is a very emotional issue in *both* the cat and ferret community. It is very similar to the back alley abortions performed years ago, and in some cases, even today. Why declawing is such an emotional issue is a mystery to myself and for the vets and board certified surgeons I have spoken to in private. We could certainly parade hacked up declawing procedures just like bungled abortions in defense against the procedure. But rest assured, a proper procedure does not adversely effect the ferret's ability to walk, run, play, jump, scamper, etc. I invite anyone to come to Miami and visit my critters [I'll even throw in a cup of tea]. They are welcome to bring their ferts along to play with mine and see for themselves what the absense of front claws bring [my ferrets can beat up your ferrets....[smile]]. Foster especially, he is a rescue that in the three months I have had him has put on 2 1/2 lbs of muscle, lost his face-lunging and hard bloodletting-biting, and has become an affectionate and loving "terror" to all. He is agile, quick, loving, and an accomplished wrestler. He has also been declawed since his arrival[the horror!!!]. He is not the exception but the rule in my experience of my ferts in six years. So why all the hooplah when compared to, let's say, castrasting a male for admittedly and mainly behavioral reasons? Who knows. I am definately a minority here, but despite all the zealous hype, declawing continues [just like abortions] in both the cat and ferret community. Physiologically, it is somewhat different for ferrets than cats and the procedure must be performed by an experienced vet [I would certainly demand to first see their results in others]. However, properly done, there is no reason for any adverse effects. I respect the positions of others on the forum, some of whom I know and care for, and who vehemently disagree with me. Whether they have seen hack jobs or just developed their position as part and parcel is of little bearing because they have a right to whatever they hold. For those who claim to be so "scientific" they can be highly directed by emotional rhetoric. I certainly would expect the AFA to come to the same position as most if not all cat associations in banning and villifying declawing. This paradigm will not change tomorrow nor the day after. Most declawer's keep it to themselves, vets, surgeons, and owners, because of the vehement and dark backlash [sound familiar?]. Perhaps my ferrets are the ONLY ferrets who are not adversely affected by this procedure...I find that statistically unlikely though. Some on the forum have lamented over the "demise" of my critters and wished me repentance. I appreciate the thought and care of all ferret caretakers, and do not find their misdirected concerns too distressing. If declawing means a safe, happy, welcome, loving, caring, and successful home for ferrets, so be it. The procedure is not cheap, however, recovery is quick and complication free going by the six ferrets I have. Like all surgical procedures it is not without the same risks. It should not be done either too early or late in life. Their "feet" will look exactly the same upon inspection and comparison EXCEPT for the absence of claws. As I have stated previously, anyone who doubts this can come to Miami, really. I have already surprised several ferret diehards after I have let them examine and play with my critters. But do you think even after they witnessed with their own eyes the physically innocous nature of the procedure that their positions changed? Nope. Beliefs are tautological. Until next time, best wishes, alphachi [Posted in FML issue 1865]