Whatever you do, don't take my finger!

[Alex]

I try not to apply standards of "humane" to animals. They're animals and as much as I like having pets, they're still simply possessions and sometimes things are done for convenience that would never be done to another human for any reason.

That said, I would not base the argument against declawing on the amount of pain felt by the pet but rather on the fact that, as has been metioned, sometimes indoor-only cats find themselves in the outside world. A declawed cat is essentially a defenseless cat and I personally wouldn't view the benefit of less household damage to outweigh the risk of a cat unable to defend itself. But that is a personal calculus and while I wouldn't agree with someone who decided differently I figure it is a personal choice.

My decision regarding spay and neutering also has little to do with what will happen with a cat properly contained but rather with a cat that suddenly isn't. I neither want my cat impregnated nor other feral cats impregnated. If there were a readily available relatively cheap chemical sterilization option I would probably use it over surgery.

Finally, I have no issues with the state of my penis. In fact, I liked it so much I had it done twice. If I were to descend into the hell that would be parenthood I would not circumcise my children, regardless of gender. Not because I'm opposed but because I don't see any positive reason for me to have it done.