well I have a 3 year old tabby, and I have to give her t my parents while I'm away in college. They say they'll take care of her, but on one condition, she get de-clawed.
now, Ive heard bad things about de-clawing, about how its like removing the tips of someones fingers, plus she wouldn't be able to climb stuff, although i think thats the point.
I don't really want her to be de-clawed, but my parents don't want her to be scrathing up anything, woul getting her nails clipped produce the same results as having her nails completely removed, and is this REALLY animal cruelty?
any help is appreciated although I wish to know this as soon as possible.

I think getting a cat declawed is like getting a birds wings cliped..It would be a better option to get his/her nails cliped if possible rather than take them away completely. You should ask your parents would they be willing to clip its nails instead otherwise have you thought of taking the cat to a em..cant think of the word but where they would look after the cat until you got back?

Clipping the claws won't do. It'd have to be done every week or so, and good luck getting someone to clip the claws of a cat that they don't really want every week.

Ask them if they'll try keeping her & have a scratching post for her and then if she scratches anything up or it becomes apparent that she's going to, get her declawed.

Does the cat ever go outside?

cat doesn't go outside.

and I'm going away for 2 years, no way shes going to a kennel.

I think declawing is a bit cruel. If she gets outside for any reason she'll have no possible way to defend herself. Does she scratch things up at your place? I have cats and they don't really scratch things up, unless they're being locked inside a really confined space and want out, but that's pretty cruel to do on purpose.

she kinda scratches stuff.
I mean, not to shreds, but she does do it.
I don't want to do this to her, but it seems to be the only way they are going to take care of her is if they can do this to my cat.

That's sad, but I suppose it's better that than not finding somewhere for her at all. But just remember that she'll have to be an indoor cat FOREVER.

I'm ok with that.
I don't really want my cat to be an outdoors cat, too much worry involved.

it's illegal here.


plus. watching a cat scratch a scratching post with no claws is a depressing sight.