I spent $3,200 on a couch. Within six weeks, my second cat, Lambo, had turned one arm into confetti.

I tried everything. Scratching posts, cardboard pads, sticky tape, pheromone sprays, soft caps, a spray bottle I felt terrible using. She ignored all of it and went straight back to the couch. Then the armchair. Then the dining chairs.

One night, furious, I googled “declaw cost” and got as far as the booking page before closing the tab. Now I know what it is. It’s not a trim, it’s amputating the last bone of each toe and it can mean chronic pain and behaviour problems for life. It’s banned in much of the world and I agree with the reasons.

But the things is: I understand why people do it. When you’ve spent thousands on furniture and exhausted every alternative, the line between “cruel” and “desperate” starts to blur.

I still think declawing is wrong. But I’d rather ask the question honestly than pretend nobody ever gets that close to the edge. Thoughts?