Alto 2 and Rambling Mom:
Oh – a whistle would be cool – instead I say “pretty kitties” in a very annoying tone and oddly, they respond! At least here in the house and the other day when they were out it did work.
I am one of those anti-de clawing people 🙂 Especially given the chances that they CAN get out, I just wont do that to them. This was the first example of them using their claws in a ‘bad’ way inside. I have about 4 scratchers spread throughout the house and they use those exclusively – have never touched my furniture. Most likely I will do as I planned and get harnesses for them and let them hang out in the backyard with me when I play in the yard. Also looking into a rather elaborate play/climbing structure for them to take advantage of this really high ceilings all around the house. Keep them more amused inside. A lanai or indoor/outdoor play are would be great, but is not feasible with my very small back area. The largest parts of the yard are, of course, sloped!
Trees & Flowers & Birds! 
We never declawed our cats either, and I never regretted it. In 25+ years of owning cats, they never destroyed anything important, and several times needed to use those claws to defend themselves. Even when they were indoors most of the time, I was more secure knowing that when/if they got out they could climb a tree and/or defend themselves against a predator. Of course they also used them to kill more than a few baby bunnies, etc… but that’s nature 🙂
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