I love cats because they are soft and furry and graceful and beautiful (except maybe for big boofy tomcats but they can still be very friendly and affectionate).
It's also a mystery as to how they can purr. I read somewhere that applying a purring cat to sore areas of your body eg. arthritic joints, is very good for you (as long as the cat is agreeable of course)
Sean, I think it is cruel to declaw cats and it means they can't defend themselves against other cats or dogs. I don't think any reputable vet would do such an operation and am pretty sure that in Australia at least, it is illegal to declaw cats. It makes me very angry when I hear of people getting cats declawed as it's just not natural to have a clawless cat.
If you've got guinea pigs, I'd make sure they were kept well away from the cat.
Anyway, cats use their claws to deposit scent on various objects.
Ma-137, unfortunately it is not uncommon for pets to be jealous if their owner gets a boyfriend or girlfriend or if there is a new baby in the house. A few judicious sprays with a water pistol might have discouraged the cat that was annoying you.
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Break out you Western girls,
Someday soon you're gonna rule the world.
Break out you Western girls,
Hold your heads up high.
"Western Girls" - Dragon