I love all these kitty stories. I don't like the idea of declawing, either, so I'll try the clipping routine which worked just fine with our Siamese.These two are getting wild around the house chasing each other up and down the furniture, under the couch, you name it. Sandy the shy is still shy but she's gotten very brave about racing around the house. She let me pet her a little when I caught her unawares in her bed. I put the little bed on the couch as that seems to be where they want to be. Having them hasn't done much for getting Christmas stuff done, though. But it's more fun!