[ChristmasNeeve]

Originally Posted by Vicky.

How long has that been the case?

Abbey Veterinary Centre - advised 'declawing'. Or did as little as 4 years back. They appear to be part of larger chains too.

What is declawing?
Declawing involves the removal or part removal of a cat’s digital phalanges – the bone to which the claw is attached. Whilst the practice of declawing is relatively popular in the USA (an estimated 25% of domestic cats are declawed in the US), it is declining in popularity, thanks to anti-cruelty campaigns and being banned in some states. In the UK, declawing cats for any non-medical reason was officially made illegal in 2006, and is now punishable with a £20,000 fine and/or up to a year in prison.

https://pawpost.co.uk/blog/blog/2016.../#.XU1Db-NKgnQ