www.Funkstownvet.com/declaw.html
www.declawing.com/htmls/declawing.htm
I grew up in a vet's office ... I've seen it done and it is an ugly and very painful surgery. While the tendon may or may not be attached in kittens does not change the fact that the third bone of the toe is removed.
Please understand this surgical procedure before you wave it off as no big deal, that's all I ask. Your vet obviously simplified the description of the surgery ... for what reason, I'll never know.
I used to work for a vet and we did quite a few declaws (you’re correct about how the procedure is done). However, to do it should be a personal matter between an owner and their vet. If that’s what it takes for the cat to have a long term, happy home, I don’t know what business it is of the rest of the world. Honestly.
Spaying and neutering could be considered just as maiming really even moreso, you are completely removing a hormonal system from the animal —any woman whose gone thru menopause likely understands what that’s like! But those are politically correct because the animal rights people like the outcome. There are actually some health issues associated with spaying and neutering, especially before maturity. I think it’s time we stop telling other people what they can and can’t do with their pets, if they are responsibly taking care of them and not burdening the rest of us with them.