Isn’t it wonderful how cats can adapt? My Greta kept the premises mouse-free without benefit of claws. On the other hand, she was well aware she had nothing to back up a swat, so she went straight for the bite. Usually, she wouldn’t try to puncture, but you could get a nasty scratch if you pulled away (which one tends to do under the circumstances). She also suffered from arthritis from years of walking with amputated toes. I think the mutilation of the hind feet really exacerbated that.
I could write reams on her quirks and cleverness, but I should wrap up now.
Eons ago, when I got my first apartment on my own after undergrad, I asked my new landlady if I could get a cat. She said it would have to be declawed (really, she was a nice lady, but unaware of the evils of declawing). Since I would never do that, I checked the local shelter to see if they had any declawed cats. Just one, and she had been declawed in all four feet! She had been surrendered by, I strongly suspect, people who had no clue about cats. She was an extremely smart cat, but had a lot of issues from being totally declawed (and I believe, other mistreatment from ignorance). They had her age at 1 year; I think she was probably closer to 2. She was with me for 18 years and still is in my heart.
Kinda glad I’m a latecomer this time—I got to read about the loaner car and know you’ve had a bit of weight removed from your shoulders. Still sending purrs and PotP to you and your hubby.
Adding my purrs for you and your mother.