I didn't intend to get into the declaw debate either, but I can't help my immediate reaction of distress. I knew from what you posted that you were both thinking of what was best for him, and I'm trying to do that also - long distance. I would still want several opinions before I did anything this drastic. I wonder how they have clipped his claws in the past since he's an adult and it must have been done before.

Yes, his first guardians said he used to get up on the sofa to be with them. Whether he jumped or somehow used his arms, I don't know. I'm assuming he's being a little more cautious of his movements until he feels totally at home.