Hi all,
My 2c worth - here in New Zealand, declawing is heard of but very uncommon in practice - no vets that I am aware of recommend declawing cats, as it is cruel and unnatural.
I am training as a vet nurse, I have grown up with cats and have two gorgeous cats of my own, and through my training I have been able to clip my cats claws when they get too sharp. This is an easy, painless, and quick method to stop the scratches and occasional play fight wounds they give to each other and to me!
I have a cat who was a stray and adopted my partner and I, she hates having her claws clipped, so I have to basically sit on top of her to clip her claws. She protests, but it is over with quickly, and when I am finished, she runs outside and finds a tree to scratch against.
Both my cats use the back of a carpet-covered chair as a scratching post, and this suits them well. The only other place they scratch is an old sofa, but if they get into something they aren't allowed, the punishment comes in the form of a spray bottle of water. They have both learnt very well and very quickly!
Last point: Drapes/Curtains/Carpet/Couches can be easily replaced but can your cat?
(Photo is of Sophie, cat I have had since I was 3! She is due to turn 20 in December)
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