I had cats as a child and we never declawed any of them. It wasn't an issue. They were mainly outdoor cats until they wanted to come in. We never had any problems with them being outside. If you don't want your furniture tore up or house a wreck then DON'T GET A PET! You have to take the good with the bad and if you can accept that then you shouldn't get a pet. Mutilating your pet for your own sanity is gross.