I have had some recommend it if you at at your witts end and the cat is either going back to the kill shelter (even SPCA kills here) or let go outside or get declawed... Declawed is actually better in some peoples mind then the other alternatives. I've even thought seriously about it with my baby (2 years old) Meka as she has been in the past very violent with hubby and me. The furniture is one thing and I don't think that is a reason to declaw but when they are violent to humans it is another. So far the new cat we got and the punishment of putting her in her carrier has been working slowly and declawing is not an option but if we can't cure her of violence we would have to declaw - there is another proceedure I'd check first though and that cuts the tendon in the paw so the cats can't extend their claws so much so not as much damage. Who knows - but with so many cats getting killed here if the cat had to choose between life and declawing in a good home I bet they'd choose declawing.... I dont' like it but as a last resort I can't say I wouldn't do it, who knows. Debbie