I have only recently realized just how awful and cruel declawing is. I understand how people that don't realize what is involved can have it done to their cats, but I would never do that. I have one cat that is declawed, before I got her, and it is so sad to see her trying to scratch her scratching board! and it is very painful for them , takes along time to heal. there are so many solutions to the scratching problems. a little patience and love is all it takes, in fact I have a cat that that has been with me for over 2 years that was always good about where she scratched but is now having a problem, she is being naughty and scratching on the couch, but I will work with her and she will never be declawed!
I wish it was not painful to them, then it would be an easy decision. but it is so I could never do that.