FYI on declawing:

THE DECLAWING OPERATION
The standard declawing procedure calls for the removal of the claw, the cells at the base responsible for the growth, and part or all of the terminal bone of the toe. The operation is usually penformed on the front feet. It is actually an amputation comparable to the removal of the fingers of the human hand at the last knuckle. The cat experiences considerable pain in the recovery and healing process.

THE RISKS
MEDICAL: In addition to the need for general anesthesia, which always presents a certain degree of risk to the patient's health and life, infection and blood loss are possible surgical complications of declawing. An incorrectly positioned cut can removed too much of the toe, taking with it part or all of the toe's pad. But if the whole claw is not removed, misshapen claws can grow back, requiring additional surgery. If a cat's nail is brittle or the trimmer is dull, the bone may shatter and cause what is called a sequestrum, which serves as a focus for infection, causing continous drainage from the toe. This necessitates a second anesthesia and surgery. Abnormal growth of servered nerve ends can also occur, causing long-term, painful sensations in the toes. Great care must be taken after surgery that bandages wrapped tightly to control bleeding do not cut off circulation.