I would just do the declaw anyway. I’ve had declawed cats all my life and have never had any with arthritis or any other problems. They still do the whole scratching motion, so their muscles get used all the time, but they just don’t actually scratch anything.
I have a blind cat and I was afraid to declaw him, because I thought it might make it harder for him to get around. But, after getting some really fancy leather sofas, I went for it. You’d never know it. He’s been fine for years now without claws and I don’t have any more little holes in my shirt from when I pick him up, which is quite nice! :-)
No way!!!! do NOT declaw. It’s cruel and can lead cats to bite.