"De-clawing" is a misnomer. The procedure is actually amputation to the first joint of the toe. Most of my cats have been, and will always be, shelter kitties; however, we bought a Maine Coon Kitten last year. The breeder told us we must have a Cat Climbing Tree before we brought the kitten home as her mother cats teach their kittens to scratch on them. Our kitten has never scratched anywhere else. Worth a try .. as an alternative to amputation. Also, learn to trim the cats claws once a week or so. It is easy to do and helps them to resist clawing furniture. As a last resort, please go for the more expensive option of laser surgery. Our vet tech [who abhors de-clawing and will not even assist with the procedure] has told me that it is much easier on the cat. Also, remember that a declawed cat must be an indoor only cat.
_^. .^_
I have done a lot of research into the declawing, trying to to think of another way to get around it.
However, my Breezy refuses to hold still to have her claws trimmed. I've got the battle scars to prove it. Also, when she reaches she reaches with her claws rather than her paws.
Also, the "soft caps" are bad too. My vet (who I've known for almost 20 years) have had cats come in with infected nail beds because of the soft caps.
Breezy is an and will remain an indoor kitty. I hope to start leash training her the end of the year.