Why you shouldn't delcaw
If you told someone that your cat was going to have a distal phalanx removal, they would probably say "oh dear! Is it serious?"... but yet people that own cats have it done all the time. This is the medical term for declawing a feline, and it is basically an amputation of the first digit of the cat's toe.
I believe it to be a cruel procedure, and uneccessary as well. Here are some reasons why not to declaw, and some alternatives as well.
Why?
Even vets agree that they don't know if cats suffer from "phantom pain" after the claw removal.
Declawed cats are MUCH more likely to bite, especially if you play roughly with them.
Cats use their claws for many purposes. The claws are needed for daily grooming and for proper exercise of muscles when the cat stretches and scratches. Additionally, the cat needs its claws to help it balance and jump.
A cat's paw is very similar to a human hand; declawing a cat is the equivalent of cutting off your fingers at the first joint. This operation is very painful for the cat, and may result in permanent physical and psychological damage. Moreover, a cat that has been declawed is considered mutilated and is not allowed in the show ring.
How can I save my furniture?
Kittens can be easily trained to use a scratching post. Use only positive reinforcement, a squirt bottle or water pistol also can help. Pay attention to your cat and circumvent scratching errors. Place scratching areas throughout your house and teach Fluffy to use them.
Clip your cats claws with a surgical clipper. If you are gentle, but firm with the cat, most will allow you to clip their claws, and you will become more deft with a little practice. If you don't think you are up to the task, have your vet or groomer do it for you. Better yet, ask them to show you how! Or get an assistant. There are many ways to clip a kitties toenails without causing harm to you or your pet.