4 minutes ago, rjs4470 said:

Well that escalated quickly?. You asked a question, and I gave my opinion. I don't disagree that it works out sometimes. But it sounds like you don't even want to consider that there are potential downsides or outcomes that don't fit your belief. I wasn't arguing, just presenting the other side. I'm always for the least invasive, least expensive option. And in this case it's training. And I'll stand by the fact that if you're more worried about your furniture, you probably shouldn't own a cat or any other animal, or have children. Putting your cat through a painful, invasive procedure and what amounts to an amputation to save a couch just doesn't seem like a loving thing to do, especially when the outcome may make the cat even worse off. I'm sorry for presenting the reality of the situation.

We agree to disagree simple as that.

My cats get regular shots and Checkups and are well tell taken care of, if you can't get on board with that then that's on you. 

I buy cardboard scratching pads for my cat. Works like a charm. Cat doesn’t scratch furniture but has scratched up weatherstripping in the past (inside/outside cat). Give them an alternative and cover with catnip. 

It is possible and recommended to trim a cat's nails regularly which reduces their impulse and ability to scratch up things.  Also, cheaper and easier on the cat than declawing.  Its not easy at first, but I recently saw aids to help.  I have six cats, and they all have claws, but three are long-term barn residents and three live in the garage and loft which is about 1,200 ft. sq.  My wife is allergic, so we don't have any in the house, but we did for many years, and we had some scratched up furniture to show for it haha.

PS:  just looked it up, and their are "hammocks" you put your cat into where they hang with their legs out which makes it easier to clip their nails,

Six cats!? ?