<rant>
Declawing is inhumane. It's an incredibly painful process for the cats. Imagine having your own fingernails ripped out---yes, they're under anesthesia for the surgery, but that wears off a lot faster than the pain. And even after the pain wears off, the cat is forever at a disadvantage if it has to defend itself. You have to be very careful not to let it outside---EVER. My cats are declawed because they came that way when we adopted them. I'll readily admit that there are some nice things about it, but I would NEVER do that to an animal. If you really want a declawed cat, adopt one that's already declawed.
I really don't understand all of the comments that suggest harm to the cat. (I realize that some of them are jokes, but it sure sounds like some of them aren't.) How can people take such good care of their fish, and then be so heartless to their other pets? When you bring an animal into your life, you're making a commitment to care for it. If you can't handle that, then find it a new home. Maiming the animal for your own convenience is way beyond irresponsible pet ownership. It's deeply wrong. If you find yourself considering it, you should reconsider pet ownership altogether.
I know I'm going to get flamed for this, but I just had to speak up.
</rant>
