To me one of a cats greatest enjoyment s in life is using its claws. I have 6 cats in our home right now and none have been declawed, they all have learned very quickly what they are allowed to use their claws on and really have a lot of fun attacking and climbing their posts. I opt for training rather than surgery when dealing with any pets behavior problems. However I don't judge if you decide to have it done.
I do think hind dew claws should be removed on infant puppies to prevent later accidents and pain if the toe gets caught on something. I have never had a problem with a pets front dew claws and have also always been able to clip the nails of even the most scared or nippy dog with enough time and patience. Sometimes a foot at a time at first
Just my two cents