I would agree in that declawing is pretty cruel to your kitty, but considering what I do every day at work I don't think I personally can make that argument.

If you do have it done, do it soon while the cat is young and will likely heal well... and not hate you forever for doing it. My parents old cat was declawed on the front paws and she lived a long full life of probably 25 years my our best guesses. Terrible mouser though...