Here is my opinion. I think it is cruel. My sister has done this and her cats look so unnatural as they "try" to grab and play with toys. It is in a way like amputating our fingers. If for some reason the cat got loose, it loses one of it's natural defenses against predators. If there is a storm or natural disaster or if someone accidentally lets the cat out and it gets lost it will have lost some of its protection. They make clear sticky tape that you can put on the corners of your furniture. The stickyness deters the cat from scratching. They also make spray on repellent. Consider not to de-claw, your cat will love you for it.