cats scratching

I say do not de claw. It is totally unnecessary. Have your cats nails cut once a month by the vet or a groomer.

I do this, and my cats' nails are never a problem.

The problem with scratch pads is that they really do not trim the nails of a cat. In fact, in my opinion, they tend to make the nails sharper.

You should still have scratch pads for the benefit of the cat, but not for your benefit.