I think I did that once too, but since they never just pop in to check on the cat...
That's true. Many people that have signed those contracts still wind up having their cat declawed.
Keeping your cat's nails trimmed will eliminate about 80% of the damage. Training them to use a scratching post solves another 10-15%.
I am not recommending this, but if you (Ben) decide to go that route, let me ask you to consider a few things:
NOTE; Don't even consider declawing if the cat likes to go outside. Even if you try to keep him in, he will eventually escape. Without claws, they cannot defend themselves, and they cannot climb trees to escape predators.
Now:
1. Please don't go t the cheapest place to get it done. Declaw surgery can be cruel and painful, but it doesn't have to be. If you are willing to pay for proper procedures, and if it is done correctly there is very little pain and complete recovery is very possible.
2. Find a hospital that uses a laser. Many places still us steel blades and they are convinced that is just as good. No it's not.
3. If the hospital offers you "optional" pain medication, find another place. They are only interested in being able to get you to choose them based on price. Pain medication is expensive, but extremely important. It shouldn't be optional.
4. Make sure they intubate the cat for anesthesia. Injectable sedation is not sufficient.
5. After the surgery, do not use regular litter for a couple of weeks. It is abrasive and causes infections. A good vet will recommend alternative litters for post surgery (eg: "Yesterday's News"). It is a very absorbent pelleted material made from recycled news papers.
Remember, after declawing, you have to commit yourself to keeping the cat indoors for the rest of it's life.