I am far behind with AllDeaf about soft paws and declawing cats.here.
I am doing a
slightly different with my former cats, I trimming their nails with a clipper scissor like this,
http://www.funkstownvet.com/nail%20trim.jpg regular.
as I was following my Professional Cat breeder's instruments to show me how to do take care of cat's claws.
How to Trim your Cat’s Claws
Its the same as my dogs' the vet or myself cutting their claws with a clipper scissor, because it is painful to take them out for a walk with long nails at the bush. It is sensible and right thing to do.
One of my alastian dogs was born with a double dew claws at the rear of her legs, and the vet recommend us to have it fully removed by surgery.