It really boils down to education and approaching people - vets and cat owners in the right way. Unfortunately, as others have pointed out, many vets still "package" spay/neuter and declawing as routine and don't properly educate clients. I have to give my vet credit in that regard. I've known her to make every effort to actually talk folks out of declawing and even refuse to do it under some circumstances.
Unfortunately, there are still a lot of cat owners who, while very caring and responsible, are uneducated about how cruel and unecessary declawing is. That's where those of us who have the knowledge and experience come in. But, in educating other cat owners, we have to do so with the right approach. Lecturing and criticizing them (in other words the "crazy cat lady approach") won't get us anywhere. Trust me, I've been there.
The key to effectively educating folks and convincing them not to declaw lies in sharing our experiences and providing accurate information in a positive, respectful way. Been there too and it works!
Unfortunately, there are still a lot of cat owners who, while very caring and responsible, are uneducated about how cruel and unecessary declawing is. That's where those of us who have the knowledge and experience come in. But, in educating other cat owners, we have to do so with the right approach. Lecturing and criticizing them (in other words the "crazy cat lady approach") won't get us anywhere. Trust me, I've been there.