So glad to see that you chose the Soft Claws route. It has worked wonders for our boy Si's random scratching of the furniture. We had the vet do it first to show me how to properly trim his nails and apply the caps. Now I can do them myself -- but he has to be in a hard sleep or he wants to nip. Weird the nail clipping doesnt bother him at all, because I always play with his feet, but I think the smell of the cap glue sets him into nipping mode.I love my cat and in no way want to hurt him. The tenectomy sounds like it is as mutilating as declawing.
When I tried to put on soft claws I got bitten and Topaz wouldn't stay still, so I wound aup bleeding for 5 hours (I am on blood thinners) and very frustrated.
What I found out is that the vet can apply soft claws. Topaz doesn't like his paws touched, but the vet has no issue with that. It isn't expensive and can be done in 10 minutes.
So that is my solution. Soft claws professionally applied once every month or two and the problem will hopefully be solved.
I will keep you all posted.