Actually, declawed cats are almost twice as likely to be relinquished as a cat with claws. aggression and house soiling (2 common behavioral problems associated with declawing) are the top 2 reasons for relinquishment. Scratching didn't make the list. The vets that say that declawing "saves"...
Ever read "Homer's Odyssey?" It's about a little blind cat called Homer. The author, Gwen Cooper, mentions that she didn't declaw Homer because his claws were so much a part of his self confidence that it would devastate him more than any sighted cat. It is likely the same for your cat, too.
Unfortunately, the part about immunocompromised people needing to declaw the cat is untrue. The CDC, US Public Health and NIH all do not recommend declawing for people with compromised immune systems. Because of the behavior problems that can be caused because of declawing, it actually puts...