I'm glad that you are not declawing your kitty. If not done properly, it can mess them up. From some of the stories in this thread, it sounds like some were not properly declawed. My brother had a cat declawed and the vet must have clipped the artery because his paws wouldn't stop bleeding. The poor kitty had to be put down. Maine Coons should never be declawed because their toes are different, plus they are smart enough to train not to scratch. Ours like to scratch vertically- our dom. Long hair likes to scratch horizontally. He likes my carpet.
Please watch your kitty in the sewing room as they like to eat threads and sometimes pins. Mine kept trying to "catch" the needle as it was sewing. She is no longer invited into my sewing room. Most of all enjoy your furbaby. They bring loads of entertainment.