A change in personality and temperament. A formerly friendly cat may become very cautious and growl and bite. It means you, as a cat owner, have renounced the responsibility you assumed when you fell in love with that kitten or cat. To a great extent, this is due to it's ingeniously designed retractable claws that allow it to establish footing for walking, running, springing, climbing or stretching. The physical effect of declawing is gradual weakening of the muscles of the legs, shoulders and back.
Balance is impaired.
Emotionally cats feel defenseless and thus live in a constant state of stress, making them more prone to disease. Despite it's grace, a cat is not sure-footed. Without the lightning-quick ability to grasp with it's claws, it can easily be injured in a fall. It is fairly common for a declawed cat to become a biter. Scratching is a normal characteristic of a healthy cat.