Declawing is a surgical procedure where the last bone of each toe (the third phalanx) is amputated. This is a significant procedure that can be compared to amputating a human fingertip at the joint.
While the claws themselves are removed, the remaining bone does not regenerate. This means that a declawed cat will never have claws again.
It's important to note that declawing is a controversial procedure, and many veterinarians and animal welfare organizations strongly advise against it due to the pain, potential complications, and long-term behavioral changes it can cause.