CAT LOVERS! Can You Help Me?

I purchased a kitten, yesterday, from a pet store. He had his first set of shots and is due in two weeks for his second. I love him already, he's cute and easy so far, but when I hold him or when I'm close to him his claws scare me. They come out all the time and he always looks like he is scratching his claws at me. Am I doing something wrong? I am extremely gentle and when I called a local vet he told me to have him declawed. This is NOT an option. Can anyone with experience and knowledge of cats enlighten me to any alternatives. Also, at what age can I have my cat nutured and what are reasonable price ranges for an uninsured cat? Thank you!