it's just like having kids. at first you babyproof everything, then their range extends and you baby proof more. As they get a little older, you start to relax.
cats are not particularly destructive especially if you start them out right away with good places for them to scratch and climb and train them to use them using positive reinforcement. I buy stuff for kittens until i find a scratching post or box or board that they like (use).
i have 4 cats and an undamaged house. I also don't have sheer curtains on my windows...