Actually, Tang, I did make a fuss about deformed dog breeds, as did Carole. Maybe you didn't hear us? I have no problem with racing pigeons or arab horses because they aren't bred with characteristics that are detremental to their health. I have no problem with working animals at all, for the most part. I think it's a far more interesting and healthy lifestyle for most kinds of animal than just being shut in a house all day, provided thye are treated well.
I'm not questioning your devotion to your own pets, but if their natural habits piss people off that much, maybe they should consider not keeping them?
Fiktishus is probably right about the health problems these poor cats will have later in life. The feline body is designed to be supported on legs about three times the length, you can't tell me the animal isn't feeling a little bit strange to say the least.
Added to which, cats are natural hunters, and natural predators. That's what they do. They need to be able to leap and climb and play and claw for their good mental health. This is why little lap dogs are so often nasty, yappy neurotic little shites. They're denied their natural needs and instincts, and it screws them up properly. Animals need to be mentally as well as physically taken care of, or they suffer problems, just like humans. Look at animals who go stir-crazy in zoos. Physically, they're fine, but they need to be able to exercise and move about and have some outlet for their natural urges. And don't tell me cats are domesticated, so they don't mind. How very un-domesticated cats are mentally is very clear when you see how they can go entirely feral in a generation.
Humans have played God with animals for thousands of years, and I appreciate it can't be undone. The fact is, we've made them dependant on us and we could at least have the decency to recognise their right to good health and dignity. They are living things in their own right, not toys for us to play with.
(incidently, in answer to your question, I would NEVER have a cat declawed. Both my dogs are spayed, but they are both rescue dogs and came to me that way. However, considering how people treat them, it's not a bad idea to be cautious about bringing new puppies or kittens into the world)