I don't have anything against purebreds, I just think that with so many cats dying in shelters because there aren't enough cat homes to go around, people shouldn't be deliberately bringing more cats into the world. Aren't all cats pretty much alike anyway?
share[deleted]
I like the show and I do like learning about the different breeds of cats. I also concede that it's none of my business if someone wants to spend a fortune on a special kind of pet, I just feel so badly for the perfectly nice shelter kitties who can't find good homes.
share[deleted]
No IMO purebreds are completely unnecessary.
I have 3 cats, 2 purebreds, which cost a total of $750, and one black and white 'socks like' cat which was free.
Guess which cat is the healthiest, has the most personality, and is by far my favorite and the best out of the three?
The best cat was my black and white cat, the other two have a lot of health issues, and our always throwing up or getting sick from various reasons. I'm sure not all purebred cats are like this, but you have to remember with purebred cats a lot of inbreeding occurs which leads to unhealthy animals.
Although it is interesting to learn about all different breeds I would advise everyone to purchase a non purebred any day.
They aren't really necessary and they do come up in shelters quite a bit. Mine are from a shelter. They are brother and sister out of a litter of 7. They show characteristics of having Egyptian Mau and Savannah in their backgrounds. Healthy? I feel sorry for any bug that dares attack them. They have all their shots, are growing big (5 1/2 months and hitting close to 7 lbs each) and have totally different personalities. Their meows are unique or appear to be,short and raspy. The male has black tipped fur with black on light black markings and dirty grey underneath. I have had certified purebred but they were inbred and not healthy or good specimens of the breed. I have had purebred cross-breeds who have been totally crazy fun. The female by the way is a calico. Both have had their surgeries. Enough cats already in the world. The female is laid back and the male is skittish and friendly on his terms. The female can't get enough attention. Mom had a wild tone in her meows also and had a smallish head and long slender neck. Purebreds come up in shelters because people don't do their homework research. Many people like "lazy" cats and others like active ones. Some like "talky" type cats and other people like quiet cats. Mine are pretty quiet unless the male is nervous about something or both want to be fed or they are battling with each other physically and they get to growling, yowling, and otherwise being vocal with each other.Some are big cats and others small. Give the shelter cats a chance. Most of them are mixed up and like the mutts have the best of the different breeds including the health.
sharedrugs are bad, mmkay
shareI definitely understand your concern. Many purebred cats go up for adoption as well, maybe because people were unprepared to deal with them. There is a lot more variety among dogs than cats (heck, dogs are the most diverse species on the planet), but even so, the scores of different breeds that exist do represent significant distinctions from one feline to another. One might very well wonder, "Cat breeds? Really? But they're all so similar anyway...!" However, one might also be surprised when s/he starts to research, discovering ones they've never seen or heard of, and what makes them unique.
Just as dogs have been specially bred for specific purposes, cats are bred in order to preserve certain predictable qualities--a particular kind of appearance, a general personality profile, care requirements, etc., etc. Over the past couple of years, I've thoroughly enjoyed becoming as intimately acquainted with cats breeds as I've always been with dogs. I've attended both "Meet the Breeds" events so far (it's an annual thing held in New York City, and I'm going again this fall)--each purebred cat I greeted was unique, fascinating, and awesome. (Of course, so is every non-pedigree cat!) I see the value both in responsible breeding (e.g., breeding for health & temperament and not creating more animals than can be guaranteed good "forever homes") AND in rescuing and caring for all homeless kitties, whilst spaying or neutering all "pet-quality" and otherwise non-breeding prospects. All of the breeders and cat lovers I've seen on Cats 101 seem like basically reasonable, aware, caring, knowledgeable people to me, who wouldn't disagree. One of them even found their first purebred Selkirk Rex via Petfinder--sweet!!
However, for all of the differences in temperament, care, suitability, and other factors among the pure cat breeds, it would still be much safer for one to assume that "a cat is a cat" rather than "a dog is a dog." There could never be nearly as much extreme variation among felines as there is among canines.
I've decided on my favorite breeds and reached the conclusion that when it comes time for me to seek out my first cat (so sad that I've never had one of my own, but my family members are strictly dog people!), I should first check breed rescue, the Petfinder search, etc.
absolutely not, there is no need for any type of purebred cat
all cat breeds are the result of human selfishness and vanity, they see some trait they like (usually a mutation, like folded ears, hairlessness, dwarfism) and inbreed the 'lines' (mothers bred to sons, daughters bred back to their fathers, siblings to each other, etc.) over and over until there are enough copies of the (usually defective) gene in the DNA that they can reliably reproduce it in offspring
unlike with most dog breeds, there is no 'purpose' for the differences that make cat breeds unique, there was no job they were bred to do, they are perpetuated because someone likes the 'look'; there should only really be two kinds of cats, IMO, long haired (for the colder climates) and short haired (for the warmer climates), what else do you need? they don't need a camouflaged coat, most are indoors, these days, and if they are outdoors, we want them unsuccessful at the hunt (look up the stats on how many wild birds are killed every year by domestic house cats); they don't need extra toes or pushed-up noses, they don't need folded ears, they *do* need hair (it's a fallacy that the hairless breeds are better for people who are allergic, as most people are allergic to the dander, not the actual hair, and even hairless breeds still produce dander), they don't need grotesquely exaggerated features (face shape, leg length, body length), they *do* need tails for balance; eye color doesn't matter
'mutt' cats are almost always healthier, happier creatures
adopt your pet from shelters, don't support breeders, there is no such thing as a "responsible breeder", there are only slightly less abusive ones, everyone who breeds animals on purpose is doing it for money (don't buy into that 'love of the breed' crap), otherwise, how can they justify the exorbitant prices for their purebreds? if they're so great, price them the same as a shelter pet, but they won't do that
thanks for starting this thread so I could vent, dko29
It has never been as crucial for mankind to breed cats for specific traits and purposes as it has been to breed dogs...therefore the breeding of purebred cats has largely been a relatively recent phenomenon, with most of the now-extant breeds having been developed within the past several decades (as opposed to the oldest dog breeds, which date back to antiquity. Few cat breeds can make that claim.) The number of new cat breeds continues to steadily increase as more are developed, but there are still quite few of them in comparison with dogs. Now that people have the ability to live with animals purely for pleasure and companionship, they can focus ever more on the preservation of the qualities they value in these animals that aren't necessarily directly related to a certain type of work. Whether it is a genetic mutation from which they seek to develop a new breed (so long as the trait can be safely bred, without detrimental results in the offspring), or some other quality they wish to predictably see in the offspring (regarding temperament/personality, exercise needs, physical capabilities, particular talents, coat type, colors, or anything else that can make them appealing and/or suitable for certain people)...this is the purpose of breeding.
Certain traits will be more important to some people than others, but that's the beauty of having a great variety. If you set out to create a new breed, it does take some time to get it to "breed true" (consistently produce offspring of a predictable type.) You will probably obtain kittens in the process who can't yet be thought of as "purebred" and don't fit what you ultimately want to see. Of course, if you have any sense of ethics whatsoever, that won't make them "worthless" to you...any real cat lover will provide for every kitty in his/her care (or see that someone else does), regardless of how much or little they further your overall goal of breed recognition and registration. We can't pretend that there aren't cold, ruthless people who don't abide by this, but if you speak to people who are passionate about animals, you see that those, fortunately, haven't been the norm. It requires tremendous love and dedication to successfully keep and breed animals.
There is also no actual evidence to support the notion that mixes are overall healthier, or that combining breeds passes on only the best traits of each parent breed to the offspring.
Again, there is not as much difference among the cats as among dogs, and purebreds aren't "better" than your average non-pedigreed feline--which is still the most common type of cat to be found. The two basic types are, indeed, longhairs and shorthairs. All of the breeds are identified as one of these (or "semi-longhair" or "semi-shorthair." Several breeds include both varieties.) You're right that it isn't NECESSARY to have cats who look like miniature wildcats, or have folded-forward or curled-back ears. But these are fine, unique breeds of cat; they are healthy, and they bring people pleasure without being abused or extorted. It's understood by most savvy, educated people that there is no truly "hypoallergenic" breed--although there are numerous very good recommendations for allergy sufferers of cats and dogs which are less likely to elicit symptoms.
The Sphynx does usually have at least a light "peach-fuzz" covering of tiny, thin hairs. Even those who are truly hairless likely have sweaters if they live in climates that get cold. There has been controversy over certain mutation-based breeds, especially the short-legged Munchkin and the tailless Manx and Cymric. But nothing has yet turned up to evidence that these are not healthy, happy cats. Sufficient genetic diversity is maintained to ensure that unhealthy and deformed offspring do not occur; cats of a certain variety are not bred together if this would produce a problem in the kittens.
I'm sorry, but the idea that "there is no such thing as a responsible breeder" is absolutely, entirely false. I've had rescued/adopted/shelter animals, and ones from responsible breeders (plus the one pet shop puppy, but that was a mistake my parents made when I was very young, and will never make again.) Reputable hobby breeders DO NOT breed to make a profit or as a source of income. It's a hobby. Any profit they do happen to make goes right back into caring for their animals. Over the years, a proper breeding (and often showing) operation costs more than it will ever generate for you. Why do people do it? YES, for the love of the breed. They want to preserve and continuously improve their chosen breed(s.) They very carefully select homes for their puppies or kittens and remain in touch with the new owners throughout the animals' lives as a source of support and assistance, ready to take the dog or cat back at any time if things don't work out. They breed only as many pups or kits as they know they can place, or keep themselves. They maintain records of every animal involved in their breeding program. It's taken seriously, not willy-nilly, "let's-get-rich-off-the-clueless!"
I have a show dog who would easily have been worth more than I paid for her, but her breeders were more concerned with placing her in a loving home than with getting as much money as possible. They were kind and generous, and gave me a serious bargain. Believe me, these people's dogs are NOT their income source. Someone charging thousands of dollars per puppy should be a warning sign that s/he IS in it only for money. Responsible breeders charge what they calculate to be a fair price based upon the animal's intended purpose (pet or show), and the work that has so far gone into raising them and caring for the parents--health testing and vet care, and the general care.
So then what kinds of breeders are the bad guys? Lots of people. Puppy mills. People who don't know the first thing about genetics or animal health and husbandry, and produce tons of litters they know they'll be able to sell to gullible folks for insane prices because the animals are physically attractive in some way, or popular and trendy--by claiming that they're of superior quality.
People who don't have good breeding stock, yet fail to spay/neuter for whatever reason, and allow the accidental birth of puppies and kittens that never should have been.
People who don't know what they're doing, but figure it will be "cute" or "educational" to let their dog or cat have "just one litter" that they can try to sell or give away...perhaps to folks who weren't really looking or ready for a new pet at the time. "Backyard breeders," as a negative connotation, encompasses the above sorts.
If all non-show/breeding prospects were to be spayed or neutered...or at least kept firmly away from any unplanned mating opportunities...then the flow of abandoned and homeless pets could be ended, and everything would be as it should. The key is to educate people and do as much "fixing" as possible--and to keep animals out of the hands of the truly unscrupulous, who wouldn't do the right thing no matter what they learned.
It's tragic that the cruel, abusive, and thoughtless actions of irresponsible people create homeless animals, and that this is then taken to reflect badly on all animal breeders--so many of whom are merely continuing decades' or centuries' worth of careful, painstaking work.
(That was extremely long...I apologize, but I felt the need to express it.)
any real cat lover will provide for every kitty in his/her care (or see that someone else does), regardless of how much or little they further your overall goal of breed recognition and registration.
Sufficient genetic diversity is maintained to ensure that unhealthy and deformed offspring do not occur
They breed only as many pups or kits as they know they can place, or keep themselves.
They maintain records of every animal involved in their breeding program.
I have a show dog who would easily have been worth more than I paid for her, but her breeders were more concerned with placing her in a loving home than with getting as much money as possible.
If all non-show/breeding prospects were to be spayed or neutered...or at least kept firmly away from any unplanned mating opportunities...then the flow of abandoned and homeless pets could be ended, and everything would be as it should.
The key is to educate people and do as much "fixing" as possible--and to keep animals out of the hands of the truly unscrupulous, who wouldn't do the right thing no matter what they learned.
It's tragic that the cruel, abusive, and thoughtless actions of irresponsible people create homeless animals, and that this is then taken to reflect badly on all animal breeders--so many of whom are merely continuing decades' or centuries' worth of careful, painstaking work.
(That was extremely long...I apologize, but I felt the need to express it.)
Oh, good. I enjoyed your responses as well.
You're right--we can't magically outlaw all bad breeders. :[ You can only be a good one yourself, support good ones, and/or simply work toward the welfare of all animals in general. Unscrupulous or misguided, ill-advised people have as much right to breed an animal as someone who is very careful about it and knows what they're doing. One of the biggest problems, of course, is the "puppy mill," as well as people who keep large numbers of animals in unacceptable conditions--much like hoarders. Such situations fortunately can result in arrests, criminal charges, shut-downs, and rescues.
but every specific trait that makes them a separate breed usually IS a deformity, extra toes, lack of a tail, strangely folded ears, curly coats, normal cats have a standard number of toes, they have a tail, they have erect ears and straight coats
they have to, for purposes of registering the breed with the Association, it's not like they do it for fun
has she won anything? perhaps the bargain was because she was only on the edge of 'show quality,' so they couldn't justify the full price for her; do you intend to breed her? or will you have her spayed as soon as her show career is over?
not sure how you keep in heat females and males "firmly away" from each other, short of locking them in a room, which they'll usually dart out of at the first opportunity
Oh, good. I enjoyed your responses as well.
support good ones
I was referring to detrimental deformities or abnormalities that impair the cats in some way, leading to discomfort, injury, disease, or death.
Most breeders prefer to wait until they have an actual waiting list of people (which is very common, especially for rarer breeds...people can remain on waiting lists for a year or more before being matched to an animal) that is sufficiently long to feel comfortable producing another litter. If you've only got a few people looking, it's probably wiser to ask them to wait than to go ahead and breed a new litter right away for them. Instant gratification isn't always possible.
Registration alone is, of course, not in itself an indication of quality or of the person's motivations for breeding.
I've sometimes wondered whether it would be possible to temporarily suspend breeding practices of the most populous animals, place all of the world's current homeless ones, and then resume normal breeding, with animals of each breed still at a good age for it. Might be just a fantasy....but it would be cool if it could actually work. You could always wind up with the same problem repeating itself, but at least there'd be a clean slate--and people would remember how bad things had gotten before and try to prevent it from recurring.
I definitely feel that if a person is simply looking for a pet, the first thing they should consider is rescuing one. Many are set on a particular breed, and they can still search shelters, Petfinder, and breed rescue for a potential match. (I was actually going to adopt an elderly rescued dog of my chosen breed, but my dad insisted I get a puppy so that we could raise it in our household with our existing dog. I checked again anyway, and the dog I'd been looking at was permanently placed soon afterward.) I think some people fear the "baggage" that they assume will come with a rescue due to their "histories"--behavioral problems, health concerns, delicate and time-consuming special needs. They like the idea of raising a dog from puppyhood in their own way and their own environment, knowing better what to expect because they can meet the parents, get a health guarantee, learn about the breed and how to handle it, etc. Some still feel that "there must be something wrong" with an animal if s/he's been surrendered or abandoned, which of course isn't true. Much more commonly there was something wrong with the people that did the abandoning...
I have dealt with some pretty serious temperament issues in adopted dogs that would have led many other people to quickly give up on and dump them. And then of course there's the "I couldn't bear to walk into a shelter without taking them all home" excuse.
Not that anything eases the knowledge that so many wonderful animals have to die simply for want of a home. That is unacceptable and, although the numbers of destroyed would-be pets have decreased dramatically in recent years as education, adoption, and "fixing" have increased, there are still far too many.
Another good point--although breed standards are focused on maintaining animals that can optimally perform their original functions, relatively few are still needed to engage in those functions. Even so, it fortunately isn't very hard to allow dogs to safely exercise their instincts. Reasons for choosing a certain breed *do* include all the ones you mentioned...at best someone will make their decision based upon size, personality, care requirements, and such factors, along with a genuine love that won't fade away as the animal grows. At worst they'll do it solely because they like the way a breed looks or because of a popular craze over one. It is very sad when people fail to understand why a dog behaves in a certain way, and refuse to give them any outlet to practice their natural, inborn drives.
but we can't always know when they're in discomfort, they're very good at hiding that, but I'd guess the ones with extra toes, the ones with elongated backs. and the Sphinxes, with all the skin problems they can develop (and having frequent baths to try to prevent that can't be fun) probably suffer
if the person is ready, willing, and able to get a pet, shouldn't they be encouraged to go to a shelter and save a life instead? in that year they wait for enough people to show interest, millions of animals will have been put down
a long time ago, some investigative journalist registered a litter of puppies with the AKC born of a dead golden retriever and a cat...all it takes to register is some paperwork and a check
I think that would be great, but I'll bet many would still have to be killed, there simply aren't enough homes, even with just feral dogs and cats reproducing
Thank you for mentioning breed rescue organizations! They are an excellent resource for someone who wants a specific breed, but doesn't want to go to a breeder, and while they can't provide PoP, they do know all about the needs of that breed, and what kind of human lifestyle best provides for them. And I agree that people shouldn't place a prejudicial stigma on surrendered pets, these days, it might simply be a financial reason (and the shelter will hopefully ask, and the surrenderers would hopefully provide, a complete history for the animal, medical and behavioral, to help the new owners).
Polydactyl (extra-toed) breeds or varieties aren't widely recognized or bred, but from what I understand, it's a harmless trait that causes no impediment. The extra toes seem to be just "there"--vestigial, perhaps...not necessary, but possibly somewhat advantageous for some animals in certain situations.
From what I know, the breeders of these have done a good job of reducing problems, improving lines, and producing healthful cats--which should, of course, be the goal of all good ones.
but I'm sure plenty of people who don't understand any of it are still fooled into thinking that "AKC-registered puppies" is an indicator of top quality.
Thank you for mentioning breed rescue organizations! They are an excellent resource for someone who wants a specific breed, but doesn't want to go to a breeder, and while they can't provide PoP, they do know all about the needs of that breed, and what kind of human lifestyle best provides for them. And I agree that people shouldn't place a prejudicial stigma on surrendered pets, these days, it might simply be a financial reason (and the shelter will hopefully ask, and the surrenderers would hopefully provide, a complete history for the animal, medical and behavioral, to help the new owners)
and how many kittens had to be produced in the meantime? :(