Breeding Cats for Function is the Only Ethical Standard.

I rescued a teacup kitty who was used in a backyard breeding situation. She’s had one problem after another and we finally have her stabilized, I hope. I’m not sure whether it was her size or the fact she was bred so much or a combination which led to all her problems.

One MAJOR problem you didn’t mention was anytime these tiny cats need medical care, the vet has to take the size into consideration. For example, clavamox (an antibiotic) was prescribed (not by my usual vet) for my cat at the standard dosage level of an adult cat. It nearly killed her with vomiting and diarrhea, because the dosage was for a 10lb cat, not a 3.2lb cat. My usual vet has learned to adjust everything to Maggie’s size and refers to her as an “adult kitten”.

I just don’t understand why people who claim they love animals would breed animals that will have major health issues. Are people so greedy???

Dwarfism is not something you can control.

Thank you, Jane, for bringing up this subject. I suppose it’s part of consumer culture to always be looking for another novelty or passing fad (like the Chihuahua pocket dogs), but it is indeed worrying, when serious deformities are bred on for a special look only.
The diversity of cats all stems from genetic mutations that occurred at some time and there’s nothing wrong with the idea of creating new breeds or refining existing. It must however be done in a responsible way and not rushed at the expense of the health of the animal.

Jane you are so right !! Why can’t some people leave Nature alone,they are always wanting to mess about and create mutations of animals which are already perfect as they are.They give no thought to the problems those poor creatures will suffer !
Cats are free spirits and born with the right to enjoy their lives, just as we are.
I hate the thought of any cat being especially bred to be gawped at and not allowed to live its life as a cat should !

I am one of those people who is with you on this. Well said. I don’t think enough emphasis generally (across the board) is placed on health in the breeding of cats. Perhaps things are changing, however.