My husband Marty and I still grieve over the recent loss of our beloved Oriental Shorthair kitty, Dr Hush Puppy. His brother, Sir Hubble Pinkerton is very lonely and is missing feline companionship.
Although Dr Hush Puppy will be forever missed, with only one remaining kitty, the house feels empty and is much too quiet. We are feeling ready to begin our search for either two Oriental Shorthairs, Siamese or Rex kittens as loving companions for Sir Hubble and who will also help fill the empty holes in our hearts.
We spend a lot of time with Sir Hubble, playing with him and showering him with love and affection. But it’s truly impossible to be constantly with him. He gets extremely clingy and anxious when we have to leave home.
A couple of weeks ago, on my Facebook page I shared our interest in finding two pedigreed kittens. Some friends were truly supportive of this quest. But as I read through several opposing comments, I was upset by what felt to me to be a form of reversed snobbery toward pedigreed cats in general. Since I am passionate about certain breeds, I immediately felt guilty and became defensive about my love for purebred cats.
I truly admire people who are involved in rescue and who do so much for needy kitties. However there are folks who often mistakenly blame those who choose to have specific breeds of pedigreed cats to be responsible for the cats that end up in shelters. We who choose pedigreed cats seem to get blamed for causing the “killing” of cats in shelters.
In fact one of the top reasons for the huge number of kitties ending up in shelters are the people who neglect or refuse to have their cats neutered or spayed. They thoughtlessly allow their cats to roam freely outdoors with no supervision. There would be far fewer cats in shelters if those owners acted responsibly to prevent the birth of so many unwanted kittens.
I love all cats and I think they are all beautiful. But since I am greatly drawn to the look and temperament of certain breeds, call me a snob if you wish. However, I only purchase or adopt kittens from reputable breeders; the ones who are breeding cats with the goal of improving their lines and breeding all-round healthy and well-tempered kitten.
They place specific contracts on their animals, guarantee the health of their stock and remain available to their clients. Additionally, responsible, reputable breeders will only use a small, select number of cats in their breeding programs, because these are the cats who have the attributes that reputable breeders wish to maintain.
The kittens not chosen for future use in their breeding programs will have the same personalities and similar appearance. But they also need loving homes in which they will be cherished and well cared for. That’s how we were greatly blessed to get Dr. Hush Puppy and Sir Hubble Pinkerton.
The cat above is a Cornish Rex called Dax. Photo by Kattenpraat.
It’s the kitten-mills and the clueless backyard breeders only interested in making a quick buck who add to the rescue population. Their greed deprives the cats already in shelters who need homes; it’s not the reputable pedigree/registered breeders. What’s more, if there were no longer any reputable breeders who are responsibly breeding these cats, then these magnificent breeds would quickly become extinct. That would indeed be a shame.
Some people suggested that we should look into a breed rescue agency instead of buying a purebred kitten. At first glance this may seem like a reasonable win-win opportunity. However, in many cases it’s impossible to obtain the background and health history of these kitties, or to be able to contact the breeder for more information which concerns me. Additionally, there are some “breed adoption” agencies that adopt out “lookalikes”, but are not truly legitimate breeds.
I know that I sound defensive and have strong feelings in reaction to some people’s opinion concerning our decision to get two pedigreed kittens rather than adopting from a shelter. But we have always basically “adopted” pedigreed kittens; those who could not be sold due to their various “flaws.” But these precious kittens also needed forever loving homes where they are considered as the most beautiful “Best Cats” and are cherished and doted upon for as long as they live.
Is there really such a big difference in bringing a pedigreed kitty or a “moggie” into our homes and hearts? Isn’t it more important that all cats – no matter what type they are- all deserve loving homes? Share your opinion in a comment.
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Over the course of my life, most of the cats I’ve adopted were kittens born in a home I knew or learned of. Up until I got a Ragamuffin cat from a woman who had bought him from a highly reputable breeder, but learned that her work schedule didn’t allow her to give Baby the kind of attention this breed needs. I got a great deal, Baby got a new home with full-time people, and the lady knew she’d found him a better home.
I’ve since gotten another purebred Muffin from the same cattery, a gift after the breeder passed away.
Truth be told, if I ever adopt another cat this lifetime (unlikely), it’ll be another Ragamuffin or a Ragdoll. I’ve fallen in love with the breed. So I understand how you feel, Jo. My current household has a clowder of 5: my Muffin, Buster, 17-year-old rescue Rao, and 3 beautiful Moggies, Eleanor Rugby, Fluffernutter, and Espur. I’ve done my share.