The last thread was closed before I could post my thoughts on this subject, but I feel strongly that it is something worth discussing.
I think that we tend to conflate the ideas of what makes an ethical breeder versus what makes a reputable breeder. They are not the same concepts, however, a reputable breeder must always be an ethical breeder.
An ethical breeder will not knowingly breed sick cats, nor will they knowingly sell a sick cat. They vaccinate, worm, and make sure their cats are not bred unless sold as breeding cats. They use a variety of methods to test the health of their cats and are aware of the problems that exist in their breed. If one of their cats needs to be re-homed, they take responsibility for the situation. They do everything they can to screen potential pet buyers. They put the health and well-being of their cats first.
A reputation is paramount to being a reputable breeder. It is hard-won, and even harder kept. The only way one becomes a reputable breeder is by proving the quality of type and temperament of one's chose breed, and this can only be accomplished through the venue of showing. Shows are not about titles and winning, though that is fun as well. Shows are about having your breeding stock evaluated based on a very precise written standard. It's about seeking the opinions of experts in the fancy and making use of those opinions as breedings are selected and paired.
A reputation takes years to build, and one bad choice to destroy. A reputation is based on how well one deals with other breeders and pet buyers, how well one's cats meet a written standard physically, and how well those cats maintain their temperaments. When a breeder sells a breeding cat, their own reputation is on the line. While it might seem snobbish, elitist, or political to some, there is a lot at stake for those who enjoy the hobby and wish to continue to operate within the world of the cat fancy.
I think that we tend to conflate the ideas of what makes an ethical breeder versus what makes a reputable breeder. They are not the same concepts, however, a reputable breeder must always be an ethical breeder.
An ethical breeder will not knowingly breed sick cats, nor will they knowingly sell a sick cat. They vaccinate, worm, and make sure their cats are not bred unless sold as breeding cats. They use a variety of methods to test the health of their cats and are aware of the problems that exist in their breed. If one of their cats needs to be re-homed, they take responsibility for the situation. They do everything they can to screen potential pet buyers. They put the health and well-being of their cats first.
A reputation is paramount to being a reputable breeder. It is hard-won, and even harder kept. The only way one becomes a reputable breeder is by proving the quality of type and temperament of one's chose breed, and this can only be accomplished through the venue of showing. Shows are not about titles and winning, though that is fun as well. Shows are about having your breeding stock evaluated based on a very precise written standard. It's about seeking the opinions of experts in the fancy and making use of those opinions as breedings are selected and paired.
A reputation takes years to build, and one bad choice to destroy. A reputation is based on how well one deals with other breeders and pet buyers, how well one's cats meet a written standard physically, and how well those cats maintain their temperaments. When a breeder sells a breeding cat, their own reputation is on the line. While it might seem snobbish, elitist, or political to some, there is a lot at stake for those who enjoy the hobby and wish to continue to operate within the world of the cat fancy.