Why Is It Ok For Breeders To Breed Kittens?

[Soanala1986]

I don't mean to sound rude, but I have to ask, why is it ok for a "Registered" breeder to breed animals, but not ok for anyone else to breed? Either way you look at it, registered breeders add on to the over population of cats and dogs and other species. So why tell someone who isn't a registered breeder to spay/neuter their animals? I mean, it's not hard to do research on breeding, and to teach yourself the vital information you need to have a successful delivery, such as diet, medical needs, and care. I think that's kind of hypocritical. While some people breed and don't know what they are doing, I have met none registered breeders who do know what they are doing, and have done an excellent job at what they do. Whether or not you're a registered breeder, there are always some risk when breeding animals, no matter how you look at it.

 

[Willowy]

why tell someone who isn't a registered breeder to spay/neuter their animals?

Generally speaking, because there is likely to be demand for purebred kittens, and there's little to no demand for moggies. Many end up being killed in shelters because nobody adopted them, or because somebody adopted them on impulse and dumped them when they weren't cute anymore.

Whereas, if someone takes the time to find a breeder, passes the breeder's screening process, is on a waiting list for a few months (at least), and pays several hundred dollars for their kitten, they probably aren't going to dump him/her!

But yeah, mostly because pedigreed kittens will probably find good homes and moggie kittens probably won't, statistically speaking.

 

[Soanala1986]

Generally speaking, because there is likely to be demand for purebred kittens, and there's little to no demand for moggies. Many end up being killed in shelters because nobody adopted them, or because somebody adopted them on impulse and dumped them when they weren't cute anymore.

Whereas, if someone takes the time to find a breeder, passes the breeder's screening process, is on a waiting list for a few months (at least), and pays several hundred dollars for their kitten, they probably aren't going to dump him/her!

But yeah, mostly because pedigreed kittens will probably find good homes and moggie kittens probably won't, statistically speaking.

Hey I get it Pure bred kitten are nice, but I also know pure breeds can have health problems. And I'm not speaking for anyone else when I say this, but I don't mixed breeds at all. I'm particularly fond of siamese and bengal crosses. And I happen to own a calico point siamese. I did pay a decent amount for her and she's been a blessing, but I am also fond of lynx points too, what if I wanted to breed her to a tabby male to try and breed for lynx points or bengal crosses in the future, would that make me irresponsible? Or a bad owner? I've done my research about cats, and pregnancy, and many of the illnesses that can come from birthing. All of my cats are indoor cats, and up to date on their shots, and are on a good diet as well. But I am once person who can appreciate mixes and moggies as you call them.

 

[Soanala1986]

I don't mind mixed breeds at all^ wow the spelling issues in my post. I'm sorry. lol

 

[Willowy]

Will you be able to find responsible homes for all of them? Are you willing to keep all of them if nobody adopts them?

People who have done rescue know that, even if people tell you how pretty your cats are and how much they want a kitten, that doesn't mean you'll be able to find homes for the kittens :/. Even if YOU like mixed breeds and domestic cats, that doesn't mean that you're going to be able to find 6 (or however many kittens are born) responsible homes.
It's hard!

You also need to know about any genetic abnormalities your cat may carry and make sure to find her a male who doesn't carry any genetic abnormalities.

And finding a male brings its own problems. . .most responsible breeders don't lend out their studs, irresponsible breeders may have a stud that passes diseases on to your female, and if you keep your own stud you have to deal with spraying and other tomcat behaviors.

Do you have breeding rights on your female? What does your contract say?

 

[Soanala1986]

I never signed a contract, I paid 350 dollars for her. She had come with proof of vaccine and vet cheks, and I even called the vet clinic and had all of her information printed out and documented. I know breeders most of the time have you sign contracts, but I was never asked to sign anything. I drove two hours to pick her up, paid for her, got her certificate, and vet/vaccine info and I took her home. She has no diseases or health problems, as all of my cats are vet checked when needed and on time. I know about diseases and have gone through great lengths to make sure all of my cats are clean. (I have 5) all are fixed, except for one male, and my female. (No I haven't bred them.) My female is still growing, and I will not get her spayed until she's about a year old. If I decide that's the route I want to go. My male is 2 years old, and has never sprayed. He acts like a normal cat unless she's in heat, then his mind is on one thing, but even still he's never sprayed my house. As for finding them homes, I've got a lot of time, money, and patience, and even have some planned homes lined up if I choose to breed (Very close friends and family. ) If I wanted to breed her, I would probably do it once and then get her spayed later, but I haven't decided if I want to do it yet. I know it can be hard to find them homes. But they can stay with me as long as needed until a home is found. If that makes any sense. I'm not in a hurry to jump on the band wagon of breeding I've got plenty of time to think about it.

 

[talkingpeanut]

My question would just be this: what benefit is there is to your female? Why would you risk her health and cause her pain for no reason? The act of mating is painful for females, let alone pregnancy and birth. I'm uncomfortable with encouraging breeding even from professional breeders, but the argument for the risk on their end is that they are bettering the breed. You have an opportunity to make her life so much easier; I don't see why you wouldn't take it.

You are also, by not taking up homes, improving the lives of countless other cats.

Also, I hope you're not leaving your intact male and your female alone ever. She can get pregnant at any time, even when she's not in heat.

 

[Willowy]

even have some planned homes lined up if I choose to breed (Very close friends and family.

Word of warning---everybody says that but when the kittens actually show up they have a way of discovering a bunch of excuses about why they can't take a kitten now. Happens all the time.

Genetic testing isn't part of regular vet checks. You have to get that done by a specialist. HCM is one genetic disease that's present in a lot of breeds. Responsible breeding also requires a knowledge of their pedigree because not everything can be tested for, but if you can see that in pedigree there's x stud who was known to carry for an abnormality, you can pick a male who doesn't have that in his pedigree so the kittens don't inherit it, etc.

I personally wouldn't risk the health of my female just to make more kittens---only if there was a compelling reason to pass on her genes, like if she were an outstanding example of her breed.

Yes, cats are induced ovulators and can get pregnant at any time, so if they have free access to each other this is probably moot---she's most likely already pregnant :/.

 

[laurenfosters]

My question would just be this: what benefit is there is to your female? Why would you risk her health and cause her pain for no reason? The act of mating is painful for females, let alone pregnancy and birth. I'm uncomfortable with encouraging breeding even from professional breeders, but the argument for the risk on their end is that they are bettering the breed. You have an opportunity to make her life so much easier; I don't see why you wouldn't take it.

You are also, by not taking up homes, improving the lives of countless other cats.

Also, I hope you're not leaving your intact male and your female alone ever. She can get pregnant at any time, even when she's not in heat.

Well said! I agree with everything above. If you love your cat, spare her the pain, anxiety, and potential fatality that comes with feline pregnancy. I really can't understand how anyone would want to put their beloved pet through that experience.

If you have an opportunity to visit your local animal control or humane society, just to look around, please do. You won't believe how many beautiful kittens are there, waiting for homes that never come, and eventually end up destroyed. It's heartbreaking. Every time someone buys a bred kitten - whether pedigreed or back-yard - it takes away an opportunity from one of those already existing kittens to find a home.

I understand the prospect of being able to "mix" your own breed has an appeal to it, but there are just way too many down-sides, from your own pet's health, to the health and overpopulation of the cat population at large.

 

[kat hamlin]

I don't mean to sound rude, but I have to ask, why is it ok for a "Registered" breeder to breed animals, but not ok for anyone else to breed? Either way you look at it, registered breeders add on to the over population of cats and dogs and other species. So why tell someone who isn't a registered breeder to spay/neuter their animals? I mean, it's not hard to do research on breeding, and to teach yourself the vital information you need to have a successful delivery, such as diet, medical needs, and care. I think that's kind of hypocritical. While some people breed and don't know what they are doing, I have met none registered breeders who do know what they are doing, and have done an excellent job at what they do. Whether or not you're a registered breeder, there are always some risk when breeding animals, no matter how you look at it.

Others have said it, but I'll chime in. I'm more familiar with dog breeders than with cat breeders, but I know that when responsible breeders match up dogs, they're VERY careful. It's not a question of I like this bitch, and I like this dog. They do a lot of research into pedigrees, and they only breed when they want a pup to show. Then whatever is left in the litter that doesn't look like a show prospect goes to a pet home, and the other potential show prospects maybe go to other breed enthusiasts. The supply is extremely small, even in dogs that produce large litters. These people maybe breed a bitch twice, or three times tops--depends on how long the breed takes to mature and how long it lives. And then she's done, she gets spayed and retired. I think it's done very carefully with a lot of thought, and I know these breeders would drop everything to fly across the country if they had to, to retrieve a dog they'd bred. Those dogs are not the dogs in rescues and shelters. EVER. I was working at a shelter in OR when one of these dogs did arrive. Within an hour the breeder had made plans to drive up from central CA to get her dog.
The responsible breeders of cats, I assume, are the same. Now, I know some of these breeds didn't get started in the most reputable fashion--many of them were "wouldn't it look cool if I..." plans--but now reputable breeders are cleaning up that mess, by eliminating the diseases that are now present in their breed, and carefully selecting mates.
If random person on the street breeds their cat, why are they doing it? If the answer is not "to better the breed" then why are you doing it? It's not like there is a shortage of adorable kittens being surrendered to, and in some cases, euthanized, in shelters.
The difference is only hypocritical if you look solely at numbers. If you look at populations that end up in shelters/rescues, and populations that don't, it's clear. The responsible breeders don't create animals that add to overpopulation issues, because they serve different populations.

 

[ileen]

I'm not a part of that world at all, so I have a hard time justifying controlled breeding in my mind. Maybe it's because I anthropomorphize animals too much, but purebred cats, dogs, etc smacks of eugenics to me, which is such a horror for humanity.