Do you think every cat is the same, well think again, each cat, like humans have their own distinct personality and breed specific traits. From a domestic cat to a pedigreed cat the differences vary in numerous ways.
Prior to choosing your new cat, especially if you are looking at purchasing a particular breed, it's imperative that you know something about their temperament. You should never purchase a breed just because you like their looks, but one that's also suitable to your lifestyle.
If you have a hectic lifestyle, you want a breed that is going to be low maintenance and independent. If you're looking for a cat for companionship, you want a breed that is affectionate and loving, not one that is aloof and standoffish. If you have children, you want to ensure that the breed you pick is laidback, gentle and tolerant not one that is skittish or aggressive in nature. Remember, you are the one making the choice not the cat! If you pick a breed that isn't suitable to your lifestyle the cat is the one that pays the price, 9 time out of 10 it's through the loss of their life.
Another thing to take into consideration, when people see a pedigree cat in a shelter, they automatically believe that there is something wrong with the cat. Why would someone pay "big bucks" for a pedigree cat and put the cat in a shelter if there wasn't? When people have this mindset, the possibilities of the cat in question being adopted are severely limited. Would you put your baby up for adoption because he or she didn't meet your expectations? Cats are living creatures that deserve the right to live a long and happy life and should never be treated as a disposable item, simply because you made the wrong choice.
Animal shelters are already overloaded not only with strays, but with a number of pedigrees as well. We're seeing more and more pedigree cats in shelters each day, through no fault of their own, but due to the fact, the person purchasing them didn't educate himself or herself on the breed first. Unfortunately, with shelters being overcrowded, the majority of these cats won't have an opportunity to find a forever loving home.
Most shelters require Government assistance, but in order to receive Government assistance, they have a number of restrictions that they must abide by or they lose their funding. Regrettably, one of these restrictions is the length of time they may remain in the shelter, prior to being put down. Unless the shelter is self-funded, they have no say in the matter. As much as they would love to keep the cat, they don't have that option. They do everything within their powers to try to find the cat a home, but when time is limited and there are so many pets in shelters, it's simply not possible.
Please don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution! You can and will make a difference if you take the time to learn about the breed you're interested in prior to purchasing that cute little kitty. Ethical breeders are more than willing to discuss the personality of the breed. In fact, ethical breeders will question you to ensure that their kittens are going to a good home. Most breeders are not in the business to make money, but for the betterment of the breed and their love of animals.
Ethical breeders rarely sell their cats to pet stores, thus if you are purchasing a kitten from a pet store you are most likely receiving a kitten from a Kitty Mill.
Kitty Mill breeders don't care about the welfare of their cats their in it strictly for the money. They breed indiscriminately, without any sound knowledge of genetics. The end results are serious health issues and shorter life spans for the kittens involved. You can help put an end to Kitty Mills by NOT purchasing your cat from a pet store find a reputable breeder. If they don't have a kitten available, they can usually provide you with the name and number of a breeder that can. Please, keep in mind, if a breeder if over eager to sell you a cat without asking you any questions, chances are you are dealing with a Kitty Mill.
Cilantro and Tarragon
Cat Tales by Cilantro and Tarragon, Inc.
[http://www.thespicecats.com]
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