Well, I want to broach a topic with you all. In my time offline I had some
time to think about things, and the reason I started usenetting was to enjoy
talking to like minded people without a lot of the superficial judging that
is attached to real life. I am not naiive enough to expect a total lack of
prejudice on usenet; I merely refer to the lack of physical/ethnic etc
prejudice that is less prevalent here and makes it easier for us all to
relate as people. I dislike hiding things, as you can't keep it up for very
long. I have been aware for some time that some of you are involved with
animal cruelty organisations, and noticed, especially in American groups
(not this one so much) that breeding is viewed as evil in all it's forms,
and never mentioned other than critically. However, I am a registered
breeder of Siamese and Balinese (some of you may already be aware of this as
I mentioned my website in other groups). I know a little bit about breeding
in the US from what you have said, and what I have observed during my
research, and it is very different to Australian breeding. I realize that
many of you will disagree with me on ethical basis about breeding cats
altogether, but the fact remains that we do. I am not opening this topic in
order to start a debate, but because I have enjoyed being part of this group
immensely, but cannot continue to take part while ignoring half my family. I
will elaborate briefly on my practises, and if the overall consensus is that
you cannot stand being in the same room as myself, then so be it, I have
enjoyed my time here and will leave you in peace.
   I am an ethical breeder, and member of an ethical breeding society. We
breed, sell, and show our cats, but on a much smaller scale than overseas.
Shows are quite informal and very friendly,with very little 'competitive
spirit' and with a lot of teamwork. Older breeders mentor younger ones
readily, however are usually very selective about who they choose to give a
breeding cat to. Most of us desex kittens before sale as pets; I do, and the
only breeders who don't desex would if they could. Unfortunately vets here
are a bit 'behind the times' and will not desex before the age of 6 months.
There is only one breeder in my city who desexes at 3 months. Breeders who
cannot desex withhold papers until proof of desexing is shown, and can take
a cat back if not desexed. I keep my cats all indoors with me, and my
kittens are raised indoors and with people. I carefully vet would-be owners
and make sure they are educated about their new charge. I educate them if
necessary, and keep in touch to provide support. People who purchase a cat
from me are not buying one in lieu of buying a shelter cat. They are wanting
a Siamese specifically. If anything, people buy a cat from me instead of
buying one from a pet shop. So that is me. They are part of my family, and I
see no reason to pretend to anyone. Feel free to disagree, or question, I
will answer questions but not argue. I have enjoyed being part of this
group, and will miss it heaps, but this is part of my life and I see no
reason to hide it.