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Cat Forum / Health and Behavior / April 2005Is it wrong to want another purebred?
Going through old photos today, and came across a directory filled with pics from when we were thinking about buying a Bengal (which we did, and he's wonderful). Most are from this site: http://www.tibcs.com/petcorner/photos.php After having been through an ordeal with a stray, and knowing the incredible number of discarded cats available for adoption, is it morally wrong to think of adopting another purebred? We've adopted six strays over the last ten years. We bought our Bengal primarily because we wanted a cat whose personality could be determined before hand, so it would keep our playful, energetic Tiger company. This was a specific case that's worked out fantastically.. http://www.discant.com/Cat/Henry%20001.jpg But I really love this breed - and if we can get ahold of a kitten, there's a better chance that Louis won't go nuts. Just a thought. Breeders will continue to breed no matter what we do, and poor strays will get euthanized no matter what we do. But is this just rationalizing? Eh.. I'm not totally driven to take in another cat, but I keep wondering what Louis will do when Tiger finally dies.. it would be so nice for him to have another friend around. Also I'd be happy to hear others' thoughts about adopting from a shelter vs adopting a purebred. BLink > Going through old photos today, and came across a directory filled > with pics from when we were thinking about buying a Bengal (which we [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > incredible number of discarded cats available for adoption, is it > morally wrong to think of adopting another purebred? No. You'll be adopting a cat that's alive, whether it's purebred or moggie. It will need a home, you'll give it one, simple, really. > We've adopted six strays over the last ten years. We bought our Bengal > primarily because we wanted a cat whose personality could be [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > and poor strays will get euthanized no matter what we do. But is this > just rationalizing? No. Do what you want - it's your life, not the life of those who rant against purebreds. When I next get a cat it will be an oriental shorthair, and I have not even the slightest feeling there is anything wrong in my wanting that and acting upon that want. > > Going through old photos today, and came across a directory filled > > with pics from when we were thinking about buying a Bengal (which we [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > No. You'll be adopting a cat that's alive, whether it's purebred or moggie. > It will need a home, you'll give it one, simple, really. Not exactly. He will be *buying* a purebred kitten who doesn't exactly "need a a home"--Bengal breeders probably have waiting lists, and the kitten will get a home irregardless. A shelter cat doesn't have that guarantee. > Not exactly. He will be *buying* a purebred kitten who doesn't exactly > "need a a home"--Bengal breeders probably have waiting lists, and the > kitten will get a home irregardless. Kitten still needs a home. If Brian takes it, someone else who might have taken it might take a shelter cat. But then again, we could go "if" forever. Brian should do what Brian wants to do. I have no problem at all with people deciding they would like a certain breed of cat, and getting it. That's their right. > > Not exactly. He will be *buying* a purebred kitten who doesn't exactly > > "need a a home"--Bengal breeders probably have waiting lists, and the [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > deciding they would like a certain breed of cat, and getting it. That's > their right. Sure it's their "right". It's also their right not to spay or neuter; to dump animals at a shelter; to declaw, dock or crop; to leave dogs in the back yard chained to a tree all day, every day; and a myriad of other behaviors not in the best interest of animals, as a whole. Having the "right" doesn't make it "right" to do so. -L. > Sure it's their "right". It's also their right not to spay or neuter; > to dump animals at a shelter; to declaw, dock or crop; to leave dogs in > the back yard chained to a tree all day, every day; and a myriad of > other behaviors not in the best interest of animals, as a whole. > Having the "right" doesn't make it "right" to do so. He's talking about caring for a cat, not harming one. Get a grip. > > Sure it's their "right". It's also their right not to spay or neuter; > > to dump animals at a shelter; to declaw, dock or crop; to leave dogs in [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > He's talking about caring for a cat, not harming one. Get a grip. Every cat bread means another dies. If you think that's not "harming" cats, I don't really have anything else to say. -L. > Every cat bread means another dies. If you think that's not > "harming" cats, I don't really have anything else to say. Excellent. > > Sure it's their "right". It's also their right not to spay or neuter; > > to dump animals at a shelter; to declaw, dock or crop; to leave dogs in [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > He's talking about caring for a cat, not harming one. Get a grip. He's harming the cat he could have adopted. Get a conscience and some compassion. > He's harming the cat he could have adopted. But by adopting that cat, he'd be harming all the other cats he could have, but didn't adopt ... I mean we could go down this silly "what if" road for ever. It still wouldn't take us anywhere sensible. Get a conscience and some > compassion. I have both in plentiful supply, thank you. I also have a sense of proportion and reality. There are more than a few people on this group who would be wise to do the same. > > He's harming the cat he could have adopted. > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > proportion and reality. There are more than a few people on this group who > would be wise to do the same. Breeders suck and people who support breeders suck. It's in the Bible, the Koran, the Talmud and tatooed on my own sweet a.s. > Breeders suck and people who support breeders suck. > It's in the Bible, the Koran, the Talmud and tatooed > on my own sweet a.s. Then wouldn't buying a cat from a breeder means rescuing that cat from the evil breeder? > > Breeders suck and people who support breeders suck. > > It's in the Bible, the Koran, the Talmud and tatooed > > on my own sweet a.s. > > Then wouldn't buying a cat from a breeder means rescuing that cat from > the evil breeder? No, it is encouraging the breeder to breed by rewarding him with cash. > > He's harming the cat he could have adopted. > > But by adopting that cat, he'd be harming all the other cats he could have, Absurd. He'd be *saving* the life of a cat - which would free up space and resources for another cat that might be otherwise killed. Ergo, he'd actually be saving two lives for the 'price' of one whereas buying a cat from a breeder would indirectly cause the death of those two cats. > Absurd. He'd be *saving* the life of a cat - which would free up space and > resources for another cat that might be otherwise killed. Ergo, he'd > actually be saving two lives for the 'price' of one whereas buying a cat > from a breeder would indirectly cause the death of those two cats. Gotta say, I don't understand how people can keep breeders in business - I wish they would all just *STOP* (sorry those of you who may be breeders, but I *really* don't like what you're doing to those cats who need a home but aren't fortunate enough to be born with a pedigree). What a cat looks like is not what I fall in love with (DH is *SO* glad appearances aren't what I'm interested in <ducking> - just joking sweetie!!!!). Hugs, CatNipped > > Not exactly. He will be *buying* a purebred kitten who doesn't exactly > > "need a a home"--Bengal breeders probably have waiting lists, and the [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > deciding they would like a certain breed of cat, and getting it. That's > their right. Bullshit. The kitten does NOT "need a home." You're advocating buying a specific breed because you *want* it. Don't use such a lame justification. Just simply say you don't give a sh.t about how many homeless cats there are already, as long as you get the look you want. THAT is your "right". Sherry > Bullshit. The kitten does NOT "need a home." You're advocating buying > a specific breed because you *want* it. Don't use such a lame [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Sherry But that would require too much honesty, Sherry. Really, you're expecting too much. -L. > > Bullshit. The kitten does NOT "need a home." You're advocating > buying [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > But that would require too much honesty, Sherry. Really, you're > expecting too much. Oh, right, like you, Lynnie, the mealy-mouthed social-engineering fan with the major victim mentality knows the first gd thing about honesty. You are such a f.cking hypocrite. > > > Not exactly. He will be *buying* a purebred kitten who doesn't > exactly [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > homeless cats there are already, as long as you get the look you want. > THAT is your "right". Ashley is of the 500-lb gorilla school of ethics. "Should I do it" becomes "Can I do it and do I want to?" When I next get a cat it will be an oriental shorthair, > and I have not even the slightest feeling there is anything wrong in my > wanting that and acting upon that want. That's because self-gratification is more important to you than the welfare of the feline *species*. > When I next get a cat it will be an oriental shorthair, >> and I have not even the slightest feeling there is anything wrong in my [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > welfare > of the feline *species*. Of course. That must be it. > > When I next get a cat it will be an oriental shorthair, > >> and I have not even the slightest feeling there is anything wrong in my [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Of course. That must be it. It is. Phil is spot on and has you and your kind pegged. I just love that expression "spot on"! Mary must be British (or Canadian?). Just wouldn't work coming out of an American mouth. Breeders frighten me, never dealt with one, sounds very science fiction, cats in cages being injected with steriods and hormones. Why focus on fur patterns and ear shapes? My experience is the uglier they are, the more wonderful. > I just love that expression "spot on"! Mary must be British (or Canadian?). > Just wouldn't work coming out of an American mouth. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > patterns and ear shapes? My experience is the uglier they are, the more > wonderful. Yes indeed! But of course, there is really no such think as an ugly cat. :) > > When I next get a cat it will be an oriental shorthair, > >> and I have not even the slightest feeling there is anything wrong in my [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Of course. That must be it. I *know* it is - otherwise you wouldn't even think about buying a cat from a breeder while million of cats are languishing and dying in shelters. > > > When I next get a cat it will be an oriental shorthair, > > >> and I have not even the slightest feeling there is anything wrong in my [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > I *know* it is - otherwise you wouldn't even think about buying a cat from a > breeder while million of cats are languishing and dying in shelters. And you are right. If my girls cannot live forever (my first choice) then maybe one day I want a Siamese-type cat. The short hair and the coloring, esp. the blue eyes. I will go to a shelter and try to find one-- but how much you want to bet that some little scrawny dime-a-dozen looking gray tabby like Cheeks steals my heart with the tilt of her head before I even SEE a Siamese type? :) > Going through old photos today, and came across a directory filled > with pics from when we were thinking about buying a Bengal (which we [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > > BLink Considering the number of strays you've adopted, I wouldn't (personally) over-worry about also wanting a particular breed. But that's just my opinion - a moderate/middle-of-the-road one. Cathy > Going through old photos today, and came across a directory filled with pics > from when we were thinking about buying a Bengal (which we did, and he's [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > > BLink You're asking a tough question here. For me, cats are cats regardless of breed, so I have to put the question to myself in terms of dogs, where variations are more significant to me. There are most certainly breeds of dogs that I like much better than others. I believe in the principle of generalization (kind of like the golden rule): this is one way that Kant proposed to evaluate whether or not something is moral. You simply pose yourself the question, if everyone were to do what I am considering, would I find the world to be a better or a worse place? It's a toughie. If no one bought cats and dogs from breeders, then breeders would go out of business, and there would just be moggies. But is this ultimately my better world? I mean, right now, it's easy enough to find a black lab mix at the shelter, but if no one were breeding them, would they still be around? Then again, with all the hip problems to which retrievers are prone, might it not be better to give up the breed entirely rather than allow these diseases to continue? My decision is to avoid buying an animal from a breeder. If I really wanted a purebred (I personally don't, though, because in my experience mutts and moggies tend to be healthier), I would go through a rescue organization.  Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca "Monique Y. Mudama" <spam@bounceswoosh.org> wrote : > You're asking a tough question here. For me, cats are cats regardless of > breed, so I have to put the question to myself in terms of dogs, where [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > moral. You simply pose yourself the question, if everyone were to do what I > am considering, would I find the world to be a better or a worse place? Mo, surely you know that Kant's ethical proofs are entirely full of sh.t. His metaphysics are more defensible IMO. But most people think they are too. The principle of generalization is along the line of Aristotle's Doctrine of the Mean. Okay in a survey course but entirely indefensible in terms of proofs. Did you have these things as part of logic courses or Intro philosophy? > "Monique Y. Mudama" <spam@bounceswoosh.org> wrote : >> [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > proofs. Did you have these things as part of logic courses or Intro > philosophy? Doesn't matter. Of all of the attempts to philosophize moral arguments, this is the only one that's actually been useful to me in daily life. And I actually have a minor in Philosophy, so while it's been a while, I certainly have studied more than just a survey course. It has its limitations, but asking yourself "What would happen if everyone acted as I did?" is a very good start in figuring out whether what you're thinking about doing is a good idea. I don't really care if it can be logically proven. Logic proofs are fun and neat, but in the end they always start from some assumption that can be argued, so even if there's no flaw in the logic, the proof itself won't convince someone who doesn't want to be convinced. If you have a better rule of thumb, let me know. In the meantime, it seems to me that this is exactly the reason that most of us choose shelter animals over breeding; in the realization that if everyone did this, breeders would go out of business and there would be fewer cats euthanized. Otherwise, buying vs. adopting a single cat wouldn't matter one whit in the grand scheme of things. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > In the meantime, it > seems to me that this is exactly the reason that most of us choose > shelter animals over breeding; in the realization that if everyone did > this, breeders would go out of business and there would be fewer cats > euthanized. I never even considered a breeder. I simply can not imagine paying that much money for an animal, when there are so many that need homes and are given away practically for free. The thought process for me wasn't much deeper than that. It was basically "Spend 50 bucks, save a life, have a new fuzzy pal!" Now, I have a purebred, but I still rescued him. Jasper, being purebred siamese, probably cost someone a few bucks when he was a kitten, as someone pointed out here. But when he was 1.5 years old, he ended up at a shelter cuz the first of his old lady mommies died. Suddenly, Jasper was just another shelter cat. I agree with the sentiment that if you really want a purebreed, find one thru a rescue organization. Don't support a breeder directly. I think at the end of the day, you'll feel better about you. :) just my humble 2 pesos, pam > > "Monique Y. Mudama" <spam@bounceswoosh.org> wrote : > >> [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > Doesn't matter. Of all of the attempts to philosophize moral arguments, > this is the only one that's actually been useful to me in daily life. Here is where it falls down--as a basis for moral behavior, forget the predicate logic. It is not only completely unlikely but utterly impossible that "everyone" would do whatever thing you are considering doing. Therefore you are measuring the worth (or potential harm) of an event or deed by a false measure. It would be more effective were you to ask yourself something like, "would this be a good thing if 100 out of every 10,000 people did it." But still it would fall down, because I can give you example after example of beneficial or "good" deeds/events/choices that, were say, even half the population to do them, would NOT be good. The first that comes to mind: you are in a large city on a large, busy city highway or beltline or freeway. You see an accident. You stop to see if you can help. As it turns out, you are able to pull a child to safety before the care blows up. Now then, what if half the people on the same busy beltline did the same thing? Meaning, stopped to help? It would most certainly not be a good thing, and in fact the resulting gridlock would keep the emergency vehicles needed to contain the fire in the car and administer medical help to the child could not reach the child due to all the stopped vehicles on the road. > And I actually have a minor in Philosophy, so while it's been a while, I > certainly have studied more than just a survey course. Very cool. That's a lot more than most people get. It has its > limitations, but asking yourself "What would happen if everyone acted as > I did?" is a very good start in figuring out whether what you're > thinking about doing is a good idea. It's not bad, but the fact is there are things one should do that would not be good things if everyone or even half of everyone did them. I don't really care if it can be > logically proven. Logic proofs are fun and neat, but in the end they > always start from some assumption that can be argued, so even if there's > no flaw in the logic, the proof itself won't convince someone who > doesn't want to be convinced. No, they do not always begin with an assumption that can be argued. But that is neither here nor there in terms of the present application. The practice of predicate logic can be thought of as no more than mental masturbation--or it can be much more, as it can transfer off of paper and into actual life. > If you have a better rule of thumb, let me know. I do not have a better rule of thumb but I have a better idea: ditch "rules of thumb." Examine every situation as the unique combination of causes and effects that itis, and each potential deed, too. >> Doesn't matter. Of all of the attempts to philosophize moral arguments, >> this is the only one that's actually been useful to me in daily life. [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > needed to contain the fire in the car and administer medical help to the > child could not reach the child due to all the stopped vehicles on the road. All interesting points. You're absolutely right; I don't think morality can ever be decided as simply as a single question. Well, maybe "does this harm anyone," but it's almost always the case that an action harms *someone*, at least by inaction, so ... it's never simple. >> I don't really care if it can be logically proven. Logic proofs are >> fun and neat, but in the end they always start from some assumption [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > more than mental masturbation--or it can be much more, as it can > transfer off of paper and into actual life. Gah, I just had something typed up, and my editor ate it! Well, anyway. I do think that logic is incredibly useful in day to day life. It helps me separate good, solid ideas from bullshit. But I don't think it can take us all the way when we're talking about the really interesting stuff: right and wrong, why we're here, etc. It's a step in the right direction, but it's not the solution. >> If you have a better rule of thumb, let me know. > > I do not have a better rule of thumb but I have a better idea: ditch > "rules of thumb." Examine every situation as the unique combination of > causes and effects that itis, and each potential deed, too. Of course, but a rule of thumb isn't meant to be exact. It's meant to be an approximation that works in many situations. There are, of course, many ways to approach a question, and it's a good idea to think about anything important from several angles. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca > >> Doesn't matter. Of all of the attempts to philosophize moral arguments, > >> this is the only one that's actually been useful to me in daily life. [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > anyone," but it's almost always the case that an action harms *someone*, at > least by inaction, so ... it's never simple. No but you are a natural at it hee hee! As am I. Makes for some entertaining thoughts and some thorny dilemmas. > >> I don't really care if it can be logically proven. Logic proofs are > >> fun and neat, but in the end they always start from some assumption [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Gah, I just had something typed up, and my editor ate it! Hate that. You really should feed your editor more. <G> > Well, anyway. I do think that logic is incredibly useful in day to day life. > It helps me separate good, solid ideas from bullshit. But I don't think it > can take us all the way when we're talking about the really interesting stuff: > right and wrong, why we're here, etc. It's a step in the right direction, but > it's not the solution. Actually, I meant the formal operaton of applying predicate logic to texts or verbal arguments. It's all mental masturbation. However--that said, the whole purpose of the exercise is to train the mind to think logically. As you know, having had a good deal of philosophy. > >> If you have a better rule of thumb, let me know. > > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Of course, but a rule of thumb isn't meant to be exact. It's meant to be an > approximation that works in many situations. Yes, but generalization can be death of a good argument!! There are, of course, many ways > to approach a question, and it's a good idea to think about anything important > from several angles. I'm with you there. I love seeing all sides, and often do this to the point that I lose my original position. It's great fun. Anyway, you did bring up Kant so you had it coming! Plllllbbbbt! >> Going through old photos today, and came across a directory filled with pics >> from when we were thinking about buying a Bengal (which we did, and he's [quoted text clipped - 34 lines] >moral. You simply pose yourself the question, if everyone were to do what I >am considering, would I find the world to be a better or a worse place? This is a somewhat rarified philosophical question, which has limited use in real-world situations. At least this one. If everyone bought purebreds, who were spayed/neutered unless the buyer was a certified breeder themselves, then there would be no strays. However, in the real world, some buy purebreds, others let their pets breed willy-nilly. Worse yet, others let their unfixed cats go wild. Result = more strays than purebreds. >It's a toughie. If no one bought cats and dogs from breeders, then breeders >would go out of business, and there would just be moggies. This is also a tough issue which brings into focus one's worldview. If you feel cats are basically vermin (gak - that's too strong a word, at least you feel that cats are short-lived animals which can also be companion animals), then the fate of coyote-culled feral colonies can be chalked up to the cruelty of the wilderness.. the same way beautiful animals such as deer are piled up by the dozen along rural highways. Or bunnies. Or squirrels (which my mother despises, but I personally love seeing loping in our front yard). Just playing devil's advocate here.. you all know I love all cats... Personally, I think purebreeds play a useful role for a number of reasons. An owner unfamiliar with cats adopts a purebred on well-advertised temperament, appearance and behavior - if they form a relationship they have a new respect for the animal and may choose to adopt a stray the next time. An owner (like myself) who needs a particular personality which inbreeding can assure buys a purebred with such a personality. That owner may also take in strays or adopt as well. My own issues have stemmed from the fact that all my cats have been adoptees who would otherwise have died or been shelter-bound (seven over the last ten years), and the one exception was chosen based on the suitability of the breed's advertised personality as a companion for our one remaining mutt, a playful, energetic and social beast. Louis the Bengal and Tiger the Maine-Coonish mutt are an utter success story. Megan has helped me see that there exist such things as foster-rescue homes, where people live with their cats and are reliable to judge their personalities. Tiger is 9 years senior to Louis, and when he dies, I know Louis will be lonely. The bond they've formed is a unique thing for me in my years of living with a houseful of cats. I have a hint now that although a well-established breed may have characteristics tailor-made to Louis (i.e., another bengal or a Maine Coon), that it's possible to pick an fostercat with those same personality traits. >But is this >ultimately my better world? I mean, right now, it's easy enough to find a >black lab mix at the shelter, but if no one were breeding them, would they >still be around? Then again, with all the hip problems to which retrievers >are prone, might it not be better to give up the breed entirely rather than >allow these diseases to continue? A very good point. The same might be said for any large-breed dog. There are two absolutely gorgeous Great Danes which I see being walked around our neighborhood. Yes they're beautiful animals, but they're also walking time-bombs for their owners. >My decision is to avoid buying an animal from a breeder. If I really wanted a >purebred (I personally don't, though, because in my experience mutts and >moggies tend to be healthier), I would go through a rescue organization. Again, I agree that mutts seem to be hardier beasts. Kinda QED unless you're a Creationist... There's a strain of DSH (if one can talk of a strain of mutts) which seems quite similar to Maine Coons, which I'd heard at one time were the original mousers brought to the New World. These cats so infiltrated themselves into the gene pool that their qualities are constantly expressed even through seemingly unrelated parents. Tiger is Maine-Coonish in his markings, ear-tufts, mane and high-pitched voice, as well as his predilection for hanging out near you, but never "on" you. However, he's small, and his parents were a DSH white-cat and DSH orange tabby. Except for his recent bout of conjunctivitis, he's thriving, healthy and ornery as an 11 yr old. I haven't formed an opinion on this yet. Megan talked my ear off about the plight of the stray, and I have a lot of sympathy with her position. On the other hand, a purebreed is a known quantity. And they will indeed continue to be produced. It's a difficult question, and I'm grateful for all you folks who've weighed in. BLink Brian Link, Minnesota Countertenor ---------------------------------- "The chimpanzee wore a little blue blazer with brass buttons, and with the seal of the President of the United States sewed to the breast pocket....Everywhere he went, bands would play 'Hail to the Chief.' The chimpanzee loved it. He would bounce up and down." - Kurt Vonnegut > >> Going through old photos today, and came across a directory filled with pics > >> from when we were thinking about buying a Bengal (which we did, and he's [quoted text clipped - 59 lines] > > Just playing devil's advocate here.. you all know I love all cats... Oh, yes, we do. I have an acquaintance who is always going on about how much she loves cats. She must. She has probably had 20 in the last five years. For some reason she can never keep them. >> Just playing devil's advocate here.. you all know I love all cats... >> >Oh, yes, we do. I have an acquaintance who is always going on about how >much she loves cats. She must. She has probably had 20 in the last five >years. >For some reason she can never keep them. Does she take your advice? BLink > >> Just playing devil's advocate here.. you all know I love all cats... > >> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > BLink I rarely offer idiots advice, Brian. In your case I made a rare exception. > Going through old photos today, and came across a directory filled > with pics from when we were thinking about buying a Bengal (which we [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > incredible number of discarded cats available for adoption, is it > morally wrong to think of adopting another purebred? Did you adopt your Bengal or buy him? There's a big difference, you know. If you want a purebred, get one from a shelter or from a breed rescue group. > We've adopted six strays over the last ten years. We bought our Bengal > primarily because we wanted a cat whose personality could be [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > and poor strays will get euthanized no matter what we do. But is this > just rationalizing? Yes. if you aren't part of the solution, you are part of the problem. > Eh.. I'm not totally driven to take in another cat, but I keep > wondering what Louis will do when Tiger finally dies.. it would be so > nice for him to have another friend around. Also I'd be happy to hear > others' thoughts about adopting from a shelter vs adopting a purebred. I think what you are asking is about *buying* a purebred. Why support the breeding of more cats when thousands die daily for lack of homes? -L. I just don't think you have any guarantee about getting along just because it's a purebred. > Going through old photos today, and came across a directory filled > with pics from when we were thinking about buying a Bengal (which we [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > BLink Please don't even consider this. First, don't buy from a breeder because there are untold numbers of cats already available from shelters and rescue groups -- and an unbelievably large number are destined to be euthanized. If you do decide on a purebred, please look at a shelter (where there often are both purebreds and "look-alikes" available) or contact one of the rescue groups that rehome abandoned and abused purebreds. Second, I hope you won't adopt *any* cat at this time. You have just gone through a difficult time with Henry, and it would be simply asking for trouble to bring another cat into your home at this early date. MaryL > > Going through old photos today, and came across a directory filled > > with pics from when we were thinking about buying a Bengal (which we [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > > MaryL Oh, nonsense, MaryL! You must have some sort of personal problem to even suggest this. You have a problem with Megan, right? You must have. It simply cannot be that Brian is a f.cking idiot for even considering this after he "had to" give Henry up for the peace of his other cats. Please, try to get hold of yourself. Brian will do what Brian wants to do, after all. >> > Going through old photos today, and came across a directory filled >> > with pics from when we were thinking about buying a Bengal (which we [quoted text clipped - 31 lines] > other cats. Please, try to get hold of yourself. Brian will do what > Brian wants to do, after all. LOL! > >> > Going through old photos today, and came across a directory filled > >> > with pics from when we were thinking about buying a Bengal (which we [quoted text clipped - 33 lines] > > LOL! low five, lowwwwww five! And Happy Easter. :) MaryL wrote on 3/27/2005 : >> Going through old photos today, and came across a directory filled >> with pics from when we were thinking about buying a Bengal (which we [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > both purebreds and "look-alikes" available) or contact one of the rescue > groups that rehome abandoned and abused purebreds. Totally agree. I can't see supporting the breeding of cats. It just makes no sense when there are cats in shelters just as wonderful as any purebred. Second, I hope you won't > adopt *any* cat at this time. You have just gone through a difficult time > with Henry, and it would be simply asking for trouble to bring another cat > into your home at this early date. > > MaryL I must have missed all this. Did this person try to adopt another cat? SignaturePawsForThought > MaryL wrote on 3/27/2005 : > >> Going through old photos today, and came across a directory filled [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > > I must have missed all this. Did this person try to adopt another cat? Google for Brian "a.shole" Link and "Henry." > Going through old photos today, and came across a directory filled > with pics from when we were thinking about buying a Bengal (which we [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > incredible number of discarded cats available for adoption, is it > morally wrong to think of adopting another purebred? For someone like you, IMO, yeah, it's at least ethically wrong. You're obviously someone who loves cats, and will go the distance to do what's right for the cat. You can literally save a cat's life and provide a good, loving home for life for a cat who has known starvation, or abuse, or is doomed to spending months in a shelter cage waiting for a home. Or you can buy a cat who's guaranteed a home anyway. I swear you won't adore the shelter cat any less once he's wiggled into your heart. Just MO, but I wouldn't go out and aggressively look for another cat. I just believe that one will just show up from somewhere and you'll have that slot open in your home for that particular cat. Good luck with whatever you decide. > Going through old photos today, and came across a directory filled > with pics from when we were thinking about buying a Bengal (which we [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > incredible number of discarded cats available for adoption, is it > morally wrong to think of adopting another purebred? Of course not, Brian. You should do anything you want to do. After all, you've just had such great success introducing a cat to your current two. (You remember Henry, right?) As long as the breeder cat will not deprive you of your sleep or in any other way inconvenience you, all will be well. Also I'd be happy to hear > others' thoughts about adopting from a shelter vs adopting a purebred. As long as you adopt the cat from a kill shelter - it doesn't matter because you'll be saving a life and providing a companion for Tiger. If you plan to buy a 'purebred', first, you might want to take a stroll down death row of your local kill shelter and then see how those forsaken faces make you feel about buying a cat from a breeder who probably has a waiting list of buyers and can't churn out cats fast enough. Why do you ask? Does something not seem right about buying a cat from a breeder while millions of cats are killed every year because of the lack of homes? > Also I'd be happy to hear > [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > breeder while millions of cats are killed every year because of the lack of > homes? Perhaps we should apply this same line of thought with human beings... There are thousands if not millions of kids around the world without parents. Perhaps one should adopt a kid first rather than see other kids go through the early years without the support and benefit of parents. Once *all* the parentless kids have been adopted, only then should couples consider having their own kids. > Perhaps we should apply this same line of thought with human beings... > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Once *all* the parentless kids have been adopted, only then should couples > consider having their own kids. BTDT with this argument. Not the same. Signature-Kelly kelly at farringtons dot net "Wake up, and smell the cat food" -TMBG >>Perhaps we should apply this same line of thought with human beings... >> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > BTDT with this argument. Not the same. Well, I think it is the same thing... just difference species. ;) Why bring more kids into the world when there are already plenty who may be wondering where there next meal is coming from? Anyways, this is getting way off-topic. > Well, I think it is the same thing... just difference species. ;) > > Why bring more kids into the world when there are already plenty who may > be wondering where there next meal is coming from? I have asked myself that question for years. For some people, genetics is important. For others, it's not. I don't really understand the former. But I also think most people mindlessly breed without even considering why - not to mention not ever considering adoption. That's sad because adoption is one of the most beautiful, life-enriching things one can do as a human being. -L. Brian, Don't let people put a guilt trip on you! If you want to get another Bengal, do so! If it really isn't important for it to be a kitten, then do ask your breeder about retired adults and any possible rescues. Things happen and people who do buy kittens are not always able to keep them and most often return them to the breeder. If your breeder doesn't have one, they may know of another breeder who does. It might be worthwhile to check it out. I, on the other hand, will be buying a kitten, the first purebred I have bought in nearly 40 years. All of my other feline friends have been strays or someone else's unwanted kittens. I have an 12-14 year old shelter cat now that my daughter adopted and after two years had to give up due to pet restrictions where she was moving to. I was supposed to keep 'Baby' for a year; that was a good 10 years ago. (And I already had two older felines at the time). A couple of years ago I rescued a kitten and developed a very close bond with it. He mysteriously disappeared last summer. Although I looked for him, I never found my companion. I did come across one that looked a lot like him, unfortunately it had been hit and killed. I brought it home and buried it, cursed it's owners, etc. I also care for a small colony of feral cats; ones that I started to feed back when they were kittens. I didn't have the resources or connections when they were young enough to be able to tame them and be able to adopt them out as pets, so I have done what I could for them by providing a somewhat crude shelter and food and have recently gone through with the first T/N/R session. Four of the five were caught, neutered and released. In another month or so, my coordinator and I will attempt to trap the remaining 'kitten' plus two adults that have been seen coming around for food. So far all of my colony have been males, although the gender of the remaining kitten isn't known - it sure won't let me touch it! I have done and will continue to do what I can for the unloved, unwanted felines I come in contact with and feel zero amount of "guilt" about getting a purebred. Hemma Hemmaholic wrote on 3/28/2005 : > I have done and will continue to do what I can for the unloved, > unwanted felines I come in contact with and feel zero amount of "guilt" > about getting a purebred. > > Hemma Just curious, but why now have you decided to buy a purebred cat? SignaturePawsForThought I've wanted a Bengal since I first started reading about the breed - about ten years ago. Needless to say, the breed was much too new then and not "fixed" in it's traits. The breed has developed slowly and quite well over the past decade and this year I finally had the money to be able to get one. I am getting a Silver Spotted male in about a month. The /silvers were only recently accepted for Championship status and they remind me very much of the last cat I had. He was a rescue at 5 weeks of age and was one of the most loving, intelligent felines I've ever been blessed with knowing. Anyway, to make a long story short some one took him last summer and I've been aching to have that special bond back. Pippin was sliver with black tabby markings, but instead of solid stripe they were small spots set close together, he had the whited tummy and spots similar to the Bengal breed and may well have had Bengal in his bloodline.. So you see it hasn't been a sudden decision, and it's only been serendipity that I was able to connect with a breeder not far from me and that has the Silver Spotted Bengals This breeder has also been most helpful in helping me get the right connections to be able to properly care for my little feral colony. Rebecca. > I've wanted a Bengal since I first started reading about the > breed - about ten years ago. Needless to say, the breed was > much too new then and not "fixed" in it's traits. The breed has > developed slowly and quite well over the past decade and this > year I finally had the money to be able to get one. I have a pair that were rescued at the age of about 8 weeks. No, there are no papers that they are Bengals, but they have all of the traits, especially the male, and when I had an any idea that they might be Bengal mixes, I was scared. ;) They're now about 6 months old. Pics :) This album is just Rhett, the boy baby http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/shambondow/album?.dir=8768&.src=ph Here is both of them from the time they were first spotted (early pics are with their two other littermates) http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/shambondow/album?.dir=1f98&.src=ph SignatureCheryl "The clever cat eats cheese and breathes down rat holes with baited breath." - W.C. Fields > Brian, > > Don't let people put a guilt trip on you! If you want to get another > Bengal, do so! Oh, don't worry, he will! > Don't let people put a guilt trip on you! Guilt is a matter of conscience. The mere fact he has doubts means something about buying a 'purebred' just doesn't seem right to him. > I have done and will continue to do what I can for the unloved, > unwanted felines I come in contact with and feel zero amount of "guilt" > about getting a purebred. Yeah, I've met a lot people like you who feel helping strays and ferals or even volunteering in a shelter somehow justifies buying a 'purebred' -- as if they're rewarding themselves for the good they do. It's all been said, but yes, I think it's wrong to buy another purebred. It just encourages more breeding, perpetuates the myths that purebreds are safer, more predictable or less risky than shelter cats, and deprives an abandoned cat of a home, when there are not nearly enough. That said, I'm not an advocate of kitten adoption period. Even adopting shelter kittens does little or nothing to address cat overpopulation. Those of us who give a crap about these creatures really need to dedicate ourselves to adopting homeless adult cats. And yeah, my first cat was a 6 month old shelter kitten. But I'd never do that again. The second one was a frightened semi-feral and when the time comes, I'll take on another of the lost ones who needs me. I'd go as far up the scale as your own temperament, availability and cat handling skills will take you. There are limited opportunities to do good in this world, but this is one of the things we can do. Maybe we'll get to a day when all this isn't necessary and we can all select the designer kitten of our choice. But we aren't there yet and we will never be unless we start taking responsibility for the situation we have.... > It's all been said, but yes, I think it's wrong to buy another > purebred. It just encourages more breeding, perpetuates the myths that [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Those of us who give a crap about these creatures really need to > dedicate ourselves to adopting homeless adult cats. Oh please. Kittens that are not adopted end up on the kill-pile as well. have you not ever worked in a kill shelter? The puppies and kittens are killed just as the adults. Don't deny any animal destined for the kill-pile a home. A kitten is a better fit for some families - not every family is a good fit for an adult cat. -L. "Oh please. Kittens that are not adopted end up on the kill-pile as well. have you not ever worked in a kill shelter? The puppies and kittens are killed just as the adults. Don't deny any animal destined for the kill-pile a home. Around here, the kittens fly out of the shelter (both the no-kill and the municipal) and the adult cats who aren't blessed with people outreach skills languish indefinitely if they aren't euthanized. Those are the facts. 8/10 potential adopters want kittens. Probably 50% of the remaining ones won't look at at a cat older than 2 or 3 years old. It's a problem. Some of those people have to be redirected to the enormous stock of 5 year old cats whose owners have dumped them. And it's hard. "A kitten is a better fit for some families -not every family is a good fit for an adult cat" Yeah, it's too bad the kittens grow up into adult cats then, isn't it? I can't count the number of people who sweep in during kitten season, pick a cutie, and then send him on back a year or two later when he's not a baby anymore. I'm getting progressively more leery of kittens-only folks everyday. > Yeah, it's too bad the kittens grow up into adult cats then, isn't it? > I can't count the number of people who sweep in during kitten season, > pick a cutie, and then send him on back a year or two later when he's > not a baby anymore. I'm getting progressively more leery of > kittens-only folks everyday. That would be because, working in a shelter, you don't get to see much of those who get a kitten and keep it for the next 15 years ... I'm beginning to get more than mildly leary of the shelter folk who assume every cat owner must be like the irresponsible ones they see the results of. There are far too many of them on usenet. "That would be because, working in a shelter, you don't get to see much of those who get a kitten and keep it for the next 15 years ..." I don't work in a shelter. Just volunteer on Saturday afternoons to do some adoption counseling for cats. "I'm beginning to get more than mildly leary of the shelter folk who assume every cat owner must be like the irresponsible ones they see the results of. There are far too many of them on usenet. " Some are, some aren't. I see some pretty scary people on a regular basis. Not bad people, but ignorant and careless about how to take care of a pet. My neighbor used to leave her little puppy chained up to a soaking wet plastic doghouse in the pouring rain (until I harassed her about it). Not a bad person, but doing a bad thing. It happens all the time. And as I said, the "I want a little kitten, not a cat" people have a particularly high ratio. > "That would be because, working in a shelter, you don't get to see much > of > those who get a kitten and keep it for the next 15 years ..." > > I don't work in a shelter. Just volunteer on Saturday afternoons to do > some adoption counseling for cats. Same diff. > "I'm beginning to get more than mildly leary of the shelter folk who > assume [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > soaking wet plastic doghouse in the pouring rain (until I harassed her > about it). Not a bad person, but doing a bad thing. And no doubt would have responded well to a caring "Do you realise" instead of harassment. Education is much more effective than badgering. It happens all the > time. And as I said, the "I want a little kitten, not a cat" people > have a particularly high ratio. Well, you know what, when I get new cats, I get kittens. I love the kitten stage and I wouldn't miss it for the world. Last two I got are still here, 10.5 years later. Ones before that, sadly I had to find homes for when I left Britain. But, you know what, I *found* a home for them, together. With a family who adored them. People working, or volunteering as you do, see the bad stories. Those of us who aren't like that simply don't get noticed. For the same reason that good news doesn't sell papers. I am, however, really sick of the lecturing "If you saw what I saw" bunch around here, who seem to think that anyone who has slightly different views about cats than they do must be evil, or close to it. Having said that, such posters are progressively filling up my killfile, so their words are, in my case, falling on deaf ears. Really advancing their cause, aren't they? "And no doubt would have responded well to a caring "Do you realise" instead of harassment. Education is much more effective than badgering" If you're talking about my neighbor, the answer is no. They received several caring overtures which were totally ignored. They responded to what was basically a public shaming. And again, if you're talking about people returning kittens to shelters after they've grown up - I have tried talking to these people - to no avail. It's always allergies, spouses, babies, moving, it's not as cute as it used to be and that's that.. "Well, you know what, when I get new cats, I get kittens. I love the kitten stage and I wouldn't miss it for the world. Last two I got are still here, 10.5 years later. Ones before that, sadly I had to find homes for when I left Britain. But, you know what, I *found* a home for them, together. With a family who adored them. People working, or volunteering as you do, see the bad stories. Those of us who aren't like that simply don't get noticed. For the same reason that good news doesn't sell papers" I get that your defensive reaction came from your predilection for adopting kittens. You're right, being a responsible adopter of kittens is better than being an irresponsible adopter of kittens. But I do reserve my warmest thoughts and a higher level of admiration for people who adopt troubled adult cats. It's more work, it's less common, and they are deserving of high praise. > I get that your defensive reaction came from your predilection for > adopting kittens. No, actually, it's not a defensive reaction. It's an aggressive reaction. I'm sick to death of the holier-than-thou attitude some posters on this ng display. In all honesty, I'm not sick-to-death of it enough for it to keep me awake at night, nor am I sick-to-death of it enough for it to concern me when I'm not posting, but I am sick-to-death enough of it to point it out here a few times. You're right, being a responsible adopter of kittens > is better than being an irresponsible adopter of kittens. But I do > reserve my warmest thoughts and a higher level of admiration for people > who adopt troubled adult cats. It's more work, it's less common, and > they are deserving of high praise. You are assuming, tracyrose, that anyone really cares about your praise. Some of us just care about enjoying our cats. > > I get that your defensive reaction came from your predilection for > > adopting kittens. [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > You are assuming, tracyrose, that anyone really cares about your praise. > Some of us just care about enjoying our cats. >No, actually, it's not a defensive reaction. It's an aggressive reaction. >I'm sick to death of the holier-than-thou attitude some posters on this ng >display. In all honesty, I'm not sick-to-death of it enough for it to keep >me awake at night, nor am I sick-to-death of it enough for it to concern me >when I'm not posting, but I am sick-to-death enough of it to point it out >here a few times. It's very similar to the older person explaining something to the younger person. I hated it when older people did it to me, but now I am totally frustrated with my know-it-all nephew who can't see the whole picture, and totally resists what I try to tell him from actual experience. Those of us who do know, really do know. And it's hard to convince people until they have seen as well. I understand where you are coming from. Honestly. I grew up in a home where breeding was intentional and considered a good thing. My mom was a backyard breeder and proud of it. A lot of what she told me was from ignorance or bias. But it was wrong. It wasn't until I joined this group that I began to learn how wrong it was. And it took me awhile to change my opinions. But I did, and now I know better. Once you have actually been on both sides, it's easier to look at both sides and judge which one is better. My first 3 cats came from my mom as a bakyard breeder. I have been lucky with their health. But I have also seen how that luck could have been a horrible mistake. You see, Kira got a double dose of a recessive gene that my mom was completely unaware of, even though she had been breeding the same two lines together for about 8 years and probably 6 litters. We realized later that a couple other kittens demonstrated the gene as well, but we never kept in contact with the buyers, so we never knew. Thankfully, that gene was simply a mutant long hair gene, but it just as easily could have been a gene for a health defect. I am ashamed of the history, and I feel horrible knowing how much we contributed to the overpopulation problem. I have to wonder how many of our kittens died young or ended up in shelters. There is nothing I can do to take it back, but I will do my best to encourage others to take a better path. Signature-- Meghan & the Zoo Crew Equine and Pet Photography http://www.zoocrewphoto.com > >No, actually, it's not a defensive reaction. It's an aggressive reaction. > >I'm sick to death of the holier-than-thou attitude some posters on this ng [quoted text clipped - 36 lines] > can do to take it back, but I will do my best to encourage others to > take a better path. Beautifully put, Meghan. You really have a great way of articulating complicated situations. > I am, however, really sick of the lecturing "If you saw what I saw" bunch > around here, who seem to think that anyone who has slightly different views > about cats than they do must be evil, or close to it. As a member of the "If you saw what I saw" camp, and I can probably speak for Phil in that camp also, you're not nearly as sick of us as we are of you. Sherry > > I am, however, really sick of the lecturing "If you saw what I saw" > bunch [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > Sherry Common as pinworms. Unfortunately. -L. > > > I am, however, really sick of the lecturing "If you saw what I saw" > > bunch [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > -L. Sorry, I'm not following you. :-) What is as common as pinworms? You mean, self-serving people who have a couple of pampered house cats, and don't give a damn about alleviating suffering, and curbing overpopulation, or cats as a species in general? The ones who brag about their "rights" to "own" whatever strikes their fancy, and the homeless are someone else's problem? Like that selfish bitch Ashley? Sherry > > Common as pinworms. Unfortunately. > > [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Sherry Yes. :) -L. (...) > The ones who brag about their "rights" to "own" whatever strikes their > fancy, and the homeless are someone else's problem? The human homeless? Or do they not count? We all choose what good we fail to do. Your failing just happens to be different to Ashley's, it would seem. Steve. > (...) > > The ones who brag about their "rights" to "own" whatever strikes [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > We all choose what good we fail to do. Your failing just happens to be > different to Ashley's, it would seem. You and Ashley are the same kind of a.shole, Steve. Both for breeders, and both proponents of allowing cats to roam unsupervised. Your substance is clearly snot. However, no matter how much you sneer and wheedle and split hairs, the "failing" is yours, not Sherry's. For you the cat is an object. A pure-bred animal is some sort of status symbol. I believe Phil characterized your complex as the "tiny dick" syndrome. Although you can be amusing, I am afraid I must agree with Phil. (...) > You and Ashley are the same kind of a.shole, Steve. Actually, we have the same arsehole. It's a timeshare. > Both for breeders, As is your want, you misrepresent views of others so that they fit into the very few pigeonholes in your loft. For breeders? FWIW, my views: - I am against breeding cats that have *inherent* faults in a Darwinian sense, e.g., extremely flat-faced cats, some types of tailless cats, hairless cats. I would allow for exceptions, such as to preserve naturally-occuring breeds at risk of becoming extinct. - I am for the (strict) regulation of breeding practices such that the genetic health of bred cats is maintained / improved. If it were found that some breeds could not exist without defects of any sort, then I would disallow the breeding of such animals. - I am for breeding of cats that meet these criteria. I am for the hybridisation of domestic and wild cats, e.g., Bengals et al. My views on breeding apply to all pets, such as the rats that are my other pets. I consider breeders and shelters to both be useful potential pet sources. I weight the latter a little more highly, but do not feel an obligation to adopt from shelters under all circumstances. That I do not attack all breeders is certainly an act of selfishness to a large extent; I do not want some cat breeds to die out, and I obviously do not 'need' a purebred animal. However, owning a pet at all is a basically selfish act, and I don't feel the need to assuage any guilt by only adopting shelter cats. In other areas of my life guilt (or belief) does strongly alter my behaviour. Saving cats is not one such area. > and both proponents of allowing cats to roam unsupervised. Ideally, I believe that cats should have free access to the outdoors - including the hunting of live prey in a natural setting. This would not apply if the access area is especially dangerous (e.g., inner city environment). The 'acceptable' level of danger is debatable, and ultimately up to the owner to decide any cost-benefit tradeoffs. I consider an excellent general outdoor-access solution to be a freely-accessible enclosed area. They are virtually no problems with this approach. I have reservations about indoor cats, but as long as they are provided with sufficient space, and environmental enrichment, then my reservations are relatively mild. > Your substance is clearly snot. However, > no matter how much you sneer and wheedle and split > hairs, the "failing" is yours, not Sherry's. Me, I have lots of failings. You? > For you the cat is an object. Yes. Usually a lamp. Taxidermy. Bulb up the rectum. Bob's yer uncle. Saves on food costs. > A pure-bred animal is some sort of status symbol. Who's supposed to be impressed? > I believe Phil characterized your complex as the > "tiny dick" syndrome. Yah - this happens on the (few) occasions when I disagree with him and argue my points using independent info to justify my position. Well known sign of micropenis. > Although you can be amusing, > I am afraid I must agree with Phil. Don't be afraid. Actually, I typed this message using my wang. Then again, this is a very small keyboard. Steve. "What anthropomorphic rot! When an animal has been abused they are far *less* likely to be amenable to human interaction. If your pre-abused cat has the remarkable pesonality you describe, then it is despite this abuse, not because. Like humans, indeed" You compare abused (actually the right terms is neglected) cats to abused humans and say *we're* engaging in anthromorphic rot. (?) The reality is, and you would know this if you'd ever formed a long-term relationship with a seriously neglected cat is that they are, after a long interval marked by lack of trust, incredibly happy and grateful and ecstatic to finally be in a safe place with a kind human of their own. But you have to do the work to get there. And I did. Because I didn't rescue Flower as a selfish act. I already had a perfectly wonderful cat. I did it because she needed me and I had enough space in my home and my heart to care for one more that nobody else wanted. It's just gravy that she's turned out to be a great cat :> (...) > You compare abused (actually the right terms is neglected) I see. So, if a cat was kicked around and generally f.cked with by a previous owner, the cat was just 'neglected'? Enter political correctness, exit brain. > cats to > abused humans and say *we're* engaging in anthromorphic rot. (?) In general, if any species is abused by another, it will show a lack of trust (hm, possible anthropomorphism) toward the abuser's species (or gender. Or whatever). As you say, this trust can take considerable effort to recapture. > The reality is, and you would know this if you'd ever formed a > long-term relationship with a seriously neglected cat is that they are, I have a long-term relationship with a seriously neglected cat (hm, sounds a bit rude). I have never had any interactions with 'abused' cats. (...) > And I did. Because I didn't rescue Flower as a selfish act. No such thing as altruism. You did good, but also got your rewards. S. > "What anthropomorphic rot! When an animal has been abused they are far > *less* likely to be amenable to human interaction. If your pre-abused [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > enough space in my home and my heart to care for one more that nobody > else wanted. It's just gravy that she's turned out to be a great cat :> Who are you talking to? > "What anthropomorphic rot! When an animal has been abused they are far > *less* likely to be amenable to human interaction. If your pre-abused > cat has the remarkable pesonality you describe, then it is despite this > abuse, not because. Like humans, indeed" > > You compare abused (actually the right terms is neglected) No, dear. They are two different terms. Abuse differs from neglect. Obviously this is part of your problem WRT lack of understanding. -L. Whoopie. We just got a silver chinchilla CFA-papered flat-faced Persian guy into the shelter today. He's a sweetie, but he can barely breathe, he's got mange, an infected eye, and his owners dumped him because they "moved". You gotta love breeders. > and his owners dumped him because they > "moved". You gotta love breeders. I know this has been said a million times on here and I am just preaching to the choir...but how does one just decide the will get rid of a cat because they "moved" or because "they don't have time" or they simply "do not want" them any longer. I stopped at PetSmart today for some food and of course I am always drawn to the kitties for adoption room. Most of the cages simply said "not wanted" and i thought...what MOTHER F*CKER just decides "MEH! I no longer want this cat." O.M.G. I wanted to pound my damn fists on the windows and then I wanted to steal them all and take them all home. Lily and Daisy and the little black one and the two calico looking ones and the orange tabby...and...and... UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! > > and his owners dumped him because they > > "moved". You gotta love breeders. [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yeah. I have to go to Petsmart to get a couple more Alpine scratchers. I had better dive in there and run back out. When my Ship Come In I will found a wonderful cat sanctuary where unwanted kitties may live happy, fun and safe lives attended by animal lovers who may also benefit from a nice place to live. I mean it, too. >>>and his owners dumped him because they >>>"moved". You gotta love breeders. [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > Alpine scratchers. I had better dive in there and run back > out. I just cant ever manage to do that. But when I do see those poor kitties, it makes me want to hurry home and hug my own furballs. > When my Ship Come In I will found a wonderful > cat sanctuary where unwanted kitties may live happy, > fun and safe lives attended by animal lovers who may > also benefit from a nice place to live. I mean it, too. Yeah, the register after he asked me if I needed anything else (which i obviously didn't or else I'd have it with me at the check-out...but anyway) and I replied "Just a big van to take all those kitties outta here and nice huge house with a hundred rooms for all of them." He actually looked at me funny. I'm not so sure this guy was really all that into animals. A job is a job is a job. |
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