At The Catnip Times, adoption is always the first, second and third option – but we realize that doesn’t always happen and breeders will continue to exist. In a world where countless cats await loving homes in shelters and rescue organizations, The Catnip Times advocates for adoption as the primary means of acquiring a new feline companion. However, we acknowledge that there are instances where individuals or families may seek a cat with specific traits or from a particular lineage. In such cases, it is crucial to engage with a responsible breeder. This statement outlines our position on responsible cat breeding, emphasizing the welfare and ethical considerations that must guide these practices.
Responsible cat breeding goes beyond the mere production of kittens; it is a commitment to the health, well-being, and future of every cat involved. Responsible breeders demonstrate their dedication through the following principles:
- Health and Well-being: Breeders must provide all cats with high-quality nutrition, clean water, appropriate shelter, regular exercise, socialization, and professional veterinary care. The environment should be clean, safe, and conducive to the cats’ physical and emotional well-being.
- Ethical Breeding Practices: Breeding plans should prioritize the health and welfare of the mother and father cats, considering their age, health status, and suitability for breeding. Breeders should engage in ethical breeding practices that aim to improve the breed without compromising the health of the cats involved. This includes avoiding inbreeding and ensuring genetic diversity.
- Socialization and Care: Kittens should be raised in a home environment, allowing for proper socialization with humans and other cats. Breeders should handle kittens daily to promote their social development and prepare them for a smooth transition to their new homes.
- Transparency and Education: Responsible breeders are open about their breeding practices and encourage prospective owners to visit and see where the cats are raised. They provide complete medical histories, vaccination records, and pedigree information for all cats. Additionally, they educate prospective buyers about responsible cat ownership and the specific needs of the breed.
- Lifetime Commitment: A fundamental aspect of responsible breeding is the breeder’s lifetime commitment to the cats they breed. This includes using waiting lists to ensure there are suitable homes available, making thoughtful matches between cats and prospective owners, and being prepared to take back or rehome a cat if necessary and at any point in the cat’s life.
- Advocacy and Responsibility: Responsible breeders actively advocate against inhumane breeding practices and educate the public about the risks associated with acquiring cats from commercial breeders, pet stores, or through online transactions without seeing the breeding conditions firsthand. They support laws and policies that promote transparency, quality of care, and accountability in breeding.
Pet Stores and Online Sales
The Catnip Times strongly opposes the breeding and sale of cats in conditions that fail to meet their physical, social, and emotional needs. This stance extends to acquiring cats from commercial breeders, pet stores, and online platforms that obscure the true conditions in which the animals are kept and bred. We advocate for direct engagement with responsible breeders or adoption from reputable shelters and rescue organizations as the best pathways to finding a feline companion.
Conclusion
Choosing to bring a cat into your life is a significant decision that should be approached with care and responsibility. When adoption is not an option or selected path, it is crucial to support breeders who prioritize the well-being and future of their cats above all else. By choosing responsible breeders, cat lovers can help combat the cruelty and neglect prevalent in commercial breeding operations and ensure their feline companions are healthy, well-socialized, and loving members of their families. Let’s together foster a world where every cat is valued and cared for with the dignity and respect they deserve.
