What's the deal with pure breed cats?

[Adina P]

For some random reason Clark is looking at photos of Maine Coon cats on his computer right now.  No we're not getting a cat any time soon.  But I am curious about breeds with cats.  I understand buying dogs from a breeder, but is there any reason to buy a cat from a breeder vs. adopting a random cute cat from the pound?  Do pure breed cats have a slew of health issues depending on breed?  Are cat breeders as likely to be BYBs as dog breeders or is the climate different in catdom?  What knowledge or insight do my doodle peeps have on this topic?

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

We've had Birmans for years and like dogs I did a lot of research. Banjo lived until he was 19 and Poppy is 12. My daughter now has a rescue tabby called Roo. They are like chalk and cheese. There are definitely breed traits with cats. Birmans are gentle and very sociable semi long haired cats. I never once saw either of them draw out a claw.

[Sally S Miles]

"Chalk and cheese" - love it!   My tabby is the flip side of our MC - I have found tabbies to be generally 'flibbertigibbets' full of P&V fun loving, but not wild.  Birmans are lovely cats, love the name Banjo.

[Debbie & Gibbs]

Kitty breeders I think can be a little psycho, at least that has been my experience. We have had 4 different breed of cats and they differ just like dogs. If personalities and what they enjoy doing. The Himalayan, very pretty cat, knew it and was stuck on himself, he was kinda lazy and just like to lay around so everyone could look at him. The Ocicat (very cool cat), wanted to be totally involved in whatever you were doing, smart, she was a player with anything and at anytime!! The Abyssian, beautiful and very social, he was a whiny butt, he wanted things his way. The Maine Coon, very, very sweet and loved to play, especially during the middle of the night. Good luck with your kitty exploring. I would have another cat and would probably lean towards Maine Coon and Ocicat, they were probably my favorite.