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?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Mitted seal point? 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

LOL...he does have a bit of a scowl, doesn't he? He is mitted Seal Colorpoint. All Ragdolls are pointed cats, so they all have blue eyes in varying degrees of blue. Ragdolls are the second largest cat...Maine Coon being #1.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Here are my 3 Raggies:
Harley is a Blue Bi-color


His sister and litter ate Shelby, who is a Seal Colorpoint


And Kaci: who is a Blue Colorpoint with Enzo

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

They're all beautiful! 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Thanks!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Gorgeous cats.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Thank you!

[Pat and Traveler]

Beautiful cats, Ro!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Thank you!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Oh wow!  I love Ragdolls!  Nice sweet cats. Beautiful Rosemary

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

I call them the feline version of the Golden Retriever! All 3 of mine are incredibly sweet.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Ro, your Raggies are beautiful!