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?

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Beautiful!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Got off topic so to answer your questions:

• 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?  Absolutely get a cat from the pound.   My purebreds were fluke~ long story.  I did get a cat shortly after these two that was hit by a car in front of me and left for dead.  I took him to the vet, he lived, his name was Road Kill. He did not have some long fancy name.   Certain breeds do have different temperaments so that might be one reason to get a purebred.  Some cats are jumpers and others are hunters ( low to the ground).  A grounder may not be always on your counter.  So, that might be a reason.

• Do pure breed cats have a slew of health issues depending on breed?  Dunno?  I think some of the health issues are from breeders of cats keeping the lines tight. 

• Are cat breeders as likely to be BYBs as dog breeders or is the climate different in catdom?  I've seen this happen.  Mostly for money and yes, Maine Coons do attract a dollar.    Big giant cats with pretty tails have a market.  I've seen more BYBs with Maine Coons than other breeds but that might be true to my area and the times I was looking. I have not looked in a long time. 

• What knowledge or insight do my doodle peeps have on this topic?  Gave that above

[Adina P]

Yeah it seems somehow wrong to buy a breed cat vs. a cat from the pound.  But I just wouldn't know how to evaluate a cat at the pound.  Last time we went so the kids could play NONE of the cats paid one iota of attention to us.  One black cat seemed a little friendly but the rest couldn't care less.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

It's hard to evaluate cats. One reason is that the personality in the daylight is not true because they are nocturnal.  They could care less because they were up all night :)

[Adina P]

THAT part I'm not a fan of.  Is there any way to trick them into thinking day is night?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

After that first year, they sleep all the time. They really dont bother you at  night like a barking dog.  Give them a nice red couch and they lay around 22 hours a day.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

The Raggies are up all day with us. They want to be with the family. The others cat nap all day.

[Julie and Max]

Ragdolls also have a certain trait that is absolutely adorable. They are floppy like a ragdoll, like when you pick them up they will just hang there lol. 

Maine Coon cats are usually very large as adult cats, much larger than a normal cat, and they are usually very very smart. So smart that they can get into a lot of trouble because they are often expert at opening things they aren't supposed to etc.

Then there are cats like the Siberian Forest Cat. Also another low allergenic cat because they have a very low amount of the protein in their dander that causes a lot of cat allergies. They are also quite large, and very friendly cats. 

Then there are cats like the Devon Rex. They are cute in a weird ugly way. They are another breed that is said to be low allergies because of their curly coats (like a poodle). These cats are very high energy and they need a lot of attention but they are very fun. They play a lot, and they need things like cat houses and toys to keep them occupied. 

Buying a purebred cat is much like buying a purebred dog. There are not so great breeders, and great breeders. The great breeders health test, socialize and have health guarantees. Like dogs they can be very expensive. I was recently looking at the siberian forest cat, and the price quote from a reputable breeder was 1800$. 

Here are some cute devon rex cats. 

A pretty siberian forest cat

OMG I want this cat chocolate ragdoll

and look at the size of this guy maine coon lol

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Love them all, but I just love that Maine Coon.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Oh yes...the Ragdoll Flop!

[Sally S Miles]

ROTFL - - love it.  My largest one was seventeen lbs and her best buddy was my 4lb Yorkie!!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Love them all but I'd pass on the Devon Rex.  I like soft and furry!