Theos-Talk Archives (August 1997 Message tl00508)

Jerry wrote:

>>> If you like cats, check out my cattery page on http://www.shellay.com
>>> where Shellay is the name of our cattery. Its got some nice pictures
>>> of Norwegian Forest Cats.

I visited your web page and found the care, comfort, and concern toward the
cats admirable.  However, your diligence in breeding these animals does not
alleviate the main problem breeders contribute to - the overpopulation of
animals and the emphasis on animals as commodities.  For every cat you breed
- and one does wonder how the "breedee" feels about this - and sell, there
is one less home available for a "regular run-of-the-mill" animal who finds
itself in a shelter, city pound, or homeless.

Manufacturing cats (genetically altering) is certainly risky for the animal
as it is the one who suffers physically and mentally for any "mistakes"
whereas the human suffers a setback to the wallet.  A fair trade-off?  There
is also the well-known risk of lowering an animal's immune system the more
"purebred" the animal becomes.  From a "big picture" point of view - is
making a cat hypoallergenic for those who are allergic to cats worth it?

Selling animals for $400 to $1200 (as you do) caters to a select group of
people - and creates a "hierarchy" of animals.  Why get a Dodge if you can
afford a Ferrari?  Unfortunately, this myth is human created - and again, it
is the animals that suffer.  And those who purchase animals from breeders
are half the problem - for there would be no breeders if people weren't
willing to shell out money.

Your web page said you sometimes involve the cats in Assisted Living
programs - that is very worthwhile - but there is an animal sitting alone in
a city pound who would be thrilled and more than able to do the same.

We are the guardians of this planet and its inhabitants - the manufacture,
breeding, and selling of companion animals doesn't sound like the road to
travel on the way to Compassion.

Kym