Let me say a few words to you, yes you, the person who writes an email to simply ask the price. The person who calls and after hearing a price surprisedly states: “I can buy a cheaper cat elsewhere”. I also address you; the person who doesn’t care about papers because I want “just a pet”.
No cat is “just a pet”.
Behind every pure bred cat is a BREEDER. I’m using capital letters to differentiate a breeder from a pet factory or mill. A reputable breeder does not breed cats without papers, that does not protect the integrity of the breed. Registration (papers) are records of lineage that document bloodline and allow one to research any possible health issues present in the lineage. When you tell a Breeder you don’t care about papers what you’re really telling them is you could care less about the health of the cat you just want the cheapest thing you can find! When you select to buy a cat from a reputable and quality breeder, this breeder is responsible for the health of every cat; both cats owned and every cat they’ve sold for its lifetime. This breeder will skip holidays, miss sleeping, and most of their personal house space has been turned into space for their cats . The truly passionate breeder who loves what they breed, puts their whole heart and soul into it. Not only in kittens that are sold, but also in each client who owns a piece of their heart and now is a member of their extended family. This does not take into account any kitten/cat who might get sick or need extra help to thrive. Breeders worry about their babies after they leave and will take one back without question.
A breeder will get their hands dirty, often covered in everything accompanied with birthing. Because that’s what life is about…In the middle of birth and death is life. The wheel that keeps turning. A breeder will do tests, echos, xrays, analysis, emergency c sections, vaccinations, register cats and litters, research pedigrees, deworm, as well as get them evaluated by specialists.
Last but by no means least, a breeder CHOOSES the family lucky enough to have one of their kittens. Yes, you read that right. A true breeder chooses who they sell to because they are not making money off the sale. There is no compensation that can offset the investment a Breeder has made so they need to be confident its the right fit. Many times saying more no’s then yes…A good Breeder will have different criteria for those wanting to carry on their bloodline, why? Because breeding is not a responsibility to ever be taken lightly, it’s a lifestyle choice set aside for ONLY the few devoted people willing to sacrifice.
Because a cat is never “just a pet” it’s the Breeder’s legacy, a little boy’s best friend, a little girls protector, an elderly persons therapy, a member of the family, someone’s whole world!!!
This was not written by me.
Written in part by: Sr. Eduardo Loredo Muller
Thank you Hector for sharing it!