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Breeding Cats for Function is the Only Ethical Standard.

by Jane
(UK)

Why oh why oh why oh why oh why?

The dwarfism gene in ANY animal is just a disaster waiting to happen. Health problems abound. Read up on Melvin, he has some health issues which aren't going away anytime soon. If Melvin hadn't found a home with such great people he would have died. They have worked tirelessly (and still are working hard) to ensure he gets the best care for his issues. It will be a long road. Melvin is lucky. Many cats with the dwarfism issue are not so lucky.

Really, teacup is a novelty, a train wreck of genetics, conjured up to satisfy the shallow public who want a tiny animal to carry about and show off. This depresses me so much.

It's also a bit worrying to read "Shots can apparently contribute to the occurrence of cancer, it seems"

These tiny cats are going to have enough problems, just because of the dwarfism gene without the extra risk from low immunity to the common feline illness. I know the standard vaccine dose has been a problem for teacups.

Really, people, please stop exploiting genetics that lead to deformity. Breeding for function is the only ethical standard to follow.

Jane:(

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Breeding Cats for Function is the Only Ethical Standard.

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Sep 27, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Consumer culture
by: Finn Frode, Denmark

Thank you, Jane, for bringing up this subject. I suppose it's part of consumer culture to always be looking for another novelty or passing fad (like the Chihuahua pocket dogs), but it is indeed worrying, when serious deformities are bred on for a special look only.
The diversity of cats all stems from genetic mutations that occurred at some time and there's nothing wrong with the idea of creating new breeds or refining existing. It must however be done in a responsible way and not rushed at the expense of the health of the animal.
Sep 27, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		How I agree
by: Ruth

Jane you are so right !! Why can't some people leave Nature alone,they are always wanting to mess about and create mutations of animals which are already perfect as they are.They give no thought to the problems those poor creatures will suffer !
Cats are free spirits and born with the right to enjoy their lives, just as we are.
I hate the thought of any cat being especially bred to be gawped at and not allowed to live its life as a cat should !
Sep 26, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		I am with you
by: Anonymous

I am one of those people who is with you on this. Well said. I don't think enough emphasis generally (across the board) is placed on health in the breeding of cats. Perhaps things are changing, however.

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