this post was submitted on 03 Feb 2026
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Do people pick cats? They’ve always just kind of shown up and refused to leave for me. I feel like you have to actively avoid getting a cat if you really don’t want one.
This is a Bengal cat, so it's quite likely they bought the kitten from a breeder.
Then fuck them.
Absolutely. There isn't a good reason in my eyes to buy a dog or cat from a breeder when so many are being euthanized in shelters for lack of space.
Not only that, it’s just cruel to the cats they use for breeding. I ended up with a purebred snowshoe that was a rescue from breeders and she was so scared of people and withdrawn when I first got her, and it took such a long time for her to start opening up and learning she’s safe. She ended up being the most affectionate and social cat that I have ever met. After seeing how traumatized and neglected that wonderful little lady was I can’t help but feel every animal breeder should be strung up by their heels and flogged.
Yeah, they acknowledge realise after some time, that you saved them, and they'll be forever grateful
There are breeders who are operating ethical, you know? Treating mother and father good, only letting so many litters happen, letting the kittens socialize before relocating to people willing to take good care of their new family members. Getting all the vet work done in the first weeks, providing good infos about the cats and what they will need....
And for why: some breeds are special in personality. I have two ragdoll-siam girls now and they really are special. Very people oriented, chatty, super patient with kids but still energetic. I can now see why some people pay for (ethically) bred cats.
I'm going to agree to disagree. Even breeders who limit their litters, get all the medical testing and natal care, and who are selective on where they place their animals aren't doing something I'd consider "ethical". It's a simple question of math.
Adding more animals to the population while knowing kittens and puppies are dying for no other reason than no one choosing them isn't ethical. Taking a potential home away from an animal that is doomed to stretch the budgets of shelters and the rescue community at large and still end up euthanized without ever knowing a real home isn't ethical. It feels nice for the special looking, inbred animals that get to live that privileged life, but it conveniently ignores the death of animals in our communities that are just as deserving.
As per your point about special personalities, I can promise you that even within the same litter, personalities vary wildly. Yes, you're able to pay for appearance when buying from a breeder, but personalities are shaped by too many factors and aren't guaranteed. Animals purchased from "reputable" breeders are also given up at surprising rates when they didn't exactly fall in line with the breed standard in looks or personality. This isn't even getting into the many genetic health issues we're seeing more of now that purebred cats are getting so popular....
If we spend time meeting adoptable cats and kittens that aren't as flashy, we'll be able to find just about any traits we're looking for for our and our family's needs. Not to mention breed specific rescues if the need for the breed feels that great.
Absolutely not, no. There are more ethical animal breeders, but there is no such thing as ethical animal breeders. That’s like saying there are good cops, even if they really think that it’s all in support of a fucked system, and having a hand in it and upholding that system is morally corrupt, point blank. You’re supporting an industry of abuse, there is absolutely no negotiating around that.
Edit: Also, purebreds are made up social hierarchy bullshit that genetically assassinates the health of the animal for stupid fucking egotistic reasons and is a fucked up thing to do to animals. They’re not a fucking scarf or a handbag, they’re living, thinking, feeling entities.
There absolutely is good cops; just in the good, non fascist countries.
I got my bengal kitten at the local animal shelter, theg have hundreds of cats for adoption.
Literally the only ethical way to have a purebred is if it’s a rescue. Supporting breeders is fucking corrupt at its core and that applies to buyers and sellers.
People who want a pure bred cat yes
That’s stupid and unethical.
So it’s pretty much on brand
I've gotten to pick one out of the last five cats. It's rare but it happens.
Cat Distribution System is always creating new content
We've picked all of ours from rescues and shelters.
I can't justify adopting another one (we have 3,plus a dog), but part of me knows that if the cat distribution system sent me one, I'd have a difficult time letting go.