Our pets. Are we breeding out the best of them?

I understand and advocate the spaying and neutering of feral animals, but sometimes I wonder if we aren't breeding the best traits out of our pets.

This isn't a diatribe, or a condemnation, I just wanted to discuss it.

I miss my 17 year old Maine Coon cat that died last year. I miss that there will never be another like him in the gene pool because I had him "fixed" early. I realize that common opinion is that he wouldn't have been a good kitty if he *hadn't* been fixed, but then I wonder what would kittens born of him been like now. I know that's stupid, but I *do* wonder. Now I have Contessa. Fluffy as hell, VOCAL to the point of nearly attempting to talk, she's fixed. She's 14.

Then, there is the anomaly. I didn't "adopt her", "buy her" or seek her out, she found me. She's already fixed, and if there was any cat I'd rather continue their genes on, it's her. She was fixed before she adopted me.

I know we fix our pets for a reason, I know we fix our pets out of civic responsibility, but sometimes, it just feels like we are breeding out the best, kindest traits in them.

I'd be happy to hear the other side, those who bred their pets instead of fixing them.

and smart as can be...maybe because of it all?




Tikki

unless it is some rare breed. It amazes me that there are millions of cats and dogs, but every one is different! :)

There are always way more animals than there are good homes for them, unfortunately.

All of our critters are pure-bred and neutered. I leave breeding to reputable breeders who know what they are doing.

And I kind of regret that her personality and intelligence in that combination won't be in this world again. Maybe it will via her siblings, who knows. She's not the most gorgeous kitty on the block, but she's definitely the sweetest and the smartest.