Though we may love our mixed-breed domestic short-, medium- and long-haired cats, most of us cannot help but be enamored with pure breeds. Siamese are so exotic and Ragdolls are so huggable. Maine Coons are as rugged as New England lumberjacks and Persians just lend themselves to pampering.
The first place people interested in a pure breed should look for one is their local shelter. If the shelter does not have the breed one wants, many will take information so the interested party can be contacted if one is turned in. Shelters often have a list of breed rescues, and employees have contacts across the region (and often the nation) that can help match a family with a rescued purebred cat.
Here in Oneida County, Humane Society of Rome often has purebred cats available for adoption. In the past, they have had Himalayans, Chartreux, Persians, Russian Blues, Norwegian Forest Cats, Abyssinians, Turkish Vans, Bengals, Maine Coons, Oriental Shorthairs, Siamese, Burmese, Manx, Ragdolls and British Shorthairs come through their doors. In fact, they currently have several purebred and half-purebred cats available for adoption. Meet them in the slide show.
Contrary to what many people believe, those involved with cat rescue (or dog, or rabbit, or any rescue) do not harbor ill will toward a breed, but toward irresponsible backyard breeders and kitten mill operators who contribute to overpopulation and irresponsibility in pursuit of easy money. Reputable breeders care about not only their cats and kittens, but also the homes to which they will be going. A reputable breeder is as likely to ask a prospective pet parent as many questions as a shelter or rescue, and will deny a bad match for the well being of their kitten. He or she will also, more often than not, require the kitten be spayed or neutered.
It is important to do research and make sure one is prepared before adopting any animal, but it is especially so with purebreds. These cats were developed to have specific dispositions, so be sure that you are not bringing a shy breed into an busy household, an active breed into a quiet one or any other mismatch scenario. Many breeds are predisposed to certain health issues, and one must be prepared to offer appropriate treatment if the cat is affected, after all, humans are the ones who took natural selection out of the picture for these cats, so we are responsible their traits - good, bad or indifferent.
Let us congratulate Humane Society of Rome alumni Maggie, Thomas, Skooter, Polly, Josef and Huey on being adopted into their forever homes!
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