The whole "purebred" thing always seems weird to me, "purebred" royal families aren't pretty but full of genetic defects, why should it be an better with cats or dogs.

[–] Rakonat@lemmy.world 47 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Nearly every cat I ever had was once a stray and I wouldn't trade that for the world.

[–] EvolvedTurtle@lemmy.world 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

You don't to have a pet cat

The cat chooses you as their pet

[–] creditCrazy@lemmy.world 1 points 11 months ago

Honestly it's always something magical when a cat decides ah yes you are my human. It's like the dark souls version of getting a dog. And thusly cats in a way are the peak of loyalty because no one else can win a cats favor.

[–] Maggoty@lemmy.world 2 points 11 months ago

Release a mouse, a bird, and a raccoon...

[–] creditCrazy@lemmy.world 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Perchance these competitions should have a points deducted by the animals quality of life. Of the poor thing has a hard time breathing -10 points idk

[–] I_Fart_Glitter@lemmy.world 1 points 11 months ago

Norway is doing something about it:

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/french-bulldog-pugs-breeding-ban-norway-b2008332.html

The court ruled that the breeding of brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs is cruel and results in man-made health problems, and is in violation of Norway’s Animal Welfare Act.

[–] masquenox@lemmy.world 0 points 11 months ago (1 children)

aren’t pretty but full of genetic defects

Nature despises purity.

[–] imgcat@lemmy.ml 1 points 2 months ago

The concept of breed purity is completely artificial

[–] Rolder@reddthat.com -1 points 11 months ago (2 children)

Hmm two possible reasons come to mind. First, purebred in terms of cats and dogs not necessarily meaning genetic defects. Second, having a defined breed gives the judges something to rate against.

[–] Pringles@lemm.ee 17 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Not necessarily? More like by default. Purebreds are a thing because of certain genetic traits and are bred to not only maintain them, but to enhance those traits. Because of all that inbreeding the propensity for certain diseases and cancers are vastly increased. A purebred dog or cat will with near certainty be riddled with cancer or disease by the time they start getting a bit older. I love both cats and dogs, but purebreds shouldn't be a thing.

[–] oatscoop@midwest.social 2 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 children)

It's the size of the population and the competence/goals of the breeders. Breeders chasing exaggerated traits at the expense of the animal's health are the major problem.

There are "pure" breeds of every domestic animal that are healthy -- provided it's a line not perpetuated by selfish idiots. Domestic shorthair cats, various working breeds of dogs, horses, etc.

[–] zalgotext@sh.itjust.works 0 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I like how you put "pure" in quotes because the way they keep those lines healthy is by occasionally mixing in other breeds.

[–] oatscoop@midwest.social 2 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

No, it's because I find the idea and the importance attached to it idiotic.

Having said that, I also believe it doesn't automatically mean a breed is inbred and/or has health problems.

[–] SharkEatingBreakfast@sopuli.xyz 15 points 11 months ago

I once was looking to get a cat and found the goofiest looking idiot on Craigslist. Turns out, it was a purebred Exotic Shorthair that was surrendered to a shelter because it didn't look fucked-up enough (it could still kind of breathe through its nose). New owners wanted to recoup costs because they adopted another cat that was "more playful" and the exotic was getting eye-goop on their white carpets. A wonderful standard for purebreeds!

I changed him name from "Luigi" to "Waluigi", and he was best best buddy for many many years.