Why You Should Think Twice Before Buying A Cat Like This (2024)
Daily Dodo
Cats
Thor is going viral — but even his owners say you should adopt instead.
By
Sarah V Schweig
Published on 8/26/2016 at 3:40 PM
When Rani Cucicov and Hilde De Coster decided to buy a Bengal cat a couple of years ago, they had no idea that they'd be answering questions from all over the world about where people could get one like theirs.
Thor is a well-loved Bengal cat living in Belgium and taking the internet by storm because of his amazing stripes and spots. But when people see an animal like Thor, they don't realize that there's also a dark side to the demand for Bengal cats.
While Thor has been going viral this month, there was a quieter story in the news: Kevin Cheng, a man in Australia, just got busted for running a kitten factory. Bengal kittens and cats were found riddled with infections and living in filth; 30 of the 72 cats seized were so sick they had to be euthanized.
Not all breeders, of course, are as bad as Cheng's nightmare operation. There are Bengal breeding operations all over the world, but the trouble is that they can be very hard to regulate, or even see.
According to Animals Australia, kitten breeding operations in general lack transparency and regulatory oversight, and "the actions of unscrupulous breeders all combine to create what can be, at best, a life of deprivation and chronic boredom for cats and their kittens or, at worst, a living nightmare."
But Cucicov and De Coster told The Dodo in an email that they chose Thor because they "really wanted a Bengal." The couple was worried about how their dog would react to a cat. "[W]e knew that Bengals were normally very good with dogs and they are very active and kind."
The couple searched shelter websites first but didn't find anything, so they looked for a breeder, and they tried to be discerning. "We absolutely hate 'puppy mills' and 'cat farms' ... where you can buy more than 50 different races, and where the cat and dog mothers are 'abused' and need to be pregnant as many times as possible," the couple wrote.
The couple found a breeder they liked in the Netherlands and that's where they bought Thor, the now-Internet-famous cat.
"Now that Thor is going viral, [we] get many questions where to buy a cat like him," the couple wrote. "I always say to these people to really think about it because I don't want these Bengals [to] be bought for their appearance, and then when people get to know them, and see they're so active, they don't want them anymore."
Thor's owners recommend looking first at animal rescues and shelters for a cat. "[A]lthough Thor isn't adopted from a shelter, [we] have lots and lots of respect for people who adopt and who open their hearts for animals who are not wanted anymore," Cucicov and De Coster wrote.
Some people have a bit of a different view on Bengal cats because fetishizing the breed can bring out the worst in cat lovers.
"I've seen the stories about this Bengal," Susan Bass of Big Cat Rescue told The Dodo, about Thor. "Bengals are the result of the unnatural breeding of domestic cats with Asian leopard cats," she explained. "As with other cat hybrids, breeders try to produce a cat with the distinctive markings of a wild cat but the calm temperament of a domestic cat."
Why? "These breeders know that people will pay a lot of money to own a cat that is different or special," Bass said - as much as a few thousand dollars. And when one considers how many unwanted cats are fighting for their lives in shelters right now, it becomes nearly impossible to justify spending thousands to buy a cat just for his special designer markings.
"We don't want to see a market for Asian leopard cats and other wild cats like servals simply so breeders can keep up with the demand for hybrids," Bass said. "There are millions of domestic cats in shelters who would make wonderful pets." Right now, there are an estimated 3.4 million cats in U.S. shelters alone.
In addition to Thor, Cucicov and De Coster take care of two strays who live on their street, feeding them every day. They even made a shelter in their garden for the cats to sleep in. "Every animal deserves to be taken care of," they said.
When an animal like Thor goes viral, the danger is that people forget about these homeless cats, whose unique beauty can't even be named.
"Will there be little Thors in the future?" one commenter asked on Thor's Facebook page.
"No," Cucicov and De Coster replied. "He is already fixed 😊"
If you'd like to adopt a cat of your own, check out Adopt-a-Pet.com to get started.
Although cats can usually adapt to any home size, it's important that each has their own space where they can be by themselves. Remember that cats are territorial animals so they could need to be sleeping in different rooms. This way, each cat will have their own space where they can go if they feel like being alone.
Some species or breeds of pets have special needs that may require additional cost or effort. Think of the needs your pet will have for food, housing, socialization, exercise, grooming and veterinary care, and make sure you can afford and are willing and able to provide them.
Taking a rescue cat home can improve your sense of happiness and well-being. Research has shown that: Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets. Playing with a cat can elevate serotonin and dopamine levels, which help to calm and relax.
If you've been questioning your number of cats, rest assured that there's no single number considered too many. If you're looking for a specific number, though, Cassiday feels having three or four cats is the sweet spot and what most people can reasonably care for.
Cats are naturally solitary animals and are often happy without the company of their own species. They are territorial animals who don't like conflict with other cats. Introducing a new cat to an existing cat in the household takes time and patience – but don't worry, we have advice for this!
Male cats tend to be more social and affectionate with both humans and other cats. They commonly form strong bonds with other cats in the home, even when they are not from the same litter. Females, on the other hand, are often more standoffish. If you are looking for a cuddle bug, adopting a male may be your best bet.
Purebred kittens and cats can be purchased from reputable breeders. Both mixed-breed and purebred kittens and cats can be adopted from animal shelters and rescue organizations. If you have the necessary skills and experience, you might consider adopting a cat with special medical or behavioral needs.
Birman. The CFA describes the Birman as “the best friend you ever had.” This fluffy kitty is a gentle and quiet creature, often happy to socialize with both humans and other animals.
Lianne McLeod, the veterinary guide for exotic pets at about.com, top seven are: guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, gerbils, mice, lepard geckos, and Madagascar Hissing co*ckroaches. Other animal-care professionals promote birds or fish as ideal first pets for children. Guinea pigs are social creatures, yet timid.
Every cat will adjust a little differently. Outgoing felines might feel like the master of their new home after only a day or two; others may take six months or longer to build up their confidence and form strong bonds with their people.
Do you have the bandwidth to add another element to your household? If you've got a regular job and only travel occasionally, then a cat is a good option. If you're single, live alone, and make frequent out of town trips and are gone for long periods of time…then not so much.
Pet experts suggest that while dogs see their owners as 'masters,' cats are more likely to see them as equals. If you are looking for obedience and respect, a dog may be a better choice, but the independence and low maintenance involved with owning a cat also has its advantages.
Cats are family-oriented and usually live with their relatives. Cats will sleep together, share common feeding areas, and groom one another within family groups. For this reason, cats often do well adopted in pairs.
Although they don't necessarily need to live among other cats, many cats do enjoy the company. Not all cats want to share resources and loving pet parents, but some cats may benefit from bonding with a feline friend. That said, if you can't add another cat to your household, that's OK!
If your cat is friendly with other cats, they might be more likely to accept a new cat in the family. So, if your cat regularly sits or sunbathes near another cat in the garden and seems relaxed in their presence, this could be a positive sign.
Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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