17/10/2026
I’ve noticed more and more comments lately suggesting that anyone who breeds cats is automatically contributing to the problem of unwanted and abandoned animals.
As someone who puts an enormous amount of time, love and effort into breeding my cats, I find this really disappointing.
Let me start by saying that I absolutely agree there are far too many cats in shelters and rescues needing homes. It’s heartbreaking, and anyone who genuinely cares about cats should be concerned about it.
But I also think it’s incredibly unfair to put every breeder into the same category.
There is a huge difference between irresponsible breeding and someone who carefully plans their litters, researches pedigrees, considers health and genetics, raises kittens in a loving home, takes the time to find suitable families and offers lifelong support.
At Carbonel, my cats are part of my family. They aren’t just breeding animals, and the kittens certainly aren’t a product to be sold and forgotten about.
I put a lot of thought into the homes my kittens go to. I want to know about their families, their lifestyles and what they’re looking for in a companion. Not every kitten is suited to every home, and finding the right match is incredibly important to me.
And my responsibility doesn’t end when a kitten leaves. I’m always here for my kitten families, whether that’s a question a week later or support years down the track.
I also see comments suggesting that because breeders charge money for their kittens, they must only be doing it for profit.
Anyone who has been involved in responsible breeding knows just how much time, money, emotion and hard work goes into it. Veterinary care, quality food, health testing, showing, registrations and raising kittens properly all come at a cost.
Charging for a kitten doesn’t automatically mean someone doesn’t care about its welfare.
I have absolutely nothing against rescue cats. I think the people who dedicate their time to helping animals in need do wonderful work, and I fully support people choosing to adopt.
But I also believe people should have the choice to welcome a responsibly bred pedigree cat into their family.
You don’t have to agree with breeding, and you certainly don’t have to purchase a pedigree kitten. But that doesn’t mean every breeder is irresponsible or unethical.
If we genuinely want to improve animal welfare, perhaps we should focus more on irresponsible breeding, poor ownership practices and the people who abandon animals, rather than criticising everyone who breeds cats.
For me, breeding has never been about producing as many kittens as possible. It’s about preserving the breeds I love, producing healthy, happy, well-socialised kittens and finding them wonderful homes where they will be loved for the rest of their lives.
And that is something I will always stand behind. 🐾💗
Carbonel Siamese & Orientals
