I've struggled with the moral & ethical implications in breeding hybrid mutation breeds of shortened stature. We've all heard, from the mainstream of the cat fancy and more than a few in the public, that our dwarf breeds are "handicapped", "deformed", "disabled", "pitiable" and many other equally untrue, but hurtful, things. We've been called "Dr. Frankenkitty" and told that "avarice" & "greed" guide our conscience and our programs.
I've researched and can find no data to support the claims made by those who disapprove of our breeds. I've debated and find their logic to end where their personal preference begins. I share my home with Munchkin, Minskin & Bambinos, I observe them daily through all of life's routines. I find them no different than my Sphynx, with the exception of leg length, my dwarves can do anything my long legged cats can do. I adore my cats. I would not harm them.
I've watched every episode I can catch of "Little People, Big World", that began airing this Spring, on The Learning Channel. I've watched this show, avidly, initially seeking information that might pertain to my cats and guidance as to whether there's any justification to the claims that what I'm doing is somehow "immoral". To my delight, this is one of the best series I've ever seen on television. What began as a desire to further my knowledge and appease my conscience, has given me the pleasure of spending some time each week with a family, the Roloffs, that are such a tremendous example of family life that I only wish that I could duplicate their family dynamics in my world.
Short people, dwarves, little people, vertically challenged, or whatever term is more comfortable in your mind & individually in theirs, face challenges & conquer them on a daily basis that most people never have to face. Short people make the choice in their lives to have children that are also short. The Roloff family does not present themselves as if they feel that their lives are of lesser quality because three of them are short and three are average height, rather they meet the obstacles set in their path and they overcome them. If you have the opportunity, please catch as many of the episodes as you can, you'll find a fine example of an American family, that when faced with a challenge works together to overcome it. They should be an example to us all.
Our cats aren't faced with the challenges that a dwarf family in society is faced with. The cats don't have to deal with accessibility issues in public places or in our homes. We modify the world & the Standards for our short cats. I don't believe we're doing anything wrong in developing these breeds, I don't believe we're "going to Hell" for breeding them (okay, yes, that one made me roll my eyes too! ... LOL) ... bottom line ... from my heart & my conscience, I believe our dwarf breeds are viable and should be allowed the same opportunites in the cat fancy that their long-legged counterparts are given.
This is an individual decision, each must seek their own data & their own council in this, each must make the decision that what they breed is right, irregardless of leg length. If you're reading this, it's because you've already made this decision and either you've smiled upon your litters of short babies as they grow, or possibly because you feel that those of us who breed these cute little kids are going to Hell for it. Have it as you will, just 'Do no harm' in whatever choice you make. |