Keep it running in the family, and other misapprehensions…

This blog focuses on a couple of aspects of cat care that can be overlooked or misunderstood, leading to unplanned increases in the population and revisiting how anthropomorphism can negatively impact on decision making for your feline family.

The examples for the blog were found while using a social media site (see below images), and I felt it was important they were mentioned as we’re well into kitten season.

The first picture is an exert from a discussion about a cat who found himself in rescue care. Due to there being a lack of microchip and him being entire, it was difficult to confirm ownership. He had been with a fosterer for a number of months before an owner appeared, and it was discussed on the post why he hadn’t had the procedure. The owner believed her cat was nervous of the operation after seeing his brother return with anatomical differences after he went to the vets for his neuter. Although a cat is obviously likely to notice a difference in their anatomy, they’re unlikely to find it distressing in a conventional sense. One of the remarkable things about most cats is their ability to adapt; cats that have to have a limb amputated, for instance will often seem entirely unphased within a matter of weeks.

The second picture is an exert from an original post on an animal advice page. Familial links are not viewed in the same way by cats as humans. Although cats most definitely form attachments and can be extremely close to their littermates or their parents it by no means indicates they would rule them out as a mating prospect if left entire. The behavioural aspect behind mating for a cat is purely to repopulate; there’s no other reason. As with any species, with inbreeding there are increased risks of health issues.

Basically, the only guarantee to ensure your cat doesn’t procreate is to neuter or spay. Cats are capable of feeling love, but romanticising this aspect of their emotional range is most definitely detrimental to them. You can learn a little more about inbreeding and potential issues that arise by following this link to the International Cat Care site:

https://icatcare.org/advice/inherited-disorders-in-cats/