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The majority of cats in HK are what we refer to as moggies or domestic short haired cats – they are a random mixture of various different cats, and we have little idea about their parentage (at least the father!).
This means we have no control over the body shape, colour, coat length or anything else that the kittens might inherit from their parents.
For example, if your kitten is from a moggie mother but its father is not known, it might develop a longer coat than you desire if the father was longhaired.
There is more to choosing a pedigree cat than preference for a certain coat colour or length – there are ethical considerations with some breeds and you should consider the cat’s welfare. There are also health issues which you need to check with the breeder and questions that you need to ask.
Reputable breeders goal is to breed healthy, people-friendly cats and avoid inherited disorders. Unfortunately, good breeders are often hard to find in Hong Kong. Most of the kittens available in pet shops are bred with little regard for their health and welfare.
It is commonly known that pedigree dogs are often prone to breed specific health problems.
Popular examples are Bulldogs having breathing issues and Labradors developing sore hips. Most people are not aware though that pedigree cats often have breed specific medical issues as well. It is easy to purchase a kitten on impulse but without proper research you could be buying a great deal of heartache.
It is worth remembering that rescue organisations such as the
SPCA often have pedigree cats in search of good homes. Please visit their website or contact them for more information.