Expert: Norman Auspitz - 9/5/2009

Question
Good Morning,

When we breed cats we are breeding to improve the breed. Wanting to breed better kittens each time as we know the strengths and weaknesses of our cats.  I have read the three things to strive for when breeding are health, quality, and temperament.  That is what breeders are striving for is this correct?  I don't understand why breeders use a cat with a known temperament problem in their breeding program.  Yes perhaps she may produce a few kittens that did not get her temperament problem and the showable kittens earn their GC title.  Then one of her daughters earns her GC and that cat is bred to a GC (who has no temperament problems in his pedigree).  She has a few litters of kittens - one or two per litter of the kittens are "grandable". Of these "grandable" kittens some of them have bad temperaments like their Maternal Grandmother and can't be shown.  So perhaps the temperament issue has skipped a generation?  
Why use a cat that does not meet the three requirements for several litters? I am trying to get the whole picture and I must be missing something very important.  Could you give me an overview so I can understand?  
Thank You
Diane

Answer
Diane,

I am in agreement with you.  My personal opinion is that temperament is more genetic than nurture!!!!!.  In fact, it also appears (although I cannot fathom why) that the temperament of the sire appears more important than the temperament of the dam.

Having said that, there are a few things that can be done with kittens to help them weather the early show experiences better.  First is we wean our kittens by 4-5 weeks of age and mama is moved somewhere else by the time they are 6 weeks of age.  They get their shots, get socialized to people, get experienced with cat teaasers until they are 13 weeks.  Then they get to meet other cats and learn to cope with the experience.  All the while, we have a radio going night and day so they learn to tune out "white" noise. Thus the din of the show hall is not disturbing. We work with them in standing correctly by giving them treats when they get it right.  All of our kittens, including those who are being petted out get to go to at least one show.  If they are not entered, they just sit in the benching cage and take it all in.  we make it a fun experience with lots of treats and attention. Even if the kittens are not quite show ready, theyt need the education.  After 3 shows, most kittens either love it, hate it, or find it just OK.

Some kittens, noce they hit puberty, and those hormones begin to rage, termperaments can get out of synch.  Hopefully they grow out of it.

In general most of our kittens love the shows, although something untoward can shake the kitten. Either it will grow out of the bad experience or it won't.  A couple of keys is to not spoil the kittens and make added attention a very special thing instead of a matter fo course.

I hope you find this helpful.  BTW, we have Abyssinians and Maine Coons.

Best regards... Norm.