Am I Over-reacting?

[Wheekie]

Some co-workers of mine were talking about going to a cat show that they go to every year, and since they know that I love animals, they suggested that I come with them. I told them that I couldn't go to anything like that because of what I know about Guinea Pig Shows and breeders and all that awful stuff. They told me that I was crazy and that it wasn't the same for cats, that I should see how wonderful those people at the shows treat their cats, etc. I said "Yeah, maybe they treat those cats wonderful,but what about all the kittens that didn't meet their specifications and were sold to pet stores or destroyed?" I'm happy to say that I stood my ground and that I remained calm, but now they all think that I'm some kind of zealous animal nut(I'll admit..I am, and I'm proud of that!) and that I over-reacted and that I'm wrong! I don't think that I did or that I am! Some other opinions would be welcome, please, so I can get some different perspectives. Thanks!

[Taboo]

I think that bringing more kittens into the world when there's who knows how many cats and kittening homeless and being put to sleep in shelters is a good enough reason not to go to a cat show. What's so great about these shows anyway? Creating the perfect cat or guinea pig or whatever and getting it rated just seems insane.

[terramama]

I think you were totally right! And what is "the perfect" what ever animal. Our crazy reformed feral cat IS perfect to us, so is every animal I have ever had. In their own way they are the perfect them! Who has the right to say "that animal isn't perfect" - no one!

[paula.m.moore]

Nah, you've got a right to feel how you do and make it known. They're your co-workers. You don't have to agree with them (or like them, for that matter) to work with them. If they want to go to the show, that's perfectly fine. But you have every reason to tell them why you won't go when they ask you.

[AnimalHouse36]

Great job wheekie! I couldn't have done it better myself! You did exactly what this site meant for you to do! Let the facts be known and keep your ground! WHo cares if youe co-workers think your crazxy. My whole faimly thinks i am!

[Bennalaya]

You did the right thing, Wheekie. Kudos for standing your ground. It's unfortunate that the majority of people view animals as creatures that are beneath us, hence why most people see nothing wrong with exploiting them for entertainment or profit. It's also the reason why there are so many animals in shelters and animals that are being abused and neglected.

While it's hard not to be angry with people like that, don't take it personally. People don't like it when the mirror of truth is held in front of their face and they realize that they are condoning something that is unfair and oftentimes inhumane. People want to remain in their blissful ignorance and turn a blind eye to what really goes on behind the scenes before, during and after these types of shows.

Originally Posted by Taboo

What's so great about these shows anyway? Creating the perfect cat or guinea pig or whatever and getting it rated just seems insane.

Exactly. It all comes back to breeding in the end. Aside from your little rinky dink carnival "cute pet" shows, animal shows are always a way for breeders to not only network with other pure-blood animal owners for prospective mating agreements, but also a way to add to their breeding animals' credentials. The better the pedigree, the more money they may command for their offspring. That's why all animals that are entered in these large pet shows must still be intact. It always comes back to the breeding potential.

[Wheekie]

Thank you, everybody, for all the support! That's why I love this site so much...all the like-minded, knowlegeable people! And I always get answered so quick! Plus I have more to say if they start on me again! Thanks!

[Cagney]

No way would I go to a cat show. Where I work we have a client that breeds and shows cats. At the show I'm sure she's viewed highly. We have so many other clients come into us and are proud of the fact that they have one of her cats. I just shake my head. She neglects her cats and kittens so much. If a female cat has reproductive issues and needs to be spayed she will try every possible home remedy known and still resist spaying her because the cat is considered "good stock". It's disgusting. I'm sure at a show she's all dressed up and brings her "good stock" with her. Leaving all of the sick and dying cats at home. No one knows and these people put on a great show of how well these poor animals who are viewed as stock are treated. Good for you for standing your ground. I would challenge one of your co workers to head out to one of these so called "show" people's homes. I'm sure they'd get a much different opinion about them there.

[Weatherlight]

You might want to point out that people who really love cats--like they love friends, NOT like they love candy bars--want to help them, all of them, whether or not they have certain colors or pressed-in noses. They know that manufacturing kittens and just making sure none of "their" kittens end up in pet stores or kill shelters is not enough. They wouldn't force any cats into the world when so many are dying because no one cares enough to invite them into their homes. They understand that all cats have value as individuals and have every right to a good life.

People who bred animals and ended up loving the animals and truly caring about them stopped breeding and put their money, time, and passion into full-time rescue instead. (Many dedicated breeders do have jobs to fund breeding projects and lose money on breeding.) I admire these people and their willingness to align their actions with their new realizations. If all the people involved in that cat show this year became the same way, none would be attending next year's show--except maybe to protest outside the entrance and/or advocate adoption and do humane education :P

[Bennalaya]

Originally Posted by Cagney

I would challenge one of your co workers to head out to one of these so called "show" people's homes. I'm sure they'd get a much different opinion about them there.

Something else, just to expound on this issue a bit, is that many times when you see those big Eukanuba or AKC dog shows the handlers are rarely the owner of the dog. It's similar to race horses. Someone owns the breeding (and bragging) rights to the animal, but they spend a good majority of time with their trainer/handler who is the one who exhibits the animal at the big shows. They are treated as a commodity, not a member of the family. It's all about the status and the money.

Also, if you've ever been to a full-time breeder's home it's apparent where the motivation lies, and it isn't the care and love of the animals. Before my sister became a vet tech she purchased a Maltese puppy from a breeder. She asked me to go with her because I was more familiar with the area. Of course, when you think of a breeder of expensive puppies or other animals, you assume that they live in some snazzy house. Boy was I wrong! We pulled up in front of that house and I really wanted to just turn around and go back home. It was even worse inside.

They kept all of their puppies in those plastic puppy/kitten carriers stacked up the wall in their dining room. They had two or three dams and one male used for breeding and about twelve puppies. The inside of the house was trashed. To make a long story short, the couple went on and on about how their stud was "famous" in the Georgia show circuit and proceeded to show us all of his trophies and ribbons. They had hired a professional trainer to show their dog for them, meanwhile they kept breeding the dams with him and kept raking in the $1,500 for each puppy they sold.

My sister left with the puppy that ended up having genetic birth defects. As we were leaving, a young woman and her husband were coming to look at the puppies. As we passed in the driveway they said, "hello". I leaned in and whispered to them, "run away." They probably thought I was crazy.

[rxqueen]

I don't think animal shows are all that fun for the animals.

I think really it's just fun for the people that bring their pets there, because they meet other animal show enthusiasts and THEY win prizes and stuff.

The animals just are kind of comodities at shows. It reminds me of the model shows my uncle and my brother attended, but at least the little model tanks and cars were actual objects. Animals are NOT objects. But at shows they might as well be.

I hate the fair around here because of the 4H shows and stuff. All you see is a bunch of bored (sometimes freaked-out) looking animals with ribbons on their cages.

I bet they can think of better things to do than sit in a cage almost all day and get gawked at.

[dra&pigs]

The breeders at pet shows claim its "a wonderful experience for me and my pet". Well, lets just think. How in the world to they know that their pet enjoys being bathed groomed and otherwise prepared, only to be put in a crate and driven for however long its needed before arriving at a place, where they are unloaded into a slightly larger crate. Then they are taken and walked/carried into a place with lots of other animals, where bright lights shine on them and the crowd is noisy, plus they are at risk for disease, placed on a table (in most cases), examined, then taken away and brought home, only to repeat the process in a few weeks. Now, if I were a cat or dog or cavy, I would somehow find that very stressful and not at all pleasant. But, you know, everyones opinion differs, and I'm sure they know whats "best" for their animal.

[Weatherlight]

I'm sure some do. The problem is that humans cause them to like it when there are plenty of homeless animals to give love to, many of which would love a day like that (more flyball or agility than just tables, of course) and in most cases, it doesn't even matter--ie the animals would be shown whether or not they like it.

Breeders, plumbers, behaviorists, and retailers can know what their animals enjoy or dislike the same way everyone else can--by studying, observing, and experimenting.