Why do people pay for pedigree?

[Greensleeves]

I'm not being inflammatory, I'm genuinely curious

What are the benefits of having registered pedigree animals as opposed to bog-standard moggies? People pay hundreds of pounds for them, so there must be some advantage? Are they better in some way?

I love Siamese cats so do pay for them although we have had lots of lovely moggies over the years as well.

I find the argument for temperament really interesting. There is absolutely nothing to say that a pedigree cat or dog purchased as a baby will have the temperament that fits with your ideals.

I know with dogs that seems to be a big thing especially if you have kids. The idea that a pup can be conditioned to be around children if purchased young. Cats I can only surmise that certain breed characteristics appeal more to people than others.

I foster kittens and have 3 amazing moggies.

I also have a long-standing dream of having a mother cat and keeping her and all the kittens.

I'd strongly consider a ragdoll, as most from reputable breeders are cleared of certain illnesses, and I love the breed.

The cat-fosterer in me feels really guilty about this desire, but the less rational person who loves kittens really wants it.

I won't do this any time soon, and would spay/neuter Mum and kittens straight away, but even as a moggy-proponent, I want this!

I have a Siamese, he is a very vocal, can be walked on a lead and is very lovely to look at. He is also demanding and pretty grumpy at times. I got him in part because I wanted a house cat and over the years I have appreciated his adaptive nature, he has lived in three countries. I think I would struggle with a moggie although I have known some great ones.

I've only ever adopted/been adopted by adult moggies. I like the look of some pedigrees, and dd no doubt would like one of the giant breeds but to me all cats are beautiful and full of personality really so I can't see the need for pedigree breeds.

Dog breeds are so very varied I can see the argument for getting a pedigree on the grounds of predictability but we are very happy with our mutt and if we ever got another dog I'd be looking for an adult rescue and going mostly on personality and needs.

Plus some pedigree breeds are to me so extreme that they look deformed (dogs with very flat faces or bulging eyes for example, I know some people see 'cute' but I see both 'ugly' and often unwell.

I've always had moggies but a couple of years ago I found out a colleague was advertising his Ragdoll on Gumtree as his wife was very allergic, so I bought him very cheaply. He is totally unlike any moggy I've ever had, very gentle and affectionate and totally laid back. And gorgeous too of course. I love my moggy too but, Ragdoll's are fantastic cats, and I don't think I'd be without one now. Although I also REALLY want a Maine Coon.

I’m looking for a pedigree also for the temperament and breed characteristics. I had several moggies growing up and they were a mixed bag in terms of personality, I think with a pedigree you can be (a bit) more sure of what you’re getting.

Am adopting an older one that needs rehoming though, not buying a kitten.

I've had a Siamese and I would again (theoretically, I'm not looking at getting another cat) it was hugely different to having a moggy.

I chose British short hairs for their temperament. They are such affectionate cats and we'd be lost without them. Our blue one is so gorgeous and sweet natures and our black one climbs on top of us for constant cuddles.

A mixture of interest and knowing the temperement in advance (there will always be a few animals that act contrary to type, but they are the exception rather than the rule with pedigrees).

We have Savannahs (two brothers) who are very dog-like and clever (play fetch, open drawers/doors, are very attached to their one chosen human - dp - and follow him around begging for treats ).
We can’t have a dog as we both work, so this was a good choice for us.

Plus they are very beautiful, and very interesting scientifically as they are only 3 generations away from their wild Serval cat ancestor.

Should say that prior to this i had a rescue moggy (blind, old and the lovliest temperement ever), and grew up with a farm-born cat (always a bit scratchy and bad tempered to anyone apart from my mum), so i’m not wedded to pedigrees, but with a baby we wanted to be sure what we were getting. And they are great with her. Really considerate (for cats) and never bad tempered.

I always wanted a Persian due to behaviour plus I am.allergic to all short haired cats. Can only have long haired female. When last cat (rescue) died I struggled to find a long haired female rescue so got a Persian. She is a text book Persian, very different compared to my other cat. I don't want to say in what way as it will sound like I am bragging about her but having had her I will always have Persians. Having said that, I have since discovered a few nearby ish Persian rescue centres so will go there in future. Odd that they didn't come up when I was searching before I got her. It is not important to me to get a breeding certificate. Bloody nonsense as far as I am concerned. I have no intention of showing her. At the end of the day, I love all cats

Another who's allergic to short haired cats. It's very difficult getting long haired cats from rescue and many rescues won't rehome to people with young children, dogs, who let their cats out or have the letter e in their name ....

Terrier I agree. I know of one particular pedigree cat rescue place that I was more recently considering giving one a home to but you are not allowed to let the cat in the garden. They say it is to keep the cat safe. Whilst I understand their sentiment I don't agree. A cat is a cat regardless as to whether or not it is a pedigree. We have an enclosed garden and it is a joy to watch my cat sniffing around/lying in the sun/chasing flies. The rescue does wonderful stuff but I don't agree with not letting them in a garden that is safe. I don't know if a few other similar rescues have the same rules