The Truth When Breeders Rehome a Retired Breeding Stud or Queen
I’d like to explain the raw truth to those who think that a breeder who posts an “available cat” is sad or even objectionable. It’s important to know that a breeder can only improve their breeding program by either introducing new breeding cats or keeping a kitten from a litter they’ve produced. If a breeder were to keep every retired breeding cat, they’d end up a cat hoarder; NOT a breeder.
“The number one misconception about homing a retired breeding cat is “the breeder doesn't love the cat”. People simply don't understand that loving the cat is WHY we rehome the cat! We love them enough to want the best for them. I cry when I put together a post and sort through their photos and memories”. —Emily Albojer, Soul Savannahs
The reality is, most cats don’t want to be part of a large cat household, especially one with constant changes in membership and one with raging cat hormones. A breeder who evaluates the personality of their retired stud or queen and realizes they’d be happier in a pet home with fewer cats and more human time is a good and responsible breeder.
The breeders listing in the rehoming groups have taken the time to spay or neuter their cats and find a good pet home. They aren't reselling on to a program where the cat gets passed on and on. Alternatively, they may have taken a cat back from a buyer whose circumstances have changed, or it wasn’t a good fit. A good breeder cares enough to take back, search for a new home, and ensure that the home is properly vetted and safe.
The fact that you might belong to a rehoming group means you’re interested in the Savannah breed. You cannot have a “breed” without breeders, so support the good, responsible ones! It’s important to point out that some breeders prefer to "retire" their cats when still young enough to have many pet years ahead of them. Sometimes pet homes fall in love with one of your breeders and love them as much as you. One of my breeding cats named Monkey had her pet home selected as a four-month-old kitten, and her adopters signed up to be her retirement home right then and there, all the while patiently nagging me until we handed her over!
The majority of our Savannah Rescue team members are also breeders. We care about our breed and make sure they stay safe as possible. Our breed group's breeders are supportive, whether in donations or by fostering or transporting cats when in need.
“People ask me is it hard to let the kittens go. It is much harder on me when my retired adults go on to their forever pet homes. I call this their retirement benefits”. —Aundrea Lea Marchionna, Motown Savannah Cats
Again, when a cat is looking for a new home in a rehoming group, it does NOT mean it’s not wanted or loved by the person posting it available. The decision to find a new home for an adult cat is NEVER made lightly but is done with much thought and care for the cat's well-being. I know the heartache and sadness of realizing an adult cat I love dearly would be happier to live as an 'only cat and become a spoiled king or queen of their domain. Some cats need to live in a quieter setting, rather than my home with several cats and lots of activity going on, despite my best, long-term, and honest attempts to "make it work out" for all of us (humans and other pets). Cats' personalities of any breed may change as they get older...especially those cats who are sensitive to change or other circumstances beyond our control.
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