What Is a Designer Cat Breed?
There are 39 recognized breeds of cat in the Cat Fancier’s Association. The TICA recognizes over 60 different breeds, as does the Traditional Cat Association. There are other registries directed towards very specific types of cats, as well as registries for hybrid cats. Then there is the designer cat.
A designer cat isn’t a breed or a mix of breeds. A designer cat has a negative connotation to most breeders, and is really defined by the intent of the breeder. For example, what would be the purpose of combining the two different breeds? Is the breeder going for a type, look, size? A temperament? Or did they simply think that combining two popular breeds and calling it a Designer Cat would make money? Of course a person would never say they were trying to make money breeding their cats, they would probably say they were breeding for hybrid vigor.
Hybrid Vigor
Hybrid vigor (heterosis) is described by Webster’s Dictionary as, “The marked vigor or capacity for growth often exhibited by crossbred animals or plants.” While it is true that crossbreeding can result in hybrid vigor, it is no guarantee of the health of crossbred kittens! It is also important to know that crossbreeding can also bring in any negative genetic traits from both breeds, as well as the positive.
The Importance of Temperament in Cats
The most important thing to consider when looking at designer cats is temperament. When a family wants to adopt a kitten, they research breeds and study temperament carefully. You want a cat that is going to fit in well with your family and live happily with you forever. Too many cats end up in shelters because their family couldn’t live with their personality!
When two different breeds are mixed, there is no guarantee that the kittens’ temperaments will be a perfect blend of the original two breeds. The “new” personality may be completely different from either parent or lean completely toward one parent. Personality can’t be guaranteed in a first generation hybrid.
Are There Good Sides About Hybrid Cats?
There are positive traits to all cats! All domestic cats are hybrids in some form or another, after all, and our homes are full of them. But not all cats are right for your family. If you see an adorable little designer kitten and want to know if it is the right kitten for your family, research both parent breeds as thoroughly as you can, and then research the breeder as thoroughly as you can. There are kitten mills, and then there are great breeders who have a dream of producing the perfect kitten from the two breeds they love. Being informed will help you recognize the difference.
Are Hybrid Cats Worth the Extra Cost?
There is no reason whatsoever that a hybrid kitten should cost any more than any other purebred kitten. You shouldn’t pay more for the designer kitty than you would pay for either of the parent breeds.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Designer Cat:
- Do you like both parent breeds?
- Does it matter to you that the kitten has a specific look and/or temperament?
- Why is the breeder mixing the two breeds?
- Does the breeder have many types of hybrid mixes?
- How many adult cats do they breed? (Look for signs of a kitten mill.)
- Do the kittens come with a complete written health guarantee?
- Does the breeder have any adults of the hybrid that you can meet?
- Can you visit the breeder’s facilities?
- Can the breeder provide you with references of people who have adopted their hybrid kittens?
- Is the breeder charging more for the kittens than either of the parent breeds cost?
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