I find Sophie no less beautiful than my 3 purebreds. She is also very sweet, murmurs little kitty sounds, and is an all-around good cat.
But?
I prefer pure-breds. Yes, of course I want to save every single stray! But, I feel no compulsion to pick up after other people in this way. It is a long, expensive commitment to make. (And, of course, any stray kitty which appeared in my yard I would not allow to remain homeless)
People who have never shared their home with a good cat of a breed profile which meshes with their own personality, have no idea what's so wonderful about this. They are often critical....and, at times...it has been a challenge to not feel just a bit guilty. Guilt is a strange thing....It's generally not logical. (Toyota is the car for me. Do I feel guilty because the American auto industry is suffering?. Nope. It isn't that I'm never willing to mop up after others....it's just that I have my limits.)
If I want a pretty pillow, I will buy one that doesn't eat, pee, poop, shed, and go to the vet. I know this isn't a fair comparison because I certainly like Sophie a lot more than any pillow I have ever had. I'm just having a hard time with the fact that our relationship is so shallow. She is happy with having a safe, warm home, a full tummy, and a litter box.....and, that's all. The other three are happy to see me when I come home, usually greeting me at the door. And, they are curious about my activities. They come fetch me when it's treat time etc. etc. They solicit me to play....and, they have a sense of humor! (This morning I woke up with a white mouse tucked into my hair.:-) For them, I am not interchangeable with any other human who is kind to them.
It's not about one being "better" than the other....It's a matter of preference. and in my case, a strong preference. It really isn't very different from relationships with humans. I have strong preference there, also.:-)
