Russian Blue Cattery WhimsyPixie (Urarchangelblue)

We all want what’s best for animals. But somewhere along the way, the phrase “Adopt, Don’t Shop” became so common that it stopped leaving room for important questions — or for responsible, ethical breeders. This conversation isn’t about taking sides. It’s about understanding that both ethical breeding and animal rescue come from the same place: love and care for animals.

The Reality Behind Adoption Fees

Animal shelters do incredible work. They save lives every single day — and they do so with the help of donations, volunteers, grants, and community support. Their adoption fees are lower because others are helping to cover the true cost of care. Ethical breeders don’t have that safety net. Every expense — from echocardiograms, dentals, and spays to microchips, vaccines, and specialized nutrition — comes directly out of pocket. On top of that are years of genetic testing, showing, socializing, and daily care that few people ever see. The price of a responsibly bred kitten doesn’t reflect profit. It reflects what it truly costs to raise healthy, well-adjusted, properly vetted animals. ⸻

Retirement Is an Act of Love

When responsible breeders retire their adults, it isn’t because those cats are no longer “useful.” It’s because they’ve earned a peaceful, pet life — free from hormones, stress, and the demands of a breeding program. Retirement is an act of love, not abandonment. ⸻

Doing the Right Thing, Even When It Costs Us

Sometimes, a kitten or adult develops a health concern, a temperament issue, or a defect that makes them unsuitable for breeding. Ethical breeders don’t ask for donations or sympathy. We pay for their care, treatment, and recovery ourselves — and when they’re ready, we place them at a discount or sometimes even give them away to the right home. The truth is, we lose money more often than most people realize. But doing the right thing for the animal always comes first.

Adoption and Breeding Serve Different Needs

Adopting from a shelter isn’t free — you’re still paying a fee. The difference is where the costs come from and what kind of cat you’re adopting. Rescue cats often arrive with unknown backgrounds, unpredictable temperaments, or untreated medical issues. That doesn’t make them any less deserving of love — but it does make their care different from a kitten raised with known genetics, consistent handling, and thorough veterinary care. At Pink Palace Sphynx, we even encourage our buyers to adopt a shelter companion alongside their Sphynx. We cover the adoption fee ourselves. It’s one of the least-used programs we offer, but it exists because we truly believe in supporting shelters too. Shelter pets and Sphynx cats serve different families, needs, and lifestyles — and that’s perfectly okay. One does not replace the other.

Planning Ahead Is Also Love

I’ve shared openly about my health and why I’m downsizing now. It’s not because my cats are disposable — it’s because they deserve stability and peace. If something unexpected happened to me, I want every cat to already have a loving, secure home waiting. Planning ahead is love, too.

There’s Room for Both

Responsible breeding and responsible rescue are not enemies. Both come from care. Both protect animals in different but equally vital ways. One preserves the breeds we love. The other gives second chances to those who’ve already lived hard lives. There is room for both — but there is no room for judgment rooted in misunderstanding.