Policy and Guidance Statements

Cat Lovers Worldwide Express Horror at "Twisty Kats" - The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) Comments

A handful of cats living in Marshall, Texas have been the source of an unprecedented worldwide furor over the ethics or morality of intentionally breeding animals with a physical trait that many people have called a grotesque deformity.

Vickie Speir recently set up a site on the World Wide Web to introduce her "Twisty Kats" to the world. On that site, she stated that a veterinarian friend had said these cats are "an animal control officer's dream" … and "pointed out that Flipper (a Twisty) did not destroy property, did not hunt wildlife, and could not easily produce surplus cats."

The cause of this either deformed or ideal dream cat, depending on opinion, is the occurrence of a genetic mutation called radial hypoplasia, in which all or part of the long bone from elbow to wrist, is missing, leaving either no front paws or only vestigial paws. The primary method of movement, then, is hopping like a kangaroo, or if on all fours, using the front elbows as a means of movement or balance. Unlike the kangaroo, the cat has not had thousand of years of evolutionary adaptation to this unnatural gait. In appearance, the cats most resemble the children crippled by the effects of Thalidomide.

In subsequent media interviews, Speir has expressed surprise at the resultant furor and the e-mail messages from around the world. Local humane organization officials have been inundated with letters and telephone calls. The Cat Fanciers' Association and regional CFA clubs have also been besieged by outraged telephone calls and e-mails. The common thread in all of this communication is that the breeding of these cats is cruel and should be stopped. The immediate and visceral reaction among cat fanciers has been to agree.

CFA, as the world's largest registry of pedigreed cats with cat club membership in the United States, Canada, Japan, Europe and other areas, does not have authority in matters such as this. The Twisty Kats as a "breed" has not been presented to CFA for acceptance. Should that day come, promoters would have to show that the "breed" meets a number of written and unwritten tests. Supporters must not only show the validity of a planned breeding program, but convince the CFA board of directors that the proposed breed would be an asset to the cat fancy both in health and beauty. There must be a sufficient number of breeders interested in participating in developing a new "breed" and assurance that the "breed" is more than the whim of a single person. CFA is especially interested in evidence of good health, vitality and sound structure of any breeds that seek acceptance. While some of the recognized cat breeds are, indeed, based on spontaneous genetic deviations, those are benign, and in none of those breeds is the essence of the cat compromised. Twisty Kats do not meet CFA's criteria for acceptance.

Mankind's 3,000 year love affair with the cat has never been stronger. Unlike dog breeds that are bred to perform specific functions, such as herding sheep or retrieving, the only functions of the domestic cat throughout history have been to control rodent populations around human habitations and to be loving house pets. Modern pedigreed breeds of cat fulfill only the latter function in society, and selection for health and temperament as well as beauty, have been the criteria that guide cat fanciers.

Cat fanciers appreciate the fundamental feline essence, of which the animal's ability to move and to be catlike is integral. Being "catlike" involves the cat's normal movement, which is beautiful in itself, and has been heralded in poetry and art over the centuries for its unique grace and elegance. Paws are critical to the expression of that catlike essence, from its innate predatory behavior to communication. None of the 37 breeds accepted by CFA involve physical characteristics that would interfere with the cat's ability to move and to act in a normal way.

Underscoring the Association's dedication to physical soundness are numerous requirements in CFA's published Show Standards for each individual breed. The Standards also contain a statement entitled, "Feline Structure", that applies to all breeds and includes the words "grace" and "agility". The structure statement further calls for cats that are "free of any characteristics, exaggerated or otherwise, which cause discomfort or jeopardize health and well being." Legs "are parallel and fully support weight and movement." Twisty Kats fail to meet any of these CFA requirements.

Declawing is a common veterinary procedure performed so that cats do not damage furnishings. Those who approve of declawing would not go further to suggest that a cat's front legs be removed to the elbow joint, even for the purported advantage suggested by Speir - diminishing the ability to hunt wildlife or easily reproduce? CFA, in fact, strongly condemns the practice of declawing because its purpose is for human convenience rather than benefit to the cat. In its declawing statement CFA "recognizes that scratching is a natural behavior of the cat and that cats may be defenseless without full use of their claws if they, either intentionally or unintentionally, go outdoors".

Speir has said in interviews that she sees no difference in what she is doing and in what breeders of recognized breeds do. She claims to be breeding something that is appealing and "cute." Even though true cat lovers believe that all cats are appealing, those who engage in purposeful breeding carry the additional responsibility to assure that a cat's basic ability to function will not be compromised.

The CFA mission, "to preserve and promote the pedigreed breeds of cats and to enhance the well-being of all cats", guides conscientious breeders who are dedicated to preserving the fine physical and personality qualities of historic and newer breeds. Cat breeds vary in temperament, size and form. Undesirable genetic traits can occasionally occur in pedigreed cats as well as random bred cats. However, those who selectively breed cats avoid any detrimental traits as they strive to maintain the uniqueness of the different breeds always respecting the inherent essence of feline grace and movement that continues to bring pleasure to an appreciative public.