Two Paths, One Purpose: Why Rescue and Ethical Breeding Both Matter
Few topics in the cat world stir as much emotion as the debate between rescuing a cat and buying from a breeder. The phrase “Adopt, don’t shop” is often repeated with the best intentions — but like many soundbites, it can sometimes be more divisive than helpful.
At WinterForest Siberians, we’ve always believed in the value of both rescue and preservation breeding. These two paths aren’t enemies — they are different responses to different needs. It is unsurprising that Cattery owners own and engage in rescue work, lending their kitten care expertise to many aspiring rescuers. Most of us start our love for cats from a chance warm encounter with a rescue.
The Origins of “Adopt Don’t Shop”
The phrase “Adopt, don’t shop” emerged as a criticism of irresponsible, profit-driven breeding — and rightly so. In many parts of the world, kittens are bred casually, overpopulating shelters and fueling a cycle of neglect. These kittens are often sold cheaply sometimes unvaccinated, unsterilised, and without any long-term responsibility.
This is the “shopping” that needs to stop: uneducated domestic breeding, often done for money or novelty, with no commitment to health, temperament, or outcomes.
But ethical breeders — particularly those dedicated to preservation breeding — are not part of that problem. In fact, they’re part of the solution.
What Is Preservation Breeding?
Preservation breeders do not breed for volume. Kittens are bred to protect and advance the integrity of specific cat breeds — in our case, the majestic Siberian.
Every breed we recognise today began as a regional landrace: Maine Coons in North America, British Shorthairs in the UK, Siamese in Thailand, and Siberians in Russia. Over generations, humans observed, refined, and codified these types — not for fun, but for structure, behaviour, and purpose.
Today, preserving these breeds isn’t about aesthetics. It’s about maintaining biodiversity, preventing genetic drift, and ensuring that healthy, well-tempered cats with traceable lineages continue to exist — ethically and thoughtfully. These breeds were not developed as a fad or on a whim but years of work and selection.
Why Buying From a Preservation Breeder is Not “Shopping”
A preservation breeder is not a shop. There’s no inventory. No impulse buying. Kittens are planned months, sometimes years in advance. Every pairing considers genetics, health, structure, and temperament. Every home is screened carefully. Every cat has a traceable, documented ancestry — and a future of support. Breeders often keep in contact with the owners of their kittens for the entirety of the kitten’s life and beyond.
The cost of a responsibly bred kitten reflects the veterinary care, genetic testing, nutrition, and years of knowledge. Importantly, it funds breed clubs, veterinary research, and rescue partnerships through associations like CFA, TICA, FIFe, and WCF — global organisations that also support feral TNR programs, disaster rescue, and feline health studies.
Buying from a responsible breeder is not “shopping.” It is choosing to support stewardship.
Why Rescue Still Matters — and Should Be Celebrated
We are proud supporters of rescue, and we always encourage those who are open to it to consider adoption. There are countless beautiful, deserving cats in shelters who need homes.
But not every home is suited to the unknowns that come with rescue — and not every cat in a shelter is there because someone bought a pedigree kitten or cat instead of rescuing. The problem is not ethical breeding. It’s casual, volume-driven breeding without foresight or follow-through.
And let’s remember: adoption is only possible because someone, somewhere, bred those cats to begin with. The question isn’t whether breeding should exist — but whether it is done ethically.
Let’s Replace Shame With Support
We’ve seen prospective families hesitate to post their kitten out of fear of public criticism. Others are met with judgement for not adopting. But shame is never the path to progress.
Instead, let’s celebrate responsible choices in all forms:
Adopt? Beautiful. You gave a cat a second chance.
Buy from an ethical breeder? Equally beautiful. You’re supporting preservation, education, and legacy.
Foster or donate? Wonderful. The entire ecosystem depends on people like you especially for feral cats that are unsuited for home living but are important to the eco system.
The future of feline welfare needs feeders, rescuers, fosters, preservationists, behaviourists, vets, and informed cat guardians working together — not pulling apart.
When it comes to welcoming a cat into your life, few decisions feel more meaningful—or more personal.
Whether it’s through adoption or a registered breeder, what matters is intention. The choice to bring a cat into your home is a lasting one, and it deserves consideration, thoughtfulness, and respect.
At WinterForest Siberians, we believe it’s time for a more nuanced conversation—one that celebrates both rescue and ethical breeding, not as opposing sides, but as partners in feline welfare.
Are These Paths at Odds?
Not at all. In fact, they often overlap.
Did you know that cat shows welcome rescue cats? Many show categories—especially “Household Pet” classes—celebrate cats of unknown origin for their temperament, grooming, and personality. Some of the most beloved cats in the show hall have no pedigree at all.
Similarly, many preservation breeders, including ourselves, donate to or assist shelters and rescue programs. We also work closely with associations like CFA, TICA, FIFe, and WCF, which fund veterinary research, rescue relief, and educational outreach globally. These worlds are more connected than they seem.
Respecting Each Journey
The truth is, every cat deserves a thoughtful home, regardless of where it begins.
Rescue is an act of kindness.
Preservation breeding is an act of care.
Choosing to welcome a kitten or cat mindfully is what unites both.
No path is “better”—only what’s right for you. And if you're still deciding, that's okay too.
Why We Do What We Do
At WinterForest, we’ve cared for Siberians since 2010. What began as a personal search for a well-matched companion turned into a lifelong passion for learning, preservation, and mentorship from some of the most respected breeders around the world.
Our goal has never been to produce more cats—it’s been to do right by this breed, to ensure their health, personality, and resilience are not lost to time so others can enjoy these wonderful companions.
We raise our kittens not just with care, but with context: they are the result of decades of work, collaboration, and quiet dedication. And we honour that by placing them thoughtfully, with people who see them as family from day one.
Final Thoughts
If you're considering a cat—whether through adoption or a breeder—we invite you to move beyond slogans, and into conversation. Ask questions. Be curious. And know that both paths, when approached with respect and love, contribute to a better world for cats.
We’re always here to clarify, no pressure, just shared understanding. Should you decide to rescue and adopt your first kitten or cat , there will always be a positive and warm rescuer that will be grateful and equally supportive as an ethical preservation breeder.