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**Twelearly** · 11-08-2009, 04:43 AM

I'm not exactly sure how my opinion on this subject relates to Orthodoxy, but my understanding is this in relation to canines: the domestic dog is not the product of natural selection, but selective breeding by man. In most breeds, we have removed many of the natural, God-given instincts and traits of wild dogs in order to make them more useful or enjoyable to humans. We have even created breeds that would have absolutely no chance to survive in the wild (see the "toy breeds" among others) that frankly wouldn't exist without the influence of man. Because man essentially "designed" these animals for our use, it is our responsibility to care for them, and controlling their population when we live in a culture that considers them quite disposable is essential to prevent further negelect and abuse.

In Christ,
Chris

Good points, Chris. On the other hand, domestication and selective breeding in cats has led to essentially superficial, cosmetic changes (variations in coat colour, mainly). Otherwise, a cat remains, fundamentally a cat, with all the wherewithall of its ancient ancestry. Many have observed that cats, not being pack animals as are dogs, have allowed themselves to partake of the benefits human interaction, but not to submit completely to human intervention.

Because cats are entirely capable of reverting to their ancestral instincts if they are removed from a "domestic" environment, all the more reason for people to be aware of the consequences of not desexing their pets. All too often, litters of kittens are killed inhumanely, or, perhaps worse, let loose to fend for themselves, either to die, or to become feral. Here in Australia, there is the perennial debate about the damaging effect feral cats have had on wildlife populations.

Another benefit of desexing male dogs and cats is that, done at the right time, will curb much of the natural aggression which may manifest itself as the animal matures. If anything, a desexed male dog or cat becomes a more even-tempered, affectionate pet.

And, for the record, my family had pet cats for more than 35 years (and I still do), and all of them were desexed at the appropriate age.

11-08-2009, 04:43 AM	#10
Twelearly Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 441 Senior Member	I'm not exactly sure how my opinion on this subject relates to Orthodoxy, but my understanding is this in relation to canines: the domestic dog is not the product of natural selection, but selective breeding by man. In most breeds, we have removed many of the natural, God-given instincts and traits of wild dogs in order to make them more useful or enjoyable to humans. We have even created breeds that would have absolutely no chance to survive in the wild (see the "toy breeds" among others) that frankly wouldn't exist without the influence of man. Because man essentially "designed" these animals for our use, it is our responsibility to care for them, and controlling their population when we live in a culture that considers them quite disposable is essential to prevent further negelect and abuse. In Christ, Chris Good points, Chris. On the other hand, domestication and selective breeding in cats has led to essentially superficial, cosmetic changes (variations in coat colour, mainly). Otherwise, a cat remains, fundamentally a cat, with all the wherewithall of its ancient ancestry. Many have observed that cats, not being pack animals as are dogs, have allowed themselves to partake of the benefits human interaction, but not to submit completely to human intervention. Because cats are entirely capable of reverting to their ancestral instincts if they are removed from a "domestic" environment, all the more reason for people to be aware of the consequences of not desexing their pets. All too often, litters of kittens are killed inhumanely, or, perhaps worse, let loose to fend for themselves, either to die, or to become feral. Here in Australia, there is the perennial debate about the damaging effect feral cats have had on wildlife populations. Another benefit of desexing male dogs and cats is that, done at the right time, will curb much of the natural aggression which may manifest itself as the animal matures. If anything, a desexed male dog or cat becomes a more even-tempered, affectionate pet. And, for the record, my family had pet cats for more than 35 years (and I still do), and all of them were desexed at the appropriate age.
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