How did your interest in breeding cats originate?
Ewa Piątkowska, Mon Sasti, Cornish Rex Cattery: My interest in breeding cats developed very gradually. Initially, I was fascinated by the Cornish Rex breed. As I got to know these cats, I realized that this young breed was still evolving, and I felt a strong desire to be part of this process.
What motivated you to start breeding, and why did you choose your specific breed?
Ewa Piątkowska, Mon Sasti, Cornish Rex Cattery: The breed I raise suits me in every respect: appearance, character, temperament, intelligence.
Can you describe the unique characteristics and needs of the breed(s) you specialize in?
Ewa Piątkowska, Mon Sasti, Cornish Rex Cattery: Unique characteristics: The fur – lacks guard hairs, only having an undercoat that forms regular waves. They hardly shed.
Are there any widespread misconceptions about your breed that you wish to dispel?
Ewa Piątkowska, Mon Sasti, Cornish Rex Cattery: Their body temperature is slightly higher than that of other cats. They are extremely intelligent and remain very active until the end of their lives. It is believed that they are cats for people with allergies. This isn’t entirely true as the main allergens are cat proteins found in saliva and dander. Only people allergic to cat fur may tolerate CRX better.
What is your breeding philosophy, and what objectives do you aim to accomplish through your breeding program?
Ewa Piątkowska, Mon Sasti, Cornish Rex Cattery: Breeding cats is a significant challenge. It requires patience, dedication, and considerable financial investment. My main goal is to work on the development of the breed. I focus on its most unique features of appearance and character (not to mention health, as that is obvious). I implement my plan in stages, solidifying the traits achieved through proper pairing. Such work requires extensive knowledge about health, reproduction, genetics, etc., so I continuously deepen my knowledge by participating in training sessions, courses, seminars, and sharing experiences with other breeders.
How do you manage ethical dilemmas in your breeding practices?
Ewa Piątkowska, Mon Sasti, Cornish Rex Cattery: Each cat in my cattery is tested for genetic diseases (PRA, PKD, HCM). Every new cat is tested for FeLV and FIV. Cats have swabs taken for tests before each mating. Mothers and their kittens should have a room isolated from the rest of the flock. Kittens undergo a full program of deworming and vaccinations, and can only go to new homes at about 15-16 weeks old when they are fully protected. I believe that too young kittens with an underdeveloped immune system are more susceptible to diseases after changing homes. Some cats feel bad in a large flock, so if I see behaviors indicating this, I do not designate such a kitten for further breeding.
What are the most challenging parts of being a cat breeder?
Ewa Piątkowska, Mon Sasti, Cornish Rex Cattery: The most difficult aspects of being a breeder are those we have no control over. Of course, it is most difficult when a disease appears. Kittens often require intensive care, feeding. It is necessary to find time for this and at the same time reconcile with work, duties towards the family, etc. We often have to give up our own pleasures like vacations or limit expenses due to vet bills.
What aspects of breeding cats do you find most fulfilling?
Ewa Piątkowska, Mon Sasti, Cornish Rex Cattery: The greatest satisfaction comes when we have a home filled with healthy, joyful kittens, when we receive photos and letters from the happy caretakers of our cats from their new homes, when they call and tell us how wonderfully I changed their lives. We are creating an ever-growing community of cat enthusiasts. The icing on the cake are the exhibition successes.
What guidance would you offer someone contemplating a career in breeding?
Ewa Piątkowska, Mon Sasti, Cornish Rex Cattery: To those starting the adventure of breeding, I always advise finding a good mentor who will help avoid mistakes at the start. And above all, start with education, not from buying a breeding cat.
How do you envision the future of cat breeding?
Ewa Piątkowska, Mon Sasti, Cornish Rex Cattery: What worries me the most is the fact that for many breeders, breeding is more of a business than a passion. There are many breeds where striving for a very extreme phenotype endangers the health of the animals. It worries me that there is a fashion for creating new breeds based on genetic defects.
Could you share a memorable anecdote from your experiences as a breeder?
Ewa Piątkowska, Mon Sasti, Cornish Rex Cattery: My greatest pride is a 46-gram kitten that I managed to raise, and now it is a big healthy cat. Another is a 38 g birth weight at my friend breeder’s, which also managed to raise using my tips. And of course, winning the World Winner title by a cat born in my breeding.
What were your reasons for joining Cat Breeder Directory?
Ewa Piątkowska, Mon Sasti, Cornish Rex Cattery: You invited me 🙂
Which cat club or association are you a member of, and why did you choose that one?
Ewa Piątkowska, Mon Sasti, Cornish Rex Cattery: FIFE – Felis Polonia. The most popular in Poland, organizes many exhibitions, training has well-written breeding regulations. I like it because it does not recognize breeds based on genetic defects and crossbreeding.
