Nope, real kitten. It’s a still from a video (not that that’s a definitive proof it’s not AI, just that it was posted by an IG account that posted this kitten before).
While I agree over-breeding of pets is a very messed up practice, they already exist in the here and now. Might as well be their friends and tell them they are cute since they are here.
they're already here because breeders create a demand for them; I wouldn't kick this cat out of the shelter, but ffs, there need to be consequences for this kind of shit somewhere or we're going to see more animals suffering for their entire lives because someone thought 'it looks cute'
do you really think cats like this happen by accident? hairless cats have a mutation that prevents them from growing a coat. you have to admit it's a special kind of sick mind that breeds hairless cats in canada lol (where these breeds were started). they're also more likely to have skin cancer issues and early life respiratory issues.
I look at it like pugs and frenchies - victims of animal abuse by breeders who don't care about the actual quality of life the animal has, only about profiting on their sale.
I think what OC was getting at was how some animal breeds are bred with very limited groups to maintain desired bloodlines/genes. This leads to health issues due to inbreeding.
Pug dogs are a somewhat common example; same with a lot of 'pure bred' dog breeds.
I'm not sure how much that applies to sphinx cats.
It can be done ethically, with a sufficient gene pool. It can also be done cruelly; especially when profit is involved. I can't say I have much faith in it being done ethically... But I'm sure there are some alright groups out there.