The Truth About Cats and Dogs in Black and White

Who knew? I think I may have to start a weekly post about the things I learn in a week. Last week, thanks to Jeopardy, I learned that kidney transplants are available to our feline companions. They are not viable for canines as only 40% survive the post-op month, compared to 90% of felines. Of course there is a vehemently obvious ethical issue. Unless you speak MEOW, how would one secure consent from the donor? Donors come from research facilities and MUST be adopted by the owner of the organ transplant candidate. This is the part that caught my attention. Instead of consenting to kidney removal they get a new home - that must balance organ donation right? I mean what do cats really want in life? Space. Space to sleep, eat, and crap - yes in that order. Here is another ethical issue, the surgery costs 7,000 US. So, while a homeless cats get a home, a kidney-less cat gets a kidney, a cat lover gets another cat (one would have to be a cat lover to fork over 7,000 for a feline kidney transplant) ... who really wins?

For more reading on this issue here are some sites I stumbled across, both for and against arguments...