So, the idea of a specific cat breed has captured your heart? Maybe it’s the sleek elegance of a Siamese, the plush coat of a Persian, or the playful intelligence of a Bengal. Choosing a pedigreed cat can be exciting, offering a degree of predictability in terms of appearance and sometimes temperament. But bringing home a purebred kitten involves more than just admiring cute photos online. It means finding a responsible, ethical breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their cats above all else. This isn’t like picking a toy off a shelf; it’s choosing a living companion for the next 15-20 years. Asking the right questions is absolutely vital before making a commitment.
Why go through a breeder instead of adopting from a shelter? It’s a valid question, and adoption is a wonderful option! However, if you have your heart set on specific breed characteristics – perhaps due to allergies (though no cat is truly hypoallergenic), desired energy levels, or appearance – a reputable breeder is often the most reliable route. They specialize in a particular breed (or maybe two), understand its specific needs, and work to maintain its standard and health. This isn’t about snobbery; it’s about informed choice and seeking predictability, which can be important for some households.
Finding the Right Source: Where to Look for Breeders
Forget the first online ad you see promising “rare blue-eyed kittens ready now!” Finding a truly responsible breeder takes a bit more legwork. Good places to start include:
- Breed Clubs and Associations: Organizations like The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) or The International Cat Association (TICA) often have breeder directories. Membership doesn’t automatically guarantee quality, but it’s a starting point and suggests the breeder is engaged with the wider breed community.
- Cat Shows: Attending a cat show allows you to see various breeds, talk to multiple breeders in person, and observe how they interact with their cats and the public. It’s a great way to get a feel for different catteries.
- Veterinarian Recommendations: Your local vet, especially one with an interest in cats, might know reputable breeders in the area or have clients who are responsible breeders.
- Referrals: Word-of-mouth from happy owners of pedigreed cats can be invaluable.
Be wary of breeders who primarily sell through pet stores, consistently have kittens available year-round (which can indicate over-breeding), or seem reluctant to let you see where the cats are raised.
The Power of Questions: Your Breeder Interview
Think of this process as interviewing someone for a very important role – raising your future furry family member! Don’t be shy about asking detailed questions. A good breeder will welcome your interest and should be happy to provide comprehensive answers. Their willingness (or unwillingness) to engage openly is a huge indicator of their practices.
Questions About the Cattery and Environment
Understanding where and how the kittens are raised is crucial for their physical and mental well-being.
- Where are the kittens raised? Are they underfoot in the home, exposed to normal household sights and sounds, or kept isolated in cages or a separate building? Kittens raised centrally in the home tend to be better socialized.
- How many litters does the queen (mother cat) typically have per year? Responsible breeders rest their queens between litters, usually aiming for no more than one or perhaps two litters per year at most.
- How many breeds do you work with? Breeders focusing on one or two breeds usually have deeper knowledge and dedication than those juggling many different types.
- Can I visit the cattery and see where the kittens/cats live? A definite yes is ideal. While biosecurity concerns might limit full access right before or after birth, you should generally be allowed to see the environment. Refusal is a major red flag.
- How long have you been breeding this specific breed? Experience matters, although passion and dedication can exist in newer breeders too.
Questions About the Parent Cats
Healthy, well-adjusted parents are more likely to produce healthy, well-adjusted kittens.
- Can I meet the kitten’s mother? Meeting the father might be difficult if he lives elsewhere (stud service), but you should absolutely be able to meet the mother. Observe her temperament and health.
- What are the temperaments of the parents like? While environment plays a huge role, some personality traits can be inherited.
- Have the parents been screened for breed-specific genetic health issues? Ask for proof (certificates) of testing for conditions common in that breed (e.g., HCM in Maine Coons/Ragdolls, PKD in Persians).
- Are the parents registered with a recognized cat association (like CFA, TICA)? Registration papers don’t guarantee quality, but they are a basic requirement for a legitimate pedigreed breeder.
Beware of quick online sales! Never purchase a kitten sight unseen based solely on photos or videos online, especially from classified ad sites or social media marketplaces without thorough vetting. Reputable breeders want to know where their kittens are going and will engage in conversation. Shipping a very young kitten without meeting the breeder or seeing the environment poses significant risks to the animal’s welfare and your own potential for heartache.
Questions About Kitten Health and Care
This is arguably the most critical area. You want a kitten that has had the best possible start in life.
- What vaccinations have the kittens received, and when? Ask for the vaccination records, which should be provided by a licensed veterinarian.
- Have the kittens been dewormed? If so, with what and when? Internal parasites are common in kittens.
- Have the kittens been examined by a veterinarian? Can I have the vet’s contact information? A good breeder will have established a relationship with a vet.
- Do you offer a health guarantee? What does it cover, and for how long? Get this in writing! Understand the terms – does it cover congenital defects? Viral diseases? What are the conditions (e.g., requiring a vet check within a specific timeframe after purchase)?
- At what age do you allow kittens to go to new homes? Responsible breeders keep kittens with their mother and littermates until they are at least 12-14 weeks old, sometimes longer. This period is vital for social development and weaning. Anyone selling kittens younger than 10-12 weeks is a concern.
Questions About Socialization and Temperament
Early experiences shape a kitten’s future personality and adaptability.
- How are the kittens socialized? Are they handled daily by different people? Exposed to children (if applicable)? Other pets? Normal household noises like vacuum cleaners?
- What is the typical temperament of kittens from your cattery/this lineage? While each kitten is an individual, the breeder should have a good sense of the general personality traits they produce.
Practical Matters: Diet and Breeder Policies
Knowing the practical details helps ensure a smooth transition for the kitten.
- What type of food (brand and type – wet/dry) are the kittens currently eating? You’ll want to continue this diet initially to avoid digestive upset, transitioning slowly if you plan to change foods.
- Do you require a contract? Can I review it beforehand? Always insist on a contract! It should outline the responsibilities of both buyer and seller, health guarantee details, spay/neuter requirements, and return policies.
- What is your policy if, for some reason, I can no longer keep the cat later in its life? Responsible breeders often state in their contract that they must be contacted first and will take the cat back or help rehome it, preventing their cats from ending up in shelters.
- Do you require the kitten to be spayed or neutered? By what age? Most pet-quality kittens from ethical breeders are sold with a strict spay/neuter agreement, often already altered before leaving or requiring proof shortly after.
- Do you provide registration papers? When? Some breeders provide papers upon purchase; others wait until proof of spay/neuter is received. Clarify this.
- Are you available for questions after I take the kitten home? A good breeder offers ongoing support and advice.
Don’t Forget: The Breeder Should Question You Too!
A truly conscientious breeder cares deeply about where their kittens end up. They should ask you questions about your lifestyle, home environment, experience with cats, other pets, children, and your understanding of the breed’s needs. If a breeder doesn’t seem interested in you or your ability to provide a good home and is only focused on the sale, consider it a serious red flag.
Visiting and Making the Choice
If possible, visit the cattery. Observe the conditions – is it clean? Do the cats seem healthy, active, and well-cared-for? Does the breeder interact lovingly with the cats? Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision on the spot. It’s better to walk away from a questionable situation than to support poor breeding practices or end up with an unhealthy or poorly socialized kitten.
Bringing a pedigreed cat into your life can be incredibly rewarding. By doing your homework, finding a responsible breeder, and asking thorough questions, you significantly increase your chances of welcoming a healthy, happy, well-adjusted companion who will bring you joy for many years to come. It takes time and effort, but your future feline friend is worth it.
