Qualifying a Kitten Breeder

A frequently asked question is "How do I find a quality breeder?" Here are some questions to ask a breeder:

1. How long have you been breeding cats?
   • Does the length of time seem reasonable to you?
2. Will my kitten have an examination by a veterinarian before placement?
   • Insist on a "yes" to this one.
3. Will my kitten have its vaccinations up-to-date by time of placement?
   • The correct answer is "yes". Refer to "Immunization Schedule" link or consult your vet for suggested schedule. Your responsibility is to continue the series begun by your breeder. Half an immunization series is worthless and puts your kitten's health in great danger. Your first call when you arrive home should be to your vet to schedule the kitten's immunization visit--your kitten's also gets a nice exam by your vet for your trouble.
4. Where do your cats sleep?
   • "In the house" is the correct answer. Where else?
5. Why do you cage your cats?
   • Trick question, these are cats, not gerbils, they should have run of the house most of the time. Stud males may require more control than queens due to a whole male's spraying behaviour.
6. Who is with the kittens during the day?
   • The more human contact your kitten has--the more it will bond to people later in life. NOTE: There are personality differences that handling cannot change; however, the more your kitten is in direct contact with people the more forth-coming the kitten will be as it matures. (If the close contact is maintained.)
7. How often has my kitten been handled?
   • Just because someone is home does not mean time is spent holding, stroking, and grooming the kittens. Several times a day is the minimum we recommend. Feeding and litter box cleaning does not equate to socialization. For more information on this go to "Socializing Your Kitten."
8. What steps have been taken to ensure good kitten nutrition at weaning time?
   • There are specific diet enhancements that insure your kitten continues to gain body weight during this critical period. Refer to "Kitten Feeding Instructions".
9. Does this kitten have any health problems?
   • None is the preferred answer. On very rare occasions, a kitten may have a minor genetic abnormality or other characteristic that makes it unsuitable for breeding or the kitten may require special care. With appropriate care, these kittens can be very worthy pets. These kittens, while rare, are usually placed at a minimal cost to their new owners. If you have this health information --before you decide--it allows you to choose a kitten that is perfect fit. A veterinary examination is the only way a breeder knows to a reasonable certainty that the kitten is healthy inside and out.
10. Do you guarantee this kitten's health?
    • What are the terms? Do they sound reasonable to you?

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