Finding a Reputable Cat Breeder

It’s hard to ignore the statistics. Today, cats are the number one pet in the nation. For cat lovers, it’s easy to understand why. You can’t help but fall in love with these cuddly, innocent little cuties.

If you're a fan of felines in search of a reliable breeder, you should know a few facts before selecting a breeder. Assuming, now you have narrowed your choice of breeds down to a just few. It’s time to find a trustworthy cat breeder. Selecting a responsible breeder can be accomplished in a few ways. Purchase a copy of Cat Fancy Magazine; this magazine can be found at book stores, groceries and some drug stores. It has a cat breeders classified section.

Call and talk with a few breeders, get an idea of what is available and what you might expect to pay for the kitten, health papers, kennel and shipping if you cannot travel to pick up your kitten. Ask the breeder for their veterinarian's name and phone number. A responsible breeder will be happy to give you his/her veterinarians name and phone number. Call and ask about living conditions and cleanliness of the cattery, in addition to any health factors he feels you should know about. Some veterinarians regard health factors as confidential information, much the same as a human doctor/patient record are confidential. You can call The Cat Fancier’s Association at 908-528-9797 and ask them to recommend a breeder near you.

Most individual breeds have breed clubs, ask The Cat Fancier’s Association to provide you with the name and the phone number of the secretary, of the breed club, for the breed you are interested in. Ask the secretary to recommend a responsible breeder. A select few breed clubs can be found listed among the breeders, in the breeders section of the Cat Fancy Magazine.

Cat breeders who are not actively promoting their breed by exhibiting their cats, are commonly classified in the cat world as back yard breeders and possible pet mills.

If possible, visit the breeder and ask to see the parents of the prospective adoptee and the cattery. If the breeder will not allow you to visit, do not deal with them, find another breeder. If the breeder offers to meet you somewhere, other than his/her cattery to show you a kitten, forget it, look for another breeder. If a breeder will not allow you to visit, obviously something is there that they do not want you to see.

Pick a breeder that you feel comfortable talking with. Be prepared to spend some time with the breeder and do not be surprised if the breeder interviews you. Remember, a responsible breeder has given their love and many hours of work to each little kitten; therefore, they want to be assured that their kittens are going into loving homes, with responsible owners.

You can learn a lot about the animal's socialization habits simply by evaluating his/her quarters. The cats should all appear social, healthy, well nourished, free of external parasites and fungus. The cattery should be clean, have appropriate lighting, be well ventilated, large enough to fit the existing cat colony and free of offensive odors. Outside runs are splendid, but don’t expect every breeder to have them.

Do not buy a kitten if you see any symptoms of a sickness present in the cattery such as diarrhea, sneezing, secretion from the eyes or nose.

Insist on a written bill of sale, health records listing any special dietary needs, allergies and/or medical conditions and health guaranteed in writing.

Keep in mind that purchasing a cat/kitten from a reputable breeder does not mean the feline is automatically going to cost more. Actually, it is often a lot cheaper. You make new friends and can exchange valuable information when you deal with someone who really cares.