How to Choose a Cat Breeder

Working with reputable cat breeders is crucial for someone wanting to acquire a new cat. Here are some points to consider when choosing a cat breeder.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. One way you can determine whether cat breeders genuinely care about the well being of their cats is in how they communicate with you. When you are first communicating with cat breeders (either in person, on the telephone, by email or fax) you will know they genuinely love their cats if they also want to interview you!

2. Cat breeders who are worth their weight in gold may want to question potential owners of their cats to ensure that their kitties are going to good homes. They may ask personal questions about your home, your lifestyle, any pets you may already own, etc. Do not be taken back by these questions. In fact, questions like these from cat breeders are a good sign. It usually means that you are dealing with cat breeders who are not only professionals–but true cat lovers. Any cat you may obtain from these cat breeders will most probably have been cared for, nurtured, petted and pampered.

3. It is important to note that cat breeders may not have kittens available year round. Many times you may be placed on a waiting list. When a new litter arrives you will be contacted. If you come across cat breeders that are overflowing with kittens you may want to ask yourself why. Something may be wrong with the kitten’s blood lines or the cat breeders are mere “cat farms” and the kittens may not be socialized. While it is true that cat breeders will have more cats than the normal everyday Joe, cat breeders who have many tens–or a hundred or more cats–may be trying to cash in on the popularity of the cats.

4. Good breeders do not allow their kittens to be sold before they are 12 weeks old; all of the cats will be fully vaccinated; you will be given a copy of the cat’s vet record or receipt which proves the cat has been vaccinated, examined by the vet and that the cat is in good health; most cat breeders will have you sign a contract that says if you decide you do not want the cat you will return it to them; most cat breeders will have a clause in their contract that will guarantee the health of the cat you are purchasing for a set period of time; you will be shown proof that the father and mother of the cat you are purchasing meet the standards of the breed.

5. Remember, cat breeders are a breed all their own. No two breeders will be alike, but the good ones will love their cats.

[LeoSP]

on 9/13/2008 I would also add that some cat diseases like FIP can't always be seen in the first 48 hours of the vet exam. If the breeder has many cats the incidence of the corona virus grows larger. Ask about the corona virus in their catteries, if any of their cats have died of FIP, etc., and if they will compensate you if your cat gets FIP. We got a bill of health from our breeder's vet and he had earmites, giardia and later came down with FIP and he died. Also note if the breeder has a lot of cats and keeps them in cages. It's impossible to socialize that many kittens and give them the love they need when they're in cages and not really living amongst people but other cats.

[CEGIII]

on 9/4/2008 Hi. I have a American Maine Coon and Ragdall mix cat I would like to know haw much it is worth. My cat was stolden from me and the cop would like to know the price of the cat. If there is someone out there to tell me on how huch my cat is worth that would be great. You can e-mail me at [e-mail]. Thak You for who read this. I hope to here from you.