When looking for a new adorable feline friend, it’s essential to do your research and find a reputable breeder. It can be challenging to find a reputable and responsible cat breeder.
Many breeders are out there, but not all are created equal. Some breeders care more about making money than they do about the welfare of their cats, while others may have good intentions but lack the necessary knowledge and experience.
So how can you tell if a breeder is reputable and responsible? Here are a few tips on how to find a responsible and reputable cat breeder:
What is a Breeder Cat?
The first step in finding a reputable and responsible cat breeder is to understand what a breeder cat is.
A breeder cat is a purebred cat that has been bred specifically for reproduction. In other words, a breeder cat is an animal whose sole purpose is to produce offspring.
Types of Breeder Cats
Breeder cats can be classified into show cats and pet-quality cats. Show cats are those that meet the specific standards set forth by their breed’s governing body.
On the other hand, pet-quality cats do not necessarily meet these standards but can still be used for breeding purposes.
While show cats are typically used to produce offspring that will be shown in competitions, pet-quality cats are usually bred to create pets.
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Difference between a registered breeder, a backyard breeder, and a kitten (or puppy) mill
A registered breeder is a person who has been approved by a cat or dog organization to mate two specific animals together to produce a litter of kittens or puppies that conforms to the organization’s standards.
A backyard breeder often has no registration or certification and breeds animals without regard to quality or conformation (the way the animal looks).
A kitten (or puppy) mill is a commercial breeding operation that produces large numbers of kittens or puppies to sell, regardless of the animal’s health or temperament.
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What to Look for in a Reputable Breeder?
You should keep a few things in mind when looking for a reputable and responsible cat breeder.
Registered with a cat association:
A reputable and responsible cat breeder will be registered with a cat association, such as The International Cat Association (TICA) or the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA).
It ensures that the breeder follows the guidelines and standards set forth by these organizations.
Member of a breed club:
A reputable and responsible cat breeder will also be a breed club member.
It demonstrates that the breeder is knowledgeable about their chosen breed and is committed to producing healthy, well-adjusted cats.
Cattery inspected:
A reputable and responsible cat breeder will allow their cattery to be inspected by an independent organization, such as the CFA or TICA.
This inspection ensures that the breeder provides their cats with proper care and housing.
Willing to provide references:
A reputable and responsible cat breeder will be more than happy to provide you with references from past clients.
Raises litters underfoot:
A reputable and responsible cat breeder will typically raise their litters underfoot, which means that the kittens are raised in the home and socialized with people from a young age.
It is crucial as it helps ensure that the kittens are well-adjusted and comfortable around people.
Follows the breed standard:
A reputable and responsible cat breeder will breed their cats according to the specific standards set forth by the governing body for their particular breed.
It helps ensure that the resulting offspring are of good quality and conform to the desired standard.
Screens for genetic diseases:
A reputable and responsible cat breeder will test their breeding cats for genetic diseases that are common in their chosen breed.
It helps ensure that the kittens they produce are healthy and free of these diseases.
Provides a written contract:
A reputable and responsible cat breeder will provide you with a written contract that outlines your rights and responsibilities and those of the breeder.
This contract should also include a health guarantee covering the kitten’s health expenses if it becomes ill for some time after purchase.
What should I look out for when visiting a breeder?
When visiting a breeder, there are a few things you should keep an eye out for.
The first is the condition of the cats.
- Are they well-groomed and healthy?
- Do they look like they’re being cared for properly?
The second is the condition of the breeding facility itself.
- Is it clean and well-maintained?
- Do the cats have plenty of space to move around and exercise?
The third is the breeder’s attitude.
- Are they knowledgeable about their chosen breed?
- Are they passionate about producing healthy, well-adjusted kittens?
- Do they seem to care about their cats and do what’s best for them?
If you can answer yes to all of these questions, then you’ve found a reputable and responsible breeder.
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Questions to ask the breeder:
Once you’ve found a breeder that you feel comfortable with, there are a few questions you should ask them.
- How long have they been breeding cats?
- What experience do they have with the breed?
- How often do they have litters?
- Can they provide references from past clients?
- What kind of health guarantee do they offer?
- How long have they been breeding cats?
- How do they socialize their kittens?
- Do they test their breeding cats for genetic diseases?
- What kind of health guarantee do they provide?
By asking these questions, you can get a better idea of the breeder’s experience and level of commitment.
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What are some common mistakes people make when buying a cat?
One of the most common mistakes people make when buying a cat is not doing their research beforehand.
It’s essential to learn about the different breeds of cats and their specific needs before deciding.
Another common mistake is not getting a kitten from a reputable and responsible breeder.
Many so-called “breeders” out there are nothing more than kitten mills, churning out sickly and poorly socialized animals.
Do your homework and make sure you’re buying from a reputable source.
Finally, don’t forget to budget for the ongoing costs of cat ownership, such as food, litter, toys, and vet care.
Cats can be expensive to care for, so make sure you’re prepared before bringing one home.
What are some things to consider when choosing a cat breed?
You should keep a few things in mind when choosing a cat breed.
First, what type of personality do you want in a cat?
Some breeds are more laid back, while others are known for being playful and energetic.
Second, what type of coat do you want?
Some breeds have short, easy-to-care-for coats, while others have long, luxurious coats that require regular grooming.
Third, how much space do you have?
Some breeds are more active and need plenty of space to run and play, while others are content to lounge around the house all day.
Fourth, how much time are you willing to spend on care and maintenance?
Some breeds require more frequent grooming and vet visits than others.
Keep these things in mind when choosing a breed, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect cat.
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What Does a Reputable Breeder Do?
A reputable breeder is someone who cares about the health and wellbeing of their cats.
They will only breed cats that are healthy and free of genetic diseases, and they will provide you with a written contract that outlines your rights and responsibilities.
A reputable breeder will also be passionate about producing healthy, well-adjusted kittens and will be knowledgeable about their chosen breed.
Finally, a reputable breeder will be able to provide you with references from other satisfied customers.
Also Read: Ragdoll Health Issues: The Risks and Dangers of Owning a Ragdoll Cat
How can I spot an irresponsible breeder?
A few warning signs can help you spot an irresponsible breeder.
First, be wary if they seem more interested in making a quick sale than finding the right home for their kitten.
Second, if they refuse to provide you with references or answer your questions thoroughly, this is another red flag.
Third, if they seem to have a large number of litters available or if they offer to ship kittens sight-unseen, walk away.
These are all signs of a breeder who is more interested in making money than producing healthy, happy kittens.
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Should I buy a cat from a breeder over the internet?
No.
You should only buy a cat from a breeder in person after you’ve had a chance to visit their facility and meet the parents of the kitten you’re interested in.
Buying a cat sight unseen over the internet is asking for trouble.
There are too many scams out there, and you cannot know if the kitten you’re getting is healthy and well-socialized.
It’s just not worth the risk.
Conclusion
When choosing a cat breed, it’s essential to do your research and ask the breeder questions about their cats. Make sure you’re buying from a reputable breeder passionate about producing healthy kittens.
Beware of irresponsible breeders who are interested in making money. Buying a cat over the internet is risky, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.
You’re sure to find the perfect cat breed with some knowledge and effort. Thanks for reading!
