How To Find The Right Cat Breeder

Finding the right purebred cat means finding the right cat breeder. Since a healthy and loved cat can provide companionship for up to 20 years the way the animal was bred and nurtured are crucial for its long term wellbeing.

While it's not a full-fledged guarantee finding a reputable and quality breeder usually means finding the perfect cat.

Select A Breed
Before you can find the right cat breeder you need to find the right cat breed. According to the world's largest cat registry, Cat Fanciers' Association, there are 35 breeds of purebred cats. Not only do you need to narrow your choice down to one you should also learn as much as you can about your chosen bred. That knowledge will be indispensible later on in the process.

Pet-Quality or Show Cat
More than likely you'll want a pet-quality cat and more than likely all you'll be able to buy is a pet quality cat. In order for a reputable breeder to sell you a show cat you need to have shown cats before or have an experienced mentor working with you. The only real differences between a pet-quality and a show cat are cosmetic flaws. Beyond that the kitties are the same.

Compile a Short list of Breeders
To find potential breeders dealing with the purebred cat of your choice check out publications like Cats and Kittens, Cat Fancy, or the Fanciers Breeder Referral List. Each one of those entities has a website containing breeder information. Another great place to find breeders is cat shows.

To determine what breeders make your list see whether or not they have available kittens or a waiting list, check what cat breeding associations they belong too, and find out if their litters are registered.

Also ask the breeders to supply references from both veterinarians and previous kitten buyers. Then interview those sources about their experiences with the breeder in question.

Interview the Breeders
Once you have a list of breeders it's now time to ask each one of them a series of questions. If they aren't open to your queries or they seem recalcitrant to provide answers you need to move on. A quality breeder should be happy to answer all your questions.

Some important questions to ask are how many litters the breeder raises in a year (the fewer the better) and can they provide papers for the cat. A responsible and reputable breeder can provide papers (which authenticate the breed) for both show and pet-quality cats.

The last question you should ask is the price of the cat. Bringing up costs early in the conversation makes you sound like you want a bargain more than a purebred. Breeders don't like that and may not sell to you.

See Both Parents
Ask to see the kitten's parents. Seeing the parents will give you a better idea of what your cat will be like when he or she grows up. The father is not always available but most of the time the breeder will at least have a picture of good old dad. Be sure to meet the mother. If the breeder can't introduce you to the mother it's a deal breaker.

12 Weeks
While kittens are cute, and you're anxious to take your "Fluffy" home, a good breeder won't let you have the animal until it's at least 12-weeks-old. It takes that long for the cat's immune system to fully develop. A younger kitten may contract a long-term illness brought on by the stress of moving to a new home. If the breeder lets you take the cat before it turns 12-weeks-old be leery, they probably don't have your kitten's best interest in mind.

The Breeder Should Interview You
Believe it or not but the breeder should interview you. After all, a good breeder wants to see their kittens go to a loving and nurturing home. Expect questions concerning your lifestyle, how frequently you're away from home, how many children you have, your housing situation, and your thoughts on declawing. Most breeders won't sell to you unless you spay or neuter and keep the cat indoors. The breeder will also grill you on the proper care and feeding of your cat.

Visit the Breeder's Cattery
Take a look at the breeder's cattery or the place where the kittens were raised. The cattery should look and smell clean, appear to be comfortable, and have ample areas for recreation. Sure cats need to be caged at some point but those cages should be sanitary and spacious. Lastly, look for signs of human interaction. Judging from the layout of cattery does it appear that the kittens have had human contact or is their environment cold and lonely?

Sign A Sales Contract
You want the breeder to make you sign a legal sales contract. This protects you, the breeder, and the cat. Even so, if there's something in the document you don't like don't sign it. Be warned that quality breeders will withhold papers of pet-quality cats until you provide proof of spaying or neutering.

Following the aforementioned steps will help you find a loving and wonderful pet. While you're in the process of finding the right breeder to supply you with the newest member of your family just remember that the breeder should feel as strongly about the well-being of your cat as you do.