What to look for when buying a cat from a breeder?
1
Asked By: Elaine Lathrop
Date created: Thu, Aug 4, 2022 17:45 PM
Date updated: Wed, May 8, 2024 10:23 AM
Content
Video answer: How to find a breeder | 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟭 𝗼𝗳 𝟯 Guide to buying purebred kitten | Ragdolls Pixie and Bluebell
Best answer to the question «What to look for when buying a cat from a breeder?»
Answered by Madlyn Martell on Fri, Aug 5, 2022 0:14 AM
A reputable breeder will screen cats to ensure only healthy cats are used. A reputable cat breeder will often have a waiting list until a kitten is available, this will require a deposit and patience. Be wary of a breeder who tries to rush you into a purchase and doesn’t ask any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Those who are looking for an answer to the question «What to look for when buying a cat from a breeder?» often ask the following questions:
😻 What questions should I ask when choosing a breeder?
Choosing a breeder can be difficult. To get the most out of your interaction with the breeder and to make sure you get the best possible kitten, be prepared to ask the breeder some questions. The answers and advice you receive will help you select the best and healthiest cat. 1. Are the kittens’ parents “certified”?
😻 What do I need to know before buying a kitten?
Some breeders require that you spay or neuter your cat by a certain age. If that is the case, that may not be a problem but it is best to know before you get your kitten. 12. What is the family history? Ask if the breeder has information about the breed line. For example, ask how long the cats have lived and what they have died from. Write it down.
😻 Should you get a cat from a breeder or adopt it?
If you are getting a cat, most veterinarians recommend that you get it from a breeder. Choosing a breeder can be difficult. To get the most out of your interaction with the breeder and to make sure you get the best possible kitten, be prepared to ask the breeder some questions.
A reputable breeder will screen cats to ensure only healthy cats are used. A reputable cat breeder will often have a waiting list until a kitten is available, this will require a deposit and patience. Be wary of a breeder who tries to rush you into a purchase and doesn’t ask any questions.
Most reputable breeders have written sales contracts you'll be expected to sign to purchase one of their cats. In fact, a written sales agreement is a sign of a caring, responsible breeder. You want your agreement in writing so you have resource if the kitten isn't as represented. Breeder contracts vary.
Reputable breeders typically take their litters to the veterinarian for deworming and their first and sometimes second round of vaccinations (depending on what age they leave the cattery). Always check with the breeder to see what all has been done and when the next round of shots and deworming are due. Has the kitten been socialized?
Buying a kitten means choosing a special housemate for the next decade or more. So pay attention, because this is definitely a big commitment! To make the right choice, it’s worth focusing on three things: the right type of cat, the right breeder and the right kitten from the litter. Here are our tips on how to get it right…
Video answer: Episode Six | Full Episode | Vetting A Breeder When Buying A Kitten for Your Cattery
Buying from an ethical breeder ensures you get a cat that’s been bred not just for looks, but first and foremost for good health and temperament. When dealing with purebred animals, this is crucial.
For a pet Bengal kitten, the current average price is $1,500 – $3,000 (USD) when buying from a good breeder. Several factors affect this price, including the kitten's traits, what the breeder includes with the kitten, and most importantly, the level of breeder care that went into raising the kitten.
Ask your shelter or breeder what they feed the cats in their care, and buy the same brand for use in your home. They might even send you home with some food for your new cat, but be prepared and have food handy if they don’t.
Any British Shorthair breeder who is prepared to sell you an unspayed female kitten or cat is someone you want to avoid. Later on, when you’ve become an experienced cat owner and if you have your home set up as a proper cattery, it may be possible for you to look at buying an entire cat.
Check for shiny, black fur. One of the main characteristics of a Bombay cat is its black fur, which should be glossy and short. The goal of the original breeder was to create a cat that looked like a miniature panther, hence the fur color. Look for the gold or copper eyes.
For example, if you’re looking for a classic British Blue kitten, the animal must have no white anywhere nor any tabby markings. You might chance your arm on a kitten with minor flaws that may be outgrown but your breeder shouldn’t oversell this as a possibility.
Video answer: Questions to ask breeder | 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 2 𝗼𝗳 𝟯 Guide to buying purebred kitten | Pixie and Bluebell
Avoid buying kittens from places that don't respect the welfare of animals. It is strongly recommended that you go to a reputable breeder or seller. It's a good idea to ask your vet for advice about breeders in the local area. Always meet the breeder and see where the kitten lives and has been bred before committing yourself.
The best bet for buying a breedable Persian is to look for a registered cattery through the Cat Fanciers' Association's Find a Breeder page. Check the breeder's website to check for genetic health issues for which the breeder tests and health guarantees offered.
How much does a Bengal cat cost? For a pet Bengal kitten, the current average price is $1,500 – $3,000 (USD) when buying from a good breeder. Several factors affect this price, including the kitten’s traits, what the breeder includes with the kitten, and most importantly, the level of breeder care that went into raising the kitten.
Registered Maine Coon breeders screen their breeding cats for genetic medical issues, prior to breeding. Do not purchase a kitten under 13 weeks of age. Breeders should provide kittens’ registration certificates, vaccination history, medical history, dietary needs, and pedigree status. Check breeder is registered with major cat bodies i.e. TICA.
If you're looking to buy a Manx kitten, seek a responsible and ethical breeder that works hard at keeping the cats healthy. Avoid backyard breeders at all costs as their cats are more likely to carry genetic defects. Make sure the cattery is listed in a major cat registry and read our article on how to choose a cat breeder.
Find a reputable breeder if you must have a purebred. Side note: If you have a “funny” feeling that all is not cool in Crazy Cat Lady Land, where the urine stench is overwhelming and you would not even take a drink of water in that house, think before you buy.
Buying a kitten from an animal shelter or rescue group will be less expensive than buying one from a breeder. Thanks! Do not be afraid to walk away from a shelter, rescue group, or breeder if you are unhappy with what you see. You should buy your kitten only from a place that makes you feel comfortable. Thanks!
It would seem that local buyers are buying from the same breeder who is inbreeding her cats. The founder of the shelter adds that on every occasion the Persian cats have had health issues which she says are commonly related to inbreeding or poor breeding.
How muchdoesa Bengal catcost? For a pet Bengal kitten, the current average price is $1,500 – $3,000 (USD) when buying from a good breeder. Several factors affect this price, including the kitten’s traits, what the breeder includes with the kitten, and most importantly, the level of breeder care that went into raising the kitten.
When buying a Maine Coon Kitten from a breeder, you can expect to be asked to pay anywhere between $1000 - $2000 for one in general. Male, 10 weeks old, purebred, blue and white $1500.
Please choose a breeder that strives to produce Savannah kittens that are healthy and to the breed standard. I’ve seen way too many Savannah kittens that look more like Bengal kittens. People have paid a lot of money buying a kitten that looks nothing like a Savannah. Please see the section below on Savannah vs Bengal traits.
It would seem that local buyers are buying from the same breeder who is inbreeding her cats. The founder of the shelter adds that on every occasion the Persian cats have had health issues which she says are commonly related to inbreeding or poor breeding. Sometimes the cats are so unwell that they have lost their fight for life.
Buying Your Kitten From a Cat Breeder Visit local cat breeders. If you are looking for a specific cat breed, then you probably need to buy your kitten from a breeder. Ask questions. As with shelters and rescue groups, it is also important to ask a cat breeder plenty of questions. Read the health guarantee and contract.
The advantage of buying from a breeder is that you can get the exact breed you want. On the other hand, if money is a main concern the adopting a dog from a shelter is the best choice.
Video answer: Keeping Stud Cats, Answering your questions - Cat Breeding For Beginners, Cattery Advice, Breeders