If you are considering buying a pedigree cat, here are some tips on choosing a responsible, pedigree cat breeder.
To start, let's establish the definition of a pedigree cat. A pedigree cat possesses a documented lineage that is officially recognized by a feline registration organization, such as The International Cat Association and the Cat Fanciers Association. An illustration of a Certified Pedigree from The International Cat Association (TICA) is provided here.
When responsible breeders breed pedigree cats, they adhere to the standards set by the association. It's important to note that not all breeders are equally reputable, and merely
presenting a pedigree does not guarantee responsible breeding practices. Surprisingly, many registered breeders do not adhere to the breed standards established by their registering organization. This underscores the importance of conducting thorough research and due diligence before purchasing a pedigree cat/kitten.
TIPS ON FINDING THE RIGHT PEDIGREE CAT BREEDER
Research the Breed
Before choosing a cat to join your family, start by researching the specific breed you are interested in. Look into their personalities, activity levels, feeding and grooming needs, common health conditions, and the amount of attention, enrichment, and playtime they require. It is crucial to be fully informed about all the needs of the breed you are considering. Certain cats may not be suitable for your lifestyle or activity level, might need extensive bathing or grooming, or their personalities may not align with what you are seeking in a feline companion. Some cats may be more independent while others may be more demanding and require more attention and time than you can provide. These factors are all significant when selecting a pedigree cat.
Find Pedigree Breeders
Once you have made a decision on the specific pedigree cat you wish to welcome into your family, it is time to start looking for reputable breeders in your vicinity. While conducting a Google search may yield results for various breeders, it is important to note that merely being listed online or having a website does not automatically guarantee that they are responsible breeders. Similarly, searching for the breed and breeders on social media may not be a foolproof method either, as high numbers of followers and likes do not necessarily indicate responsibility. In fact, I have observed that some popular social media posts come from breeders with questionable practices or those wanting to scam you.
The most effective way to find responsible breeders of your chosen pedigree is by attending local cat shows. These events are specifically designed for cat breeders and enthusiasts to showcase their dedication, adherence to breed standards, and camaraderie with fellow breeders. By participating in cat shows, you will have the opportunity to meet breeders of the cats you are interested in and see cats that exemplify their breed's standards. Additionally, some of the breeders you encounter at these shows may be local to your area. If you happen to meet a breeder you like who is from a nearby state, there is no need to worry, as some breeders may offer to meet you halfway or even deliver the kitten directly to your home.
(1-Ivy at a TICA cat show, 2 -Journey at LCWW)
To locate local cat shows, you can visit tica.org and cfa.org to access their show calendars. Another reliable method to find a responsible breeder is by seeking recommendations from other individuals who own the same type of cats you are interested in. In my personal experience, I have found that a significant number of my cats were acquired through word of mouth referrals.
Finding a Responsible Pedigree Cat Breeder
After conducting research on the breed that you have chosen and connecting with local
pedigree cat breeders either in your area or
at a cat show, the next step is to investigate these breeders further. To refine your search, inquire about the registering body they belong to. If they are affiliated with a pedigree cat registry, you can visit the registry's website to confirm their cattery's registration. Breeders you encountered at cat shows are usually registered through the show's sponsor. Once you have confirmed their registration status, can inquire about the registration papers for the cat/kitten that you are interested in. All pedigree cats and kittens should be registerable, and you should expect to receive the necessary paperwork unless the breeder has already completed the registration process. You can also request to view the generational pedigree of their cats or a specific kitten you are interested in. A reputable breeder will have pedigrees for all their cats and will readily share them with you for verification. Once you have verified their registration status and pedigrees, consider conducting some social media search.
You can visit the cattery's social media accounts and website to browse their posts, photos, and reviews. Doing so will provide insight into their cattery, cats and their living conditions. When examining the photos, consider whether the cats appear healthy and content, or if they seem confined to cages, too thin, or have red inflamed eyes. Analyzing the breeder's kittens and home through photos can offer valuable information. most times visiting the cattery is not permitted as closed catteries are increasingly common nowadays compared to open ones. Personally, I run a closed cattery and do not allow unfamiliar individuals into my home due to concerns for my cats' and family's safety. Many closed catteries are willing to interact via FaceTime, share photos, and send videos.
To evaluate the breeder and cattery, consider conducting a Google search and reviewing feedback from confirmed past customers. It's important to focus on reviews from customers with firsthand experience rather than those based solely on personal opinions. Additionally, you can request references from the breeder regarding previous pet buyers.
Things to consider when looking for a responsible, pedigree cat breeder:
Responsible, pedigree cat breeders will not let their kittens leave their cattery before 14-16 weeks. A kitten of this age has been well socialized, desensitized to household sounds and will be well adjusted. Most kittens can be safely sterilized at 12-14 weeks and will have had time to recover before being sent off to their new home.
Responsible, pedigree cat breeders typically only sell cats and kittens that have been spayed or neutered. While there may be exceptions for medical reasons, the majority of their cats are sold already sterilized. This practice is aimed at preventing unethical breeding, as breeding cats is a time-consuming and complex process. These breeders have a well-thought-out breeding plan in place, ensuring that their cats are healthy, meet the required standards, have the right temperament for breeding, and prioritize the well-being of their cats. They only breed pedigreed cats together, avoiding mixes or unregistrable cats, and limit the number of different breeds they work with to 1-2, allowing them to focus on those specific breeds.
Responsible, pedigree cat breeders will have had the kittens examined by a veterinarian before they leave, had a least some vaccinations, have had their adult cats tested for possible genetic defaults and come with a health guarantee.
Responsible, pedigree cat breeders prioritize getting to know you and your family circumstances. Most of them provide an application form (see our kitten application) on their website for completion before recommending a specific cat/kitten. Their selection is guided by their expertise and understanding, aiming to match a cat/kitten that will thrive in your environment. This thorough process is crucial to safeguard the welfare of their cats and minimize instances of owners surrendering them to shelters, rescues, or abandoning them.
Responsible breeders of pedigree cats have a contract that both parties will sign and adhere to. You can visit https://www.shademtndolls.com/about-5-2 to review our contract for guidance. A contract is a legally binding agreement, typically drafted by a lawyer, that is designed to be upheld by law. It serves to safeguard the well-being of their cats/kittens, ensure the protection of the buyer, and safeguard the breeders themselves. It is important to thoroughly review the contract and ensure that you agree with each provision before signing.
Responsible pedigree cat breeders acknowledge that owning a cat of their chosen breed(s) is a lifestyle, not profit-driven. It involves significant expenses as they prioritize the well-being and health of their cats. It goes beyond just adorable kittens and financial gain.
With these tips in mind, I wish you the best as you search for your new pedigree addition.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out, I am happy to chat with you.
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