How to find a kitten
By Lucinda King
Personally, I would NEVER buy a pedigree kitten from a pet shop, as they are often taken away from their Mum’s far too young, and will very rarely be vaccinated. These kittens will have been subjected to poking, prodding, stroking etc by the public, unprotected from any airborne diseases. If the kittens have been taken away from Mum too early they will be poorly socialised and will be likely to develop behavioural problems later on. In any case you should never buy a kitten less than 12 weeks old.
If you are unfamiliar with your chosen breed be sure to research thoroughly. Read breed related books, articles and cat magazines. If you have access to the Internet, you will find a wealth of information.
Do Your Research
Contact breed clubs and associations. Most breeders are members of these clubs and must adhere to their strict guidelines. They can also provide you with a list of available kittens in your area.
Never be afraid to phone breeders for a cat chat, most of us love to chat about our favoured breed(s). Furthermore, reputable breeders will be honest about their breed. None of us want one of our much-loved kittens to be placed in a home where the lifestyle and/or preferences of the owner are wrong for our breed.
Finding a Breeder
Breed clubs/associations hold lists of breeders, contact TICA for a list of affiliated clubs or search the Internet. Others advertise in cat periodicals and others have web sites. Alternatively visit a cat show and talk to breeders there.
Look beyond the big fancy advertising and web sites. Many excellent breeders do not need to place lots of advertising, simply because their cats speak for themselves! (This is not to say that those that do produce inferior kittens). Others can boost lots of show wins, but I have met many who do not show themselves but have cats adopted by others who are doing well on the show bench. As a judge said to me at the Supreme this year “There are just as many beautiful cats out there who are never shown!” If showing is important to you ask your breeder if they show and if not why not? They may have a perfectly good reason.
Be Aware of Price
Breeders are at free will to charge any price they like for their kittens. Never be afraid to ask what they charge before you visit and possibly fall in love with a kitten you cannot afford, or that is grossly over-priced. Find out the average cost of your chosen breed and do not pay too much above or below this average price. Kittens that appear cheap, may not be vaccinated, registered, or may be inferior. (Expect to pay approximately £350 to £450 for a Maine Coon pet.)
Some vets (though they are few and far between), are now spaying/neutering kittens, if your breeder has had your kitten spayed expect to pay approximately £50-60 more depending on the sex of your kitten, (the cost should be less for a male).
Rapport.
As in all walks in life there are some people you feel drawn to and some you don’t, the cat world is no different. Speak to breeders and find one you feel comfortable with, after all this may be the beginning of a long and hopefully fruitful relationship. It needs to be someone you feel you would be able to contact for advice if and when needed. A reputable breeder will want to establish a good relationship and maintain some contact with you anyway– after all we put lots of love and care into our kittens & love to have news and photographs from time to time. (I have made great friends with the breeders of two of my kittens, and they love to have news of their progress).
Visit Your Breeder
After talking to your breeder and feeling comfortable with them ask to visit. Your first visit should be a ‘get to know you’ time, where you see and play with the adult cats and observe their interactions with their owners. If there are kittens available at this time you will also be able to observe these. Check that the cats and kittens look healthy and happy. Ask yourself the following questions: Do they seem content? Do they look free from any ailments (ie fleas, runny noses, weepy eyes)? Are they well socialised for their age? Never be afraid to ask the breeder questions and expect them to ask questions of you. Our kittens are precious and we want to know they will have a good loving and forever home.
Never be pushed into a sale, be wary if a breeder attempts to get you to make a decision. This is a big decision and should not be made in haste, you may need time to go away and reflect before you decide.
What You Should Expect.
All cats should come registered, vaccinated, free from worms and fleas and with a pedigree certificate showing at least 4 generations. They should all have been checked at the vets (this will also take place at the time of final vaccination). Expect to sign a kitten contract, which at the very least will oblige you to spay/neuter your kitten at the appropriate time. Many breeders will also provide a kitten care leaflet, 6 weeks free insurance, and some food samples of good quality cat food.
What Breeders Expect.
Please remember when visiting cats/kittens that you are entering some bodies home and respect their space. If you cannot make an appointment please let your breeder know. Never visit more than one cattery on the same day when visiting kittens, until fully vaccinated kittens are very vulnerable.
Miscellaneous
If you are at work all day, please consider more than one kitten. A single kitten will get very lonely whilst you are out all day. If you cannot afford to buy two together (and not many of us can!), consider getting another at a later date.
Many breeders also offer older retired cats; these are well worth considering and are often offered at a reduced price to special homes.
Reproduced with kind permission of Handaros
