Do you know that it is important to ask questions to your breeder, whether you are adopting a kitten from a shelter, certified breeder or from an individual? Here are some basic informations to know.
Learn about the breed
First of all, you have to know the breed. Just because a kitten is so soft and cute does not mean that it will be the perfect companion.
Some breeds require more attention than others and unfortunately it is not uncommon for cats to end up in shelters or adoption again because people will not do their job to learn about the particular breed.
Don’t just rely on the beauty of the animal.
Want a mini tiger at home, but don’t have the energy to play with and stimulate them? Then this animal is not for you.
Be honest with yourself
If you are a person who loves to travel, who works a lot and spends a lot of hours away from your home, you have to think of a breed that will be able to adapt and live well on your own. On the contrary, do you like to stay at home and play with your kitten, teach him tricks? There are more temperamental kittens that will suit your lifestyle. The important thing is to get as much information as possible from the person who takes care of the kitten since birth to understand its character.
Call a vet
Don’t be shy about calling your veterinarian or animal health technician to ask them questions about the breed you’re interested in. They are the first to be able to explain to you what to ask your breeder to give you the best possible chance of a healthy kitten. Some tests are typical for certain breeds and known health problems can be diagnosed at a very young age.
Look at the breeders that have a web page or a facebook
Why will you tell me? A breeder is more likely to be conscientious if he has a facebook page or a website. Visit the breeder’s facebook page to see breeders, kitten, kitten, customer reviews.
The website, as well as it, should include a page explaining the breed, its breeding, its breeders, if the cattery is affiliated with a feline association, if the kittens are registered, etc.
Ask to visit the breeder
While it is important to choose a kitten well, it is important to choose its breeder.
However, expect conditions during visits so as not to contaminate the breeder (shower before going to the breeder, do not touch the animals at home before leaving, clean clothes without contact with your animals, product disinfectant before entering the kitten’s room.
* Several breeders will refuse a physical visit in order to avoid a risk of contamination and stress for the kittens and parents. Do not hesitate to request a virtual visit to confirm the existence of your kitten as well as the interaction it has between other animals as well as humans.
You can ask to see the pedigrees and breeders of your future kitten.
It is important to be able to see your kitten’s parents. The good mental and physical health of your kitten’s parents will greatly influence your kitten’s character. For example, a stressed and suspicious mom might give birth to stressed and suspicious babies.
If multiple kittens are available, ask to spend time with them.
This will allow you to interact with them and find the kitten that best fits your family life. Trust not only the beauty of the kitten, but its character.
Check the breeding conditions
A breeding with too many breeders could result in a lack of human contact and constant confinement for the breeders. It is normal for a male to be separated from his females at all times, but does he live in a cage with no interactions and no place to run, play?
- How old is the mother?
- How many litters does she do per year?
- How many litters will she do in total in her life before she retires?
Do you have to pay a deposit?
Several breeders ask for a deposit which guarantees the reservation of the kitten. The deposit is generally refundable with some exceptions. This deposit is used to demonstrate the seriousness of the adopter (buyer) and for the adopter, it assures him that his kitten is reserved for him. Always require a receipt for the deposit and ask to state that it is refundable.
Also, never make a full payment before taking possession of the kitten and especially, without having visited the cattery or seen the breeder and without having signed a contract in due form. Several frauds surface every day and adopters are played and lose their money for not having done their job of shopping as a breeder. Ask for recommendations and visit feline groups on social media to get to know the breeder a little more.
Is there a contract? If so, what are the conditions?
A contract when adopting a kitten is essential.
Up-to-date vaccines / Dewormers
Make sure you see the vaccination record to make sure the vaccines are up to date. To make sure what vaccines your kitten should have received, you can call your vet to ask.
Sterilization
Most breeders will sell you kittens that have already been sterilized. The reason is in order to protect their kittens and the lineage. It will then be impossible for an owner to “make a single litter” to reproduce this cat. This may seem severe at first, but you have to understand that ethical breeders ensure a good quality of life for their cats and that in order to protect their breed, they must control reproduction.
Registration to a feline association (CFA, TICA, CCA, CCC, LOOF)
This association does not guarantee that your cat will be in better health than a breeder who is not affiliated with his associations. However, you can draw the conclusion that your breeder is conscientious of the breed and that he learns about novelties and follows training.
Guarantee on genetic diseases
It is essential that your sales contract includes a guarantee against genetic diseases. Make sure it’s there!
10-14 day guarantee to have your kitten seen by your veterinarian
An ethical breeder will have no problem with this. Unfortunately, it has happened that some breeders sell sick cats and the kitten is asymptomatic for several days, but once the disease has been declared, huge veterinary costs have been incurred without being able to return to the breeder in question.
By asking for a 10-14 day guarantee that your kitten will be seen by YOUR vet, you will ensure that your kitten arrives at your home healthy.
Number of weeks before departure
Ideally, kittens should be ready to leave their moms between 12 and 16 weeks old.
A kitten that leaves before that could have behavioral or adaptation problems. You will then probably have corrective measures to make at the behavioral level and even at the cleanliness level.
It is between weeks 8 and 12 that mothers show their young to hunt, wash well, etc. By this stage of life, your kitten will have graduated from college as a good kitten and will be ready for its new family.
Support from the breeder if problem or illness?
Does your breeder immediately offer lifetime support for any issues or questions you may have with your cat?
Does the breeder test his cats for genetic diseases associated with his breed?
As mentioned above, call your veterinarian to make sure you know the breed you want to adopt. Do not hesitate to ask him what genetic tests or diseases associated with the breed should be taken by the breeder.
The above list does not guarantee that the breeder will be flawless. However, by asking these questions you will avoid careless breeders. Don’t be afraid to ask these questions and if you feel any hesitation in the answers, don’t be afraid to shop for another cattery. Feel free to download our summary and print it to shop for your next breeder.