So you’re in the market for a new furry friend. You’ve done your research and you think you want a cat. But where do you start? If you’re thinking about buying a cat from a breeder, there are some important things to consider.
To help you with this, we’ve put together a list of questions you should ask a potential cat breeder. These questions will help you get an idea of the breeder’s experience, the conditions in the breeding facility, and the personalities of the kittens. Asking these questions will also allow you to get to know the breeder and their cats, which will help you decide if they’re the right partner for you.
49 Questions you should ask a potential cat breeder before you buy a kitten/cat:
- Why did you decide to become a breeder?
- Do you have any professional qualifications or experience?
- What type of cats do you specialize in breeding?
- Why did you choose a particular breed of cat to breed?
- Can I see where the cats are kept?
- How often do the cats have vet check-ups?
- Do the cats have any existing health conditions?
- Are the cats spayed or neutered?
- Are your cats vaccinated? If yes, against what diseases?
- Are the cats up to date on their vaccinations?
- What’s your procedure if I need to return the cat?
- Have you ever had to deal with health crises among your cats? If so, how were they handled?
- Do you provide written materials on how to care for my new cat?
- Can I talk to some of your previous buyers?
- Can I see the contract before I make a decision?
- Do you offer post-adoption support, such as phone or email counseling?
- Do you have more than one breeding female? If so, how many?
- On average, how many litters do your breeding females have per year?
- What do you do with the kittens that don’t find homes?
- Have the parents been tested for genetic diseases?
- Have any of your cats ever had genetic defects or health problems? If so, what were they and how were they treated?
- What kind of food do you feed your cats?
- Can I see the labels on the food containers?
- How many times a day do you feed your cats?
- How much time do your cats spend indoors and how much outdoors?
- Have your cats ever been socialized with people or other animals?
- What methods do you use to socialize your kitties?
- What kind of personality do your kitties have? Are they shy or outgoing? Are they playful or lazy? Energetic or quiet? Are they high-maintenance or low-maintenance?
- Can I meet the mother of the kitten I want to buy before I make my decision?
- Can I visit your breeding facility before deciding to buy one of your kittens/cats?
- At what age do you let kittens go to their new homes?
- Can I see the health certificates of the parents?
- Do you have any experience with the breed of cat I’m interested in?
- What kind of environment do the cats live in?
- What health problems are common with the cat breed I’m interested in?
- How often does the kitten need to be groomed?
- What behavioral problems can I expect with this breed of cat?
- Is the breeder registered with a relevant organization or association?
- How much will the kitten cost?
- Are there any additional costs associated with owning this breed of cat?
- Does the breeder offer any type of health guarantee or warranty for the kitten?
- What are your goals for your breeding program?
- Do you have a written breeding contract?
- What health tests do you perform on your cats?
- Can you provide proof of the health tests?
- Do you ship kittens?
- Are there any restrictions on who can buy a kitten from you?
- What types of payment do you accept?
- What are the terms of your sales contract?
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a cat breeder provide?
A cat breeder should provide you with all the information you need to care for and raise healthy, happy cats. This includes detailed instructions on proper nutrition, housing, and grooming, as well as information on common health problems and behavioral issues.
In addition, a good cat breeder will be available to offer guidance and support throughout the breeding process – from choosing the right cats to caring for the new litter. With the proper care and support from a reputable cat breeder, you can be sure that your cats will be healthy and happy for many years to come.
How do you know if your cat breeder is good?
To know if your cat breeder is good, you should look for certain signs that indicate they’re experienced, professional and trustworthy.
For example, good cat breeders have many years of experience working with cats and are knowledgeable about different breeds and their unique characteristics. They should also be able to give you references from other satisfied customers and provide proof of their veterinary certificates or other accreditations.
A good cat breeder is also committed to ensuring that their cats are well cared for, both physically and emotionally, and will put the health and happiness of their animals above all else. So if you want to make sure you’re getting a quality cat from a trustworthy source, you should look for these criteria when choosing your cat breeder.
Conclusion
If you ask these questions, you can be sure that you’ll find a reputable and responsible cat breeder who is passionate about matching you with the perfect kitten for your lifestyle and family situation. Even if a breeder says their kittens are all outgoing, there’s no guarantee that the kitten you adopt will be outgoing. The best way to get to know a potential new pet is to spend some time with it before you commit.
