Page 24 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

22 INTR ODUC TION T O C A T S

Finding a breeder 10 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK A BREEDER
Once you have decided which kind of cat breed you • How long have you been breeding cats?
want, the best place to buy a purebred cat is from a • Can I have references from your vet and previous customers?
reputable breeder. You can find cats in newspapers, online, • What are the important characteristics of this breed—will the
or in store windows, but generally these vendors should kitten be “show quality” or “pet quality”?
be avoided because they are not usually cat experts. • Does this breed suffer from any inherited diseases, and has the
It is also inadvisable to buy a kitten from a pet store, kitten been screened for them?
since you will not be sure where the kittens have come • How much time will I need to spend grooming?
from. Your local vet may be able to recommend a breeder • Has the kitten been socialized—will it be OK to introduce him
to children and other pets?
to you, or you could find breeders from a cat club list,
• Will the kitten have been vaccinated and wormed by the time
breed registry list, or at a cat show—many of the people
he’s ready to be picked up?
who show cats also breed them or will be able
• Have you registered the kitten with a registry, and may I have
to recommend a breeder. the printed pedigree?
At the breeders, make sure you ask lots of questions, so
• Can I have a written contract of sale, outlining both my and
that you know you will get a healthy, well-adjusted cat (see your (the breeder’s) rights and responsibilities, and including an
right). The breeder should also ask you questions, to make agreement that the purchase is subject to a vet’s examination
to check the kitten’s health?
sure that you are responsible enough to own a cat and can
• Will I be able to contact you if I need advice after I bring the
afford to look after it. You should research the going rate
kitten home?
for kittens of the breed you would like. A higher cost can
sometimes reflect top quality and better care and attention
MEETING THE FAMILY
Kittens that have been socialized from an
early age should not be timid or aggressive
when encountering new people.