What should I expect from a cat breeder?

The breeder should love their cats and be knowledgeable about the breed and committed to producing healthy, well-socialized kittens. Their premises should be clean and well organized.

You will want to ask lots of questions, but don’t be surprised if the breeder asks you as many. He or she will be anxious that the home their kittens go to is suitable.

They should be willing to offer expert advice and be available in the future to discuss any problems. Don’t expect to take a kitten straight home with you — you are likely to be seeing them at a few weeks old when they are not ready to leave mum. Also, expect to pay a non-returnable deposit.

Planning the visit to the cat breeder

Phone to make an appointment with the breeder before you visit and let him or her know if you change your plans.

Never buy a kitten on impulse. Your purchase should be considered and thoroughly planned.

Never go from one breeder to another as you could be the cause of cross infection.

At the cat breeder’s premises

Ask to see where the kittens are usually kept and to see 'mum' and any other relatives. This will help you assess the temperament.

Ideally, the kittens will have been brought up in the home so that they are used to the normal domestic activities and have been well-socialized.

What should I look out for? 

Watch for signs of:

• Sickness
• Diarrhoea
• Sticky eyes
• Stuffy nose

Don’t buy a kitten because he is sickly, lethargic or a weakling and you feel sorry for him!

When can I pick my kitten up? 

A kitten should be 13 weeks old before he leaves the breeder. By that time the breeder should have arranged for the kitten to be vaccinated for cat flu and enteritis and possibly for feline leukaemia (FelV) and chlamydia.

Leave at least seven days after vaccination before collecting a kitten.

Some breeds, including Persians and Exotics are susceptible to polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

Check with the breeder that the kitten’s parents have tested negative for this disease. Ask to
see screening certificates.

It is a good idea to take your new kitten to a vet once you have got him home.

Ask the breeder for a diet sheet so that you can continue feeding what the kitten is used to. This will avoid tummy upsets.

Keeping the journey home stress-free for your cat

In preparation for the cat to come home, buy the type of cat litter the kitten has been used to. Buy all the food and equipment you are likely to need before you bring your new kitten home.

Plan and handle introductions carefully. Consider your choice of pedigree kitten in order to ensure your cats will be compatible.