The Cattery: When you visit their cattery you should find it clean and odor free every time you visit (even on short notice) Exception would be the males - they are never odor free :) and are usually kept outside unless someone is lucky enough to have one that does not spray. Cattery should be certified by at least one of the cat organizations (TICA Outstanding Cattery, TIBBA,
TISBA, ACFA Cattery of Distinction...) If they are not certified ask them why? Outside enclosures should be large enough for the cats to play and have an area that is completely enclosed for them to sleep and keep warm in (like a dog house). There should not be any exposed wires for them to catch their feet on and no wire enclosed bottoms. Note: if the cattery has been inspected and certified a Veterinarian will have already checked on the enclosures and made sure they fit the requirements of the cat associations. The Cats: You should ask to see and be able to immediately see the Vet records for the parents of the kitten you are interested in. You should ask about Vet records and see that they show all the adult cats have been properly vaccinated and seen by a Vet within the last 12 months.
Most states require yearly rabies shots and all cats should have that shot. The breeder should be able to easily pick up any cat in their home to show it to you, if they can't, they don't spend much time with them. The parents should be tested for Feluke/FIV even in a closed cattery. The Bengal parents should be HCM tested (when age appropriate) and the results should be available to you. Please keep in mind a cat can be tested and be negative and a week later develop the disease so there is no sure thing with this type of testing. The cats should have clear eyes, clean ears, no nose discharge and should smell and feel clean. You should be able to see when asked the pedigree for the kitten you are interested in and you should be given an copy when you receive your kitten. All cats should at least be TICA
or ACFA registered. Never buy a cat without paperwork from TICA or
the ACFA!! The Breeder: They should have signed the Code of Ethics for the organizations they belong to. Should have a health guarantee that includes replacement for any genetic disorder. You should never purchase a kitten/cat without a health certificate. In Florida it is illegal to sell a cat or dog without a health certificate. The breeder
should provide you with the name of their Veterinarian. You should receive updated pictures on a regular basis once you pick out your kitten A good breeder will NEVER let a kitten leave their home before 10 weeks of age and if leaving at 10 weeks it must be by pickup only, no flying before 12 weeks. A good breeder will be honest about the feline herpes virus - at least
70% of cats in the world have it and I have never seen a cattery that did not have to deal with it at one point or another... they might say the cat has a "cold", that would
most likely be the herpes virus. I have heard many breeders claim their cats
just have an upper respiratory virus. Unless they have had the cat tested
and it came up negative for herpes chances are that is what it is especially
if they show their cats. Show halls are full of not only pedigreed cats but
many times there are shelter cats and household pet entries that came from
shelters and herpes is an airborne virus that is very prevalent in shelters.
Overall this is not a big issue. Usually they have an outbreak of congestion
and runny nose and it is treated and you may never see it again. Sometimes
if they get stressed during travel or when left alone symptoms come back. A good breeder will replace a kitten that develops FIP in the first year. A good breeder will ensure your kitten has at least two sets of shots and two wormings before you pick it up. They should be feeding an all natural premium cat food and supply you with enough for at least a week when you receive your cat. We only feed Life's Abundance and it is the only food we recommend. A bag will be sent to you with your kitten. A kitten sold as a pet should be neutered before it leaves the cattery and that should be part of the purchase price quoted. The breeder should encourage and/or insist you take the kitten to the vet for a check up when you get it home (within 4 days or so) The breeder should answer any questions you have and you should feel you have met someone you can trust when you are working with them. This is someone you should/will have a long relationship with since they will want to know how their kittens are doing in their new homes and should want to see pictures to see how their babies are growing! If you find a breeder you like stick with them - better to wait for a good kitten then take a chance on a new breeder. When you contact the breeder they should tell you to make every attempt to buy from a breeder locally or be willing to make the trip to see the cattery to select a kitten and then again to pick it up. A good breeder will take the cat back at any time for any reason if you are no longer able to keep the cat. Keep in mind that does not mean they will refund your money. If it is still a kitten they may be able to resell the kitten and you can ask them about a partial refund if the cat is able to be placed in a new home. A good breeder will never insist that you pay in cash only.
You should be able to bring a cashiers check with you or send a personal
check ahead of time for the final payment on your kitten. Lastly I would say be careful of someone that "looks" like they need the money and
seem very anxious to get you to buy their kitten. Finding homes for kittens
should be a labor of love, not a quick way to make a few dollars. To Protect Yourself: Check the state Lemon Law division for pets and see if there have been any complaints. Check with TICA, ACFA
and the CFA Associations. to see if there are complaints. There is a breeder
in Florida that is no longer able to register cats and lost her position as
a cat Judge for the ACFA due to lying on pedigree paperwork to suit her
needs. Protect yourself and check for any disciplinary action taken on a
breeder by contacting these associations. Contact the Better Business Bureau in the area the cattery is in to see if there are complaints. If you find a cattery you like and they don't have a kitten you want either put down a deposit or ask them if they know of a cattery to recommend to you. An ethical breeder will refer you to another cattery that they feel meets their standards of excellence. NOTE: The above comments are my personal opinion only. |
