Visiting a number of cat breeders is recommended before choosing a purebred kitten for adoption. Ask questions to ensure that the breeder is ethical, and visit the facilities, which are often rooms in a breeder’s home, in which the kittens are raised. Make sure that these places are roomy and clean (free of bad odours and unsanitary conditions – safe clutter and untidiness is fine), and that the cats and kittens are happy and relaxed in the environment.
Questions to Ask Cat Breeders
To screen cat breeders, ask about:
- Volume – How many cats are involved in their breeding programs?
- Socialization – How do they socialize the kittens?
- Experience – How long have they been in the business?
- Involvement – What breed clubs and or/cat shows do they participate in?
- Openness – Can you have a tour of the cattery?
- Prevention of genetic problems – How is genetic screening conducted?
- Health guarantees – What do they cover? How long do they last?
- Training – Has the kitten been litter trained or taught to use a scratch post?
- Vaccinations – Has the kitten received all the required vaccinations?
- Feline leukemia – Have the parent cats been tested?
- Supplies – What sort of food and litter does the breeder use?
- References – Can the breeder supply names and contact information of others who have purchased kittens? (Be sure to call these references.)
- Registration – Can the breeder show you the registration papers?
- Personality – What are the unique traits and personality quirks of the kitten you’re interested in adopting?
Cost of a Purebred Kitten
Purebred kittens of champion show quality usually run from $1,000-$2,000 and up. “Pet-quality” pedigreed cats, which are healthy purebreds with minor imperfections that prevent them from competing in cat shows, run up to $1,000, and in some cases more if the breed is rare, though they are usually between $300 and $500. “Imperfections” mean that markings, coat colour, or some other surface quality differs slightly from the recognized breed standard; there is nothing physically or psychologically wrong with these cats.
For those who want purebreds but can’t afford the hefty price tag, purebred rescue groups take in purebred cats that have become homeless due to a variety of situations such as their owners becoming ill or having to move. Conducting an Internet search using the name of the breed plus the words “rescue” or “breed rescue” should turn up one or more rescue organizations.
Non-profit organizations such as Purebred Cat Rescue, as well as the Cat Fanciers Breed Rescue list, are good places to seek purebred cats in need of loving homes. Rescued cats cost about 10% as much as purebred kittens, and this money (usually $100-$200) goes to cover the costs of the foster families that have supported cats awaiting adoption.
Further Reading
See Cat Breed Personality Traits for an overview of cat breed characteristics and How to Find Purebred Kittens for information on locating reputable breeders.
References:
- Cat Fanciers’ Association. “Finding the Purrfect Pedigreed Kitten.” CFAinc.org.
- Hotchner, Tracie. (2007). The Cat Bible: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know. London: Penguin Group.
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