Why Buy a Cat from a Breeder?
Okay, you have been thinking about getting a new cat for your
household for a while. At this point it is also a good time
to consider adopting a cat from a local shelter. The animals
found at shelters are in need of good homes and will make excellent
household pets and can usually be shown in the household pet class at a
cat show. After discussing this with the other members of your family
and from your own research, you may have decided on a particular
breed.
Deciding what type of cat to own is not an easy task. As the animal’s
caregiver, you are responsible for the well-being for the duration of
its life, possibly 20 years or longer. If a person decides to
purchase a registered cat, then some understanding of what
this means and what it involves is helpful.
What
is a Registered Cat?
Essentially, a registered cat is an animal that has had its birth date and ancestry recorded by one or more of the national or international organizations that register cats including the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA). This is called a pedigree and is a record that contains details about both the animal’s parents and their ancestors for many (at least five, but often much more) generations.
A cat that is registered may or may not be a show cat, and registration does not guarantee the animal’s health. It simply indicates who the animal’s ancestry were. If a cat is not registered, it means that a person cannot be certain about its breed. For example, if someone calls a cat a Siamese and it looks like one but is not registered, you cannot be certain it is a actually a Siamese.
This means if you see a supposed purebred animal being sold in a pet store, you can’t assume it is a registered cat. You are entitled to the breeder information, registration papers and pedigree.
We have noticed a local Petland pet store is selling baby kittens they claim are bengals and advising the public they are 'hybrids'. I have heard all sorts of erroneous information in the sales pitch. As well, the breeder is a secret and there is no pedigree available. This is a situation where it is possible the babies are a product of a kitten mill or an unscrupulous breeder who does not have the kittens welfare at heart. The breeder or her source are likely in breach of a legal contract along the line. You should be aware of the origins of your pet whenever possible. This is not always possible with a rescue pet and we do not wish to discourage this in any way but when you are intending to purchase a purebred, history of care, registration and pedigree is part of what you are paying for and entitled to. All cat clubs and registry associations officially discourage (or ban) their members from selling to or placing their animals for sale with pet stores.
Individuals who sell to pet stores are not interested in the welfare of the animals being sold nor the quality of the breed they are selling. That breeder may in fact be running a kitten mill with many adults and unknown illness history. A reputable breeder can and will provide information on the history of the breed, the particular cat, diet, health and behavior.
The people a person talks to at a pet store about the animals is usually a sales person and not a breeder of that animal. Obviously, the retail interest will be on selling as opposed to matching the baby with a new owner. Usually armed with an inadequate information about history, special dietary needs or health considerations, that salesperson will not be able to provide this information.
When acquiring your cat or kitten from a recognized breeder, there are important advantages. You are are creating a relationship with a person who is experienced in raising the breed you are interested in. You can see the parents of the animal you are purchasing, which will give you a pretty good idea of what the cat will look like (and how it will behave) as an adult. Since purchasing a cat is a long-term commitment, a breeder will help you make a decision in a wise manner and assist in helping you make the best match. It is important to remember that a good breeder is always looking to find good, loving, homes for their kittens and may also have some questions. This is because breeders really care about their kittens' future.
Does
it have to be a Kitten?
Kittens are wonderful. Everyone wants to own a cute, cuddly little baby kitten. A reputable breeder does not generally place a until it is at least 12 to 16 weeks old. This allows the babies to be properly weaned, socialized and to have had all the proper immunizations and to be in general good health. Separating kittens from their mother at too early of an age can often result in the kitten having behavioral problems.
Occasionally, breeders will offer for sale adult cats that are being retired from a breeding program. These are usually one to three year old animals that have either been bred or shown by the breeder. These animals are either already spayed or neutered or will come with a contract requiring the new owner to do so. Because these cats are young adults, they are ideal for those wishing to bypass the kitten stage and make wonderful companion house pets. As they are purebred, registered animals they may be eligible for showing in an alter class.
This has been a very simple introduction of considerations when purchasing a new cat or kitten. It is essential that a prospective owner do lots of research and understand the breed of their choice before buying that kitten.