LITMIR.BIZ

       Lack of knowledge about the breed: Someone who doesn’t know much about the breed, its history, or its normal behavior isn’t someone who’s too concerned about producing kittens that are healthy examples of the breed.

       Ignorance or denial of genetic defects: Many breeds have some problems, some of which can be avoided by careful breeding. A person who isn’t aware of congenital defects certainly isn’t planning her breedings to avoid them.

       Not letting you observe the litter, meet the mother or other cats, or see where the kittens were raised: Healthy, well-mannered adults and a clean, well-run cattery are a breeder’s best testimonial. If a person doesn’t want you to see anything except the kitten she’s trying to sell, you ought to be wondering why.

       No documentation: If the kitten’s represented as “CFA registered,” the registration papers should be available. (The same goes for other registries, too.) So, too, should the papers backing up health claims. A sales contract spelling out the rights and responsibilities of both parties is highly desirable. Such a document provides you with recourse should the kitten not turn out as promised — if it has congenital health problems, for example, or isn’t suitable for showing, if that was part of your intent in buying him.

       Doesn’t seem to understand the importance of socialization: Kittens need to be nurtured, loved, and handled to make good pets. Someone who can’t explain what they’ve done in this area or who tries to sell a kitten less than 12 weeks old probably doesn’t understand enough to be breeding cats.

       How long have you been breeding cats? How many breeds do you have? Do you show? Why or why not? You’re looking for someone who has been breeding cats long enough to know what she’s doing. Someone who concentrates on one breed, or maybe two or three related ones. Showing? It’s a sign of someone who’s not just into breeding to make a buck, but if everything else checks out, you’ll probably be OK.

       What congenital defects are in this breed? How are you working to avoid those defects? You want someone who’s upfront and knowledgeable about problems in the breed, and someone who’s actively working to minimize them.

       How large is your breeding operation? Where do your cats spend most of their time? You’re looking for someone who isn’t overwhelmed with cats, so each kitten can get the care and socialization that are so important. Make sure you get a look “behind the scenes” to ensure the cats are kept in healthy conditions — don’t just take the breeder’s word for it.

       Are your cats tested for infectious diseases? Are the kittens? May I have the kitten checked out by my veterinarian before I commit? A reputable breeder keeps his cattery clear of preventable illness by making sure infectious diseases don’t exist among his cats in the first place and by never allowing cats who haven’t tested negative for these diseases to interact with his cats. As for a vet check … it’s always important to get a professional opinion.

       What sort of health guarantees do you offer? What happens if the kitten gets sick? Not even the most reputable of breeders can offer a 100 percent guarantee that your kitten is going to stay healthy. Your pet may become ill within days of your bringing her home, or she may manifest congenital health defects months or even years later. A reputable breeder, shelter, or rescue group is going to want to play fair and is prepared to compensate you for some of the financial loss — although sadly, not the personal one — should your new kitten become ill or die.

       What determines the different prices of a cat or kitten in your program? Most people looking for a pedigreed cat end up with “pet quality” because of the large expense associated with acquiring “show quality” cats and because breeders prefer to place their “best” cats with people whom they know intend to show them. A knowledgeable, reputable breeder can honestly assess a kitten’s show potential and explain what “defect” classifies the animal as pet quality. In other circumstances, price differentials may depend on desirable markings or other attributes. Asking why will help to determine if you think the breeder has her priorities in proper order.