There are many breeders for every breed of cat.

But how can you distinguish between a reputable, mass, or backyard breeder?? This is one of the many questions you should research when choosing a breeder.

Our first and most important suggestion would to visit the cattery whenever possible. Secondly, write down some of the topics you wish to discuss with the breeder and ask as many questions as possible.

 

Some suggestions on what to look for and ask about are:

§   The health and behavior of Kitten/Cats.

§   Look for cleanliness.

§   The amount of cats kept in the cattery.

§  How many litters produced in a year.                                                               

§   What is the vaccination protocol the breeder follows

      (records should be given at time of adoption).

§   Make sure any visible heath issues are treated prior to adoption

§   Look at the pedigrees of kittens parents.

§  Do not make a deposit until you have seen and picked out a kitten/cat, all contracts and pedigree's have been reviewed, and all is agreeable with you.

§   Read all contracts thoroughly before you sign.

§   Find out what is included with the kitten/cat.

§   Keep in touch with the breeder by telephone, email, or visit as often as possible to get to know the breeder and your new kitten.

§  Make sure you feel as though you could contact the breeder with any future question or concerns you may have.

Look out for the following things!

A reproducer, mass, or a kitten mill isn’t only a cattery with many cats kept for breeding, or many breeds to choose from. A cattery should not be run as a department store.

 It is important to find out population of cats in a cattery. It is best to check this out in person. We believe 10 cats is the maximum one household can provide proper attention, care and cleanliness and a healthy environment for. A multi-cat household adds a lot of unnecessary stress, resulting in kittens and cats that are poorly socialized. There are often h litter box issues and behavioral problems, not to mention uncontrollable health issues that arise. Cats who are crowded are more susceptible  to develop a lower immune  response against the diseases they encounter in their own cattery. This compromises the health of young kittens as well. 

While visiting the cattery, closely scrutinize the body, coat condition and general appearance of cats and kittens to help determine their health. Things to check for are clear bright eyes with no redness or excessive tearing. Test eye sight, hearing and balance. Look into the ears to check for scabs, ear mites (might show inflammation crusts and tiny dark specks) Check nostrils and nose for discharge or crusting. Kittens should not be sneezing or congested. Look at the coat see if is clean and free from fungal infections such as ring worm (roundish bald patches), other hair loss, mites and mange, lice, fleas and ticks. The skin and mouth should be pale pink in color. The mouth should be free from blisters or sores and should not be opened for breathing. There should be no deformities, sores or foul odor.

Spend some time with the kittens to ensure they are well socialized. Some may be shy at first but should be willing to come play if the breeder lends you a toy they like.

 

Vaccination protocol is also very important. They should be Vaccinated against Panleukopenia, Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and sometimes Chlamydia and Rabies depending on the situation and country. Mother and father cats should have all their vaccinations kept up to date. The kitten/s should be vaccinated and de-wormed at least twice prior to adoption. Your kitten must also have had a full check-up by a Veterinarian just prior to adoption and all medical records should be given to you at the time of adoption. Once you take your kitten home, it is a good idea to have your own Veterinarian check the kitten to confirm good health.

A reputable breeder is a fully registered cattery with all it’s, cats, and litters registered. For the health of the breed they will also try to breed lines in the pedigrees, which are not too closely related and will use only the best bloodlines to breed from. A reputable breeder will occasionally show to be sure they are maintaining the breed standard. A good breeder is not defined by any exhibition successes of only few animals but by the cattery itself and how it is run with love, care and attention and highest of health standards provided for each and every animal.

Never buy your new kitten/cat from back yard breeders that are breeding unregistered kittens and selling them as pure breeds to unsuspecting buyers. Just remember there is always a reason why the back yard breeder was unable to register it's cattery and kittens produced. It is much more beneficial to register a cattery for a breeder than to try and place kittens that can never be registered within their breed. Ask yourself are you really saving money, getting a deal or buying into a kitten/s that should have no purchase price?

When you buy a kitten make sure you get registration papers, a pedigree, vaccination, booster, and a vet health check up just before adoption. Find out what exactly is included with your new kitten. Remember when it comes to price, yes a pure bred is an expensive addition, but in most cases you get what you pay for. So take the time and do some research on where your new kitten comes from.

I hope this information has helped make your experience a positive one and you were able to maintain a good relationship with your chosen breeder.

Thank you for your time.

For more information on a Birman Breed Standard visit:

 http://ticaeo.com/Content/Publications/Pages/Standards/Birman.htm.

or

http://www.tica.org/html/english/cats/adoption.php

The smallest feline is a masterpiece !