Here’s the long-awaited “Part 2” of our recommended checklist, if you are looking for a pedigree kitten. It includes some not-so-obvious points. Make sure read Part 1 as well!
6. Does the breeder hold a prefix?
Not having one isn’t a red flag necessarily – same as having one doesn’t mean that a breeder is legitimate and doing things the right way. That said, anyone who’s serious about breeding will work to obtain their own prefix.
7. Does the breeder exhibit their cats at shows?
Again, it’s not necessarily a red flag if they don’t – BUT, attending cat shows means it’s likely that a person is committed to the breed and making it better.
On the other hand, don’t be fooled by adverts boasting about “champion lines” which supposedly mean that kittens are special. A pedigree full of champions is nice, but in itself it means very little, and definitely doesn’t mean that every kitten in a litter will be a future show winner. Typically it’s quite the opposite, as people making those claims usually never bother to visit a show themselves.
8. Does the breeder ensure that all needs of their cats and other animals are met?
We would all love to be surrounded by dozens of cats, but that also means that you need time and resources to meet all their individual needs. I don’t just mean the basics (eg. food, shelter, clean space, veterinary attention), but also species appropriate enrichment, mental stimulation, human companionship – are those needs being met by the breeder?
Here are a few things you may want to consider:
- How does the breeder ensure their cats get all they need, from the behavioural standpoint?
- Is the area the cats live in clean and free of odours? (side note: my cats have a tendency to go to the litter tray just as the guests are arriving, but the tray shouldn’t look like it wasn’t cleaned in a week!)
- Are the cats clean and free of visible disease? Are they in good condition?
- Are they well socialised and friendly?
- If someone claims that their breeding cats are also their beloved pets, do you see evidence of that in the house (eg. litter trays, cat trees, toys)?
9. How are the kittens brought up?
Even if the breed is known for its tendency to be friendly and sociable, like the British Shorthair and Longhair, the kittens WILL end up feral if brought up in a shed with no human contact – and that’s probably NOT what you are hoping for when looking for a beloved pet!
Proper socialisation is extremely important – we are talking about everything from human touch, being picked up, used to a grooming routine, household noises, travel in a car, various food textures. Everything that will make their life easier as they enter the big wide world as a member of your family.
10. Did you Google the breeder or spot anything odd when looking at their social media?
As a part of your “due diligence”, make sure to Google the breeder for any complaints or reviews, and also make sure to check GCCF & TICA suspension lists. If there’s a bad review or two, but otherwise you like the breeder – speak with them and ask about it!
When it comes to social media, it can actually tell you quite a lot if you look closely, for example how many litters the mum-cat had in the past year or two (eg. is she overbred), or whether previous kittens were homed at an appropriate age and with all the required vaccinations.
Sometimes you can also spot that a “breeder” is deleting or editing posts in an effort to hide those shady and unethical practices, even if their sales pitch claims the contrary! That’s yet another reason why it’s worth being patient and doing proper research – better safe than sorry!
BONUS: Do you “click” with the breeder?
The importance of this one cannot be underestimated! Always, ALWAYS trust your gut – it’s difficult, but if something doesn’t feel right, walk away.
A good relationship between the breeder and a prospective kitten parent is priceless. At EsteLuna, we are here for our babies and their families for years to come, no matter what – no question is stupid or will remain unanswered, and frequent updates from new homes are always very much appreciated.
I hope this list helps in your search for a pedigree kitten. As always, don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions, we’d be happy to assist!
EsteLuna British Cats 