Bagheera - MillCreek Bengals Presents Questions to ask every breeder you contact

ASK: Why did you decide to breed this particular breed of cat?

The Reputable Breeder spends large amounts of time and money on that which he/she believes to be for the best interest of the breed, the cats and those directly and indirectly affected by his/her actions. They will quickly discuss their breed with great zeal, outlining the major qualities of the breed. The love for their breed will come through in the melody of their voice.

ASK: Why did you decide to breed this particular breed of cat?

The number of years someone has been breeding does not necessarily indicate they are an ethical breeder. Your goal should be to make sure they are not a fly-by-night operation. Keep in mind, however, that someone new to breeding can be very competent and trustworthy. Ask more questions.

ASK: How many breeds of cat do they breed?

Most reputable breeders only work with one or two breeds. It is a demanding task to keep up with a single breeding program, and a very, very demanding one to keep up with two different breeds. If the breeder works with more than two breeds, you should ask lots of questions to be sure the breeder is knowledgeable on all the breeds and has the resources (time, facilities, finances) to appropriately manage the various programs.

ASK: What are common health issues or concerns associated with the breed?

The breeder should demonstrate considerable knowledgeable about the specific breed’s health issues as well as that of their own individual cats. If he or she does not seem to be able to adequately answer this question it could be a warning signal that something is wrong. Reputable breeders know a lot about the animals they work with, and they provide references from satisfied clients.

ASK: How early do you let your kittens go to new homes?

Responsible breeders typically don't let them go until they are at least 10 weeks old and 12 weeks old is better (some wait until 16 weeks). Ask the breeder why they wait that long. There are many reasons for this, but proper socialization and having a fully functioning immune system are two good ones.

ASK: Do you provide a written health guarantee?

If there is no health guarantee then consider this to be "buyer beware" territory. A reputable breeder will provide a written guarantee of the health of the kitten should it become seriously ill or die. The terms and conditions may vary with each breeder, so it is up to you to review each guarantee carefully. The Reputable Breeder realistically understands that sometimes things go wrong but, he/she maintains a responsibility to the situation, if it is within his/her power, they do what is needed to rectify a problem fairly.

The breeder may also guarantee that the kitten was temperamentally suited and showed natural ability for your use when the kitten left the breeder's care.

ASK: May I get a copy of your contract to look over?

Always assume that the breeder sells on the basis of a written contract. Some small breeder operations will not offer a written contract. However, they should be willing to give you one if you ask for it. You should ask to see the sales contract before you commit to buying. This is another good way of evaluating the professionalism and motivations of the breeder. Sales contracts are common, even for pet-quality cats. Every breeder uses a slightly different contract, so read through it carefully. You should have an opportunity to review the contract without feeling pressured.

Avoid breeders who don't have one at all or doesn't understand why you would want one. Steer clear of any breeder who refuses to put anything in writing for you.

ASK: What happens if for some reason I am unable to keep the cat/kitten?

The Reputable Breeder insists on contracts and requires that the cat/kitten be returned to him/her if for any reason the purchaser is unable to keep the pet. It is this breeder who shows responsibility to the breed, and the cats/kittens they have “created” for the lifetime of each animal. A responsible breeder will take the imitative in requiring you sign a contract that includes a provision that you must return the kitten to them, if at any time, at any age, for any reason you decide not to keep the cat. If you have found another home for the cat the breeder must approve that home before the cat is placed there. Breeders who do this are the best of all. They take their responsibility to their kittens seriously. They are doing their best to ensure that no kitten of theirs is ever placed in a shelter. Do not expect the breeder the buy the cat back. They are simply guaranteeing a good home for the cat should something happen to you.

ASK: What kinds of discounts do you offer?

Reputable breeders do not offer any discounts or other incentive for you to adopt (buy) one of their kittens. They know that their kittens are well worth the price, fairly set, and know that their “value” to you and your family is far more than what they ask. Responsible breeders are not a “kitten factory.” Their reason for breeding is to strive to produce healthy kittens that improve their breed. They are looking to place their kittens in the home where the family is willing to sacrifice, if necessary, to have one. They never promote their kittens in a way to encourage a reluctant buyer. You should understand that the initial price of a healthy kitten is only a very small part of the commitment you make when buying one. If the price is a problem for you, I would be concerned that you may not be able to afford high quality care of the pet for the fifteen or more years the cat is likely to live.

ASK: Why was this litter bred?

Always ask this question. It will give you more insight into who this breeder is and what you can expect from your kitten than any other question you could ask. The Reputable Breeder’s goal is the achievement of excellence and the betterment of the breed.. They would never think to breed without knowing the pedigree or without holding the papers qualifying the dam and the sire as breeder quality.

Acceptable answers include:

Because this queen has qualities we wanted to see passed on. (with a list of those qualities)
This breeding furthers my breeding goals (Expect an explanation)
Because, we were looking to produce kittens with specific qualities. (Expect an explanation)
Any answer that demonstrates planning, careful consideration and specific goals for the breeding.

Answers similar to these should concern you:

To get our money back out of her.
So the kids could see the miracle of birth.
To make money.
So that she'd be "fulfilled" before we spayed her.
Because we thought it would be fun.
We like her a lot and wanted to keep one of her kittens.

All these answers show a lack of planning and the breeding was probably pretty haphazard.

ASK: How often do you breed?

Look for answers that show too many kittens for the breeder to raise properly. Or, that they are producing kittens so quickly they may "burn out.” Each litter requires tremendous amounts of time, financial resources, and emotional capital to raise, socialize, and evaluate properly. Whenever a breeder plans to can keep a kitten from a litter the litter was well thought out and researched.

ASK: How often has this queen been bred?

It is hard on queens that are bred every season, and it shows the breeder has an interest in kitten production over the care and welfare of the queen. There are a few 9very few, I hope) breeders who is breeding the queen two seasons in a row. Be sure and ask why, and how long she was allowed to rest between breedings. Only queens of the highest quality should be bred four, five, or more times. The kittens this queen produces is very likely to stay within the breeding community and not be available as pets.

ASK: Will you help me choose the best kitten from the litter?

Direct contact is necessary in order to insure that the kitten picks the owner and not the other way around. It is a mutual connection between you and the kitten that the responsible breeder seeks. Therefore the breeder will be willing to help you select the kitten that is compatible with your lifestyle, personality and expectations. Screening is necessary to ensure a successful placement and this is foremost in the mind of the reputable breeder.

ASK: How long will you be available to answers questions and help me with the kitten should a problem arise?

You should expect a life-long support line or even better a life-long friendship based on trust and mutual respect when you purchase a kitten from a reputable breeder. He/she remain available to serve as a resource, advise and support for typical problems encountered in raising, training and caring for your cats.

ASK: How many breeder cats do you have?

The reputable breeder does not have more cats/kittens then he/she is able to keep clean, healthy and well socialized. A person who cares about producing the very best kittens will limit their breeding. In most breeds that means no more than one litter at a time because one litter is about all the time one human has for proper socialization.

ASK: Do you have a waiting list?

Good breeders do not over produce. Depending on the breed, the breeder may have a backlog of people waiting for kittens. The decision to breed will be only when right cats, in good condition, appropriate space, time, and money to devote to it all converge. Breeding is generally not a profit-making endever, so breeders are not driven by market demand. Many breeders know each other, and if they cannot provide you with the kitten you are looking for in a reasonable length of time, they may refer you to someone else.

ASK: Do you show your cats?

Even though you may only be interested in a pet-quality kitten, you would be well-advised to find a breeder who is also a successful exhibitor. Breeders who are active in showing tend to have (though not always) healthier, better quality cats and tend to be more responsible. The fact that a breeder is also a successful exhibitor tells you several things:

Their cats conform to the standards. Backyard breeders and operators of "kitten mills" don't care about this sort of thing at all.
Their cats are well-behaved, even under the stress of show hall conditions.
These people are not in it for money. Operators of "kitten mills" consider showing an unnecessary expense. Breeders who go to a lot of shows rarely, if ever, break even.

ASK: Are your kittens raised in the home or in cages?

Kittens raised around people are friendlier and better adjusted. Have the kittens been socialized with people? Kittens should be friendly, not excessively shy or aggressive. If they've been well cared for and around kind and loving people they will most likely be very friendly and playful. You want a kitten that is accustomed to being handled every day. Kittens should be raised in a home environment. Naturally, you want to look for friendly, outgoing kittens, but you should also evaluate the temperament of the adults in the cattery, particularly the dam, but also the sire, if possible. This is your best indicator of the personality that the kitten will have when it grows up.

ASK: What do you feed your cats and kittens?

Ask to see what the breeder is feeding the cats. Read the ingredients. The first two in the list should be meat sources. Most good breeders will give you a few days' supply of cat food for you to take home and help your kitten's digestive system adapt.

ASK: Ask to see the dam (mother).

Observe her movements and personality, for they will influence the kitten. Pay careful attention to the apparent health of the dam. If you can see her in person, ask for a short video.

ASK: How many breeding adult cats do you have?

Dedicated breeders choose breeding stock very carefully and don't care about the number of kittens produced, only their quality.

ASK: Are your cats tested for infectious diseases?

Health records, pedigrees and care information are a source of great pride to the breeder that is reputable. They also pride themselves in a sanitary, clean, healthy and happy environment. You want to deal with a breeder who is doing his best to keep his cats healthy, and to produce healthy kittens.

ASK: Has the kitten been examined by a veterinarian and received initial vaccinations?

When are the booster vaccines due? Has the kitten been wormed? Kittens should receive the first of the series of vaccinations by 6-8 weeks of age. Kittens should also be checked for internal parasites, such as worms, at the first veterinary visit.

ASK: Will you provide me with a veterinary health certificate?

A veterinary health certificate confirms that the kitten has been checked by a veterinarian and documents the health care to date. Ask for the name of the vet and call for verification. Make an appointment with your own veterinarian within 72 hours after you pick up the kitten.

ASK: Will you provide me with references?

Satisfied adopters are the best advertising. Contacting references will help you determine if the breeder you are considering is reputable.

ASK: May I visit your cattery?

A good breeder will welcome you into their home will encourage you to visit as often as possible to watch the kittens as they grow and change. You may not be allowed to touch the kittens, or may be required to wash/disinfect your hands. If a breeder offers to "meet you half way" or tries to dissuade you from visiting they are not a responsible breeder.