13 Questions to Ask a Cat Breeder

by Tonya Mickelson

Are you looking for a reputable breeder to buy your new kitten from? Whether you are buying a cat, dog, horse or even a rabbit, you should always make sure the pet you are buying is coming from a good, ethical breeder. The following list of questions should give you an idea of what to look for when interviewing a cat breeder. The breeder should happily provide you with the answers. 

1. What is the price? Responsible breeders set their prices higher due to the quality equipment they use, vet expenses, quality food, and proper training. It may take a while to find the right cat breed for you, but you need to find one that has what you are looking for and is within your budget. 

2. Is there a deposit? A deposit is usually required if the kitties haven't been born yet or if they are not ready to go home with you for a while. 

3. Why did you choose to breed this pair? Good breeders think ahead and consider pedigrees, as well as other factors before they breed their cats. 

4. Where are the kittens being raised? Also, find out what kind of training they will receive before being adopted. Another important question is whether they have been socialized around children, household sounds, and other experiences prior to bringing them home. 

5. Have they been checked by a veterinarian? They should have been checked at least once. 

6. Are they currently on any medical care? Breeders should have a written record of wormings, shots, microchipping, and any other procedures that have been done. Ask to see the paperwork before the breeder shows you the kittens to prove that they can produce verifiable documents. 

7. What kind of food are they eating? You will want to either use the same brand of food or slowly switch if you plan on using a different brand of food. 

8. May I see the parents? If your kitten has not been born yet, you may also want to see other offspring they have produced, as well. If it has been born, ask to see the whole litter so you can see how they interact. 

9. What steps have been taken to decrease defects? Ask what health issues are prone to the breed and what steps will be taken if your cat comes down with one. A good breeder has a contract stating what happens if health problems occur or if the cat doesn't display the temperament you were looking for. 

10. What is the life expectancy? You will likely have this cat for anywhere from seven to twenty years, so it is good to know how long you can expect to have it. 

11. Are you registered with a registry? A cattery is not pedigreed if it is not registered. Also, ask if they are a member of a breed club, as they will have had to sign a code of ethics and go through peer reviews. 

12. How long have you been breeding? Breeders tend to come and go and a longer breeding experience shows good problem management. 

13. Do you have references? Most references are only given if they are positive. 

The breeder should show patience and confidence in answering your questions since they should have been prepared to answer them. Also, was the breeder interviewing you? Reputable breeders providing healthy kittens should be selective about where they are placed.