Tips when buying a pedigree kitten

  1. Always buy from a registered breeder.

  2. It is preferable if the breeder is cattery accredited. 

  3. Ask the breeder how the kittens are raised... buy from breeders where the kittens are born in the house.

  4. If you live close by see if you can go and visit the breeder and see their set up.

  5. Ask the breeder about any genetic problems one could expect in that breed examples: In Abyssinians make sure the breeder has PK-deficiency tested their breeding cats.  In British and Persians make sure the breeder PKD tests their cats. 

  6. Ask about the pedigree of the kitten you are looking at and try to avoid inbred kittens from father/daughter, mother/son matings & brother/sister matings.             If you are getting a kitten from such a mating ask for an agreement on paper with the breeder, with some kind of health guarantee against genetic issues as a result of such a mating.

  7. Find out if the kitten is sold de-sexed.  It is preferable if they are.

 

What to Expect

  1. The kitten must be at least 10 weeks old.
  2. The kitten should have received at least one vaccination to protect it against common diseases. The breeder MUST give you a vaccination certificate at the time of sale.
  3. The kitten should be lively, friendly and in good health – clear eyes & no cold or flu like symptoms. No skin lesions should be present as these may suggest ringworm.
  4. A diet sheet should be provided. Sudden changes in diet can upset a kitten’s tummy.
  5. The mother and maybe the father should be present for you to meet if you are going to the breeder to collect your kitten. This gives you some idea what the kitten will grow to look like.
  6. The breeder should answer your questions about diet, routines, toileting and generally settling in a new kitten.
  7. You may be asked to sign a pet kitten contract.  Some breeders sell all their kittens with a contract covering things such as keeping the kitten inside at night, giving you the new owner the right to return the kitten within a certain amount of time, guarantee of health etc...
  8. A lot of breeders have the kittens de-sexed prior to sale.

 

When you get your new kitten you will need

  1. A carry cage to take your new kitten home & a blanket to go in the bottom of it.
  2. Kitty Litter and a litter tray. You can get some neat litter trays these days, so choose carefully.  Preferably the same type of litter that the kitten has been used to.
  3. Kitten food – as recommended by the breeder.
  4. Food and water bowls.
  5. A box or bed with warm bedding. If you take the kitten into your bed on the first night, expect it to be there every night. Make sure this is what you want before you start it.
  6. Cat safe toys, patience and lots of love.
  7. A flea comb is a great item to have on hand to groom shorthaired cats.  If you start them at a young age they grow to love a good grooming.

 

 

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