How To Choose Your Kitten

Visit the breeder

"The real breeder disciplines himself not to expect gratitude or appreciation for his services-- which is well, because those who benefit most will rarely give public recognition to the fact. The real breeder does what he does because of what he is; he can not do otherwise." Peggy Adamson

Some breeders put their pets in outside catteries, others in their homes. An honest breeder won’t hesitate to welcome you if you ask to visit the facilities. In the case of a family cattery, the breeder should be able to prove that no cages are used for breeding by showing you the house, from the basement to the attic, on demand. Every responsible breeder understands that you do not want a kitten that has spent the first weeks of its life behind bars. Breeding a litter at home offers a variety of advantages such as the early socialization of the kittens.

If possible, you should try to find a breeder in your area, so you can visit the cattery. This is the best way to be sure of the quality and health of the animals and the ethical standards of the breeder. You should arrange to visit the cattery to see the conditions under which the kittens are raised. Although heredity plays a dominant part, the cattery environment also has a strong effect on health, personality and temperament. Things to watch out for: overcrowding, kittens raised in cages, poor record keeping, poor housekeeping, neglected litter boxes, unclean food or water. On last important detail, you should also be able to see all the cats, that also includes the studs, roaming freely in the house.

You want a kitten that is accustomed to being handled every day. Kittens should be raised in a home environment. The frequently-quoted phrase is "raised underfoot", meaning that they are accustomed to being around people. 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 and the sire. This is your best indicator of the personality that the kitten will have when it grows up.

Finding a Reputable Breeder

Once you have made your decision regarding which breed of cat or kitten, you need to find a breeder. Are breeders all the same?? Absolutely not!! You can find lists of breeders in the cat magazines' breeder sections, and many breeders now have their own websites, too.

A couple of good places to search the web can be found on our links page, and include:

Your first contact with a breeder may be via phone, fax, letter or e-mail. It is important to listen or look carefully at every communication you receive from the breeder. It can indicate more about them than you might think. If written, is their communication professionally done?? Are the spelling and grammar correct?? Does the written communication evoke a feeling that they care about their animals, and would want to work with you?? In all communications, does the breeder invite you to visit their facility?? While it is often ideal to purchase a pedigreed animal from a local breeder where you can actually go see their facilities and meet them and their animals face-to-face, you can also learn much about a breeder by talking to other people who have purchased animals from them. Don't be afraid to ask the breeder for references, and definitely follow up and contact these references. At last, do keep in mind that most reputable, established breeders have waiting lists for their kittens.

What to look for when picking out a kitten

Many people wonder what they should look for when buying a pedigreed kitten. Here are three points of consideration when you are choosing a kitten:

1. Health: Is the kitten clean and robust looking? Does the skin feel clean and free from "bumps", scabs, or any sign of skin irritation? Are the eyes bright and clear? Does the nose have any discharge? (It shouldn't.) Does the kitten have good muscle tone? Is the kitten skinny looking with ribs or backbone showing, or does it have a "pot" belly? Healthy kittens should not have a "pot" belly, nor be so skinny that they have ribs or backbones protruding. Watch the kitten walk or run about. Does it show any signs of limping or having stiffness in the legs? Inquire about vaccinations that have been given. Kittens should have had at least one series of vaccinations before they go into a new home. Ask specific questions about whether the vaccinations were given by a Veterinarian or by the breeder. Many breeders give their own vaccinations. Don’t buy a kitten which has not been fully examined by a certified Veterinarian and ask for a complete record of health. Ask which vaccine was used and what dates the vaccinations were given. Ask the breeder if the kitten has had any health problems since birth. Also ask if there are any health considerations that should be anticipated with that breed or particular kitten.
2. Representing the Standard for the Breed: Even when you buy a pet quality kitten, the kitten should bear a strong resemblance to the standard for the particular breed. Read the Breed Description in this publication to understand what characteristics a particular breed should have. Also, look at the Breed illustrations to get a visual idea of what a particular breed should look like. Does the Siamese kitten have a long, wedge-shaped face and a long, tubular body? Ask the breeder to point out the "faults" on the kitten that have caused the kitten to be evaluated as pet quality. There is really no point in paying for a pedigreed kitten if it does not resemble the standard for the breed.
3. Personality and Behavior: Healthy well adjusted kittens should be full of bounce and play. Very young kittens might be shy, but should never try to run away and hide when they see a new person. There is however, a difference between a shy kitten and a kitten that is ill or has personality problems. A shy, quiet kitten will usually be content to be held and petted. A very lively kitten might be so "busy" that it squirms when you try to hold it. Watch how the kitten behaves when it is held by the breeder, then see how it behaves when you hold it. The breeder should be able to "show off" the kitten at its best. If the breeder is not able to engage the kitten in play, or handle it without difficulty, you probably should not take that kitten home.