| So you have made a preliminary list of cat breeders | | | | living conditions. Are they handled so they are used |
| to start with. How do you decide which is the best | | | | to humans? |
| cat breeder for your requirements? | | | | How long have they been breeding cats? How many |
| If you are set on a particular breed, then a quick | | | | breeds do they have? Do they show their cats? The |
| phone call to each will eliminate those that offer | | | | answers to these questions should give some |
| other breeds. | | | | indication of their expertise. Concentrating on a |
| Ask other cat owners for their recommendations and | | | | couple of breeds, along with showing the cats, |
| experiences, both positive and negative. | | | | means that they are more likely to be careful about |
| Once you have your shortlist, you need to visit each | | | | the bloodlines than those breeding lots of different |
| cat breeder and ask questions. Reputable cat | | | | breeds. |
| breeders should be happy to answer your questions | | | | How large is their breeding business. Try to avoid |
| and show you around their premises. If not, you | | | | someone who is overwhelmed and stressed by |
| have to ask yourself if they are hiding something. | | | | trying to breed too many cats at one time, or who is |
| Most, however are passionate about cats, will love | | | | just in it for the money and so uses mass-production. |
| talking about them and will want their kittens to go | | | | Have the cats been tested for infectious diseases? A |
| to a good suitable home. | | | | reputable breeder should have records to support his |
| Recommended Questions; | | | | answers. Any cat can become ill but it is how the |
| Does the breed have any congenital defects to | | | | breeder deals with it that is important. Sick cats |
| watch for? If so, how do they avoid breeding them | | | | should be separated from the healthy ones. |
| into their stock. If the answer is that the breed is | | | | Asking these questions should give you an idea of |
| perfect, with no congenital defects, be wary! No | | | | the honesty and integrity of the cat breeders and |
| breed is perfect and a reputable breeder should tell | | | | help you with your choice. |
| you about any possible faults. | | | | When you have made your choice of breeder and |
| Do they offer a health guarantee if the kitten turns | | | | kitten, it is a good idea to ask an independent vet to |
| out to be in bad health? | | | | give the kitten a health check before buying. A |
| Does the breeder give adequate care and attention | | | | breeder with nothing to hide should not object - |
| to the kittens? Ask for a tour to see the kittens' | | | | especially if you are paying! |