What the Breeder Does

Breeders strive to achieve physical conformation in their cats. That means a cat must meet the standards that make the breed unique – size, body shape, eye shape and colour, nose break, the way the ears and tail are set, the angle of the stance. Above all, the cat must be healthy, with each generation further minimizing the chance of genetic flaws.

In order to evaluate and choose a breeder, you must understand the characteristics that would make them top-notch. The majority of responsible breeders pursue their calling as a hobby; they are just enamored with a particular type of cat. They know everything there is to know about a breed's behaviors and potential health problems. Some also might make a living as professional trainers; they might show cats. But they always make a lifetime commitment to each cat that they breed. They don't tally their rewards in purely financial gain.

A breeder must know the ancestry of a cat and the parents for at least several generations back. They need this information to understand each cats personality and health tendencies, as well as to maintain good standing among fellow breeders and to meet the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) requirements. A good breeder also looks to the future: They usually require buyers to keep them informed about a cats health throughout it's life; if tragedy strikes, they may even require a cause of death report.

Breeders Choose Buyers Carefully

Breeders should choose each cats buyer as carefully as a buyer would choose a breeder.

They'll ask for a history of your relationship with cats and other pets; quiz you on your knowledge of the breed; even probe into your family's habits and schedule. Many breeders require you to sign a contract, stipulating how you will care for your cat.

A responsible breeder raises a limited number of cats. They do not over-breed; They breed a dam only when certain that they have enough responsible people to buy the kittens she will produce. And he breeds when the parents are one or older, after the most egregious genetic flaws would be evident.

A dedicated breeder also belongs to a local, state or national (or all) breed clubs. This allows the breeder to keep abreast of current information regarding their breed and to produce the best kittens possible.

A breeder goes to great lengths to find a mate for his sire or dam. That means that both cats are of age; proven to be healthy, intelligent, easily socialized; and capable of filling the roles they're bred for, be it energetic, quite, social or companion. Even if the resulting kittens won't be raised for showing, some breeders travel great distances with their cats to make the right match.

Once a female is impregnated, the breeder provides her with a healthy, calm environment; supports her through birthing and her kittens early days. They socializes each kitten so they're used to humans and provides a stimulating environment for them. They interview buyers and educates those he/she chooses to sell to.

The fees you'll pay a breeder, beginning with a down payment, reflect the expenses incurred at every stage of the process, from mating through follow-up. Fees vary, depending upon a breed's rarity, products and services included with the sale, geographic location and special requirements, such as cesarean birthing for certain breeds.

But beware of breeders who overcharge because a breed is popular at the moment. In the true spirit of responsible breeding, it costs the same to breed a Siamese whether or not he resembles the pet movie star of the month.

Responsible breeders know about their breed. Responsible breeders screen for genetic diseases and maintain good veterinary and breeding records. Responsible breeders offer a written health guarantee with each kitten they sell. Responsible breeders are always available to offer help and advice to their new kitten owners. Responsible breeders always breed their cats with the thought of improving their line.

How To Recognize a Responsible Breeder

A good breeder will only sell a cat under contract, which will set forth that breeder's policy regarding health guarantee, refund/return policy and other rights/responsibilities between buyer and seller.

A good breeder will be knowledgeable about the breed and the common genetic diseases in that breed.

A good breeder will offer you support with your new kitten, and always help you place the cat (or take it back) if for some reason you cannot keep the cat.

A good breeder will be able to show you both parents, and in the case of a male that lives off the premises, will have a photograph and history available.

A good breeder will carefully screen potential buyers to ensure that the cats will be placed in an appropriate home.

A good breeder's cattery or even more ideally thier home will appear clean and well maintained.

A good breeder will be willing to answer your questions about the breed and the appropriate care for your cat.

A good breeder will be willing to let you see the environment in which the cats are bred and raised.

A good breeder will allow you to see the kittens but may not allow you to handle all of them. Exposure to many different people can increase the risk of illness in the kittens. Only serious buyers should be allowed to handle the kittens to limit exposure.

How To Make a Complaint about a Breeder:

If you wish to make a complaint about a breeder you have dealt with you will need to put your concerns in writing within 6 weeks of the incident. Don't leave your complaint till 6 months after the fact.

If your complaint is health related and you have seen a vet regarding your concerns include a copy of your receipt and any relevant test results with your complaint. If necessary request a letter from your vet to attach to it.

If you feel that a breeder is not abiding by the code of ethics put in place by the governing body and relevant associations or your feel their practices are not in the best interest of the cat/kitten then there are 3 organisations you could complain to depending on the type of complaint....

1) The RSPCA will deal with any concerns about the conditions a breeders cats and kittens are kept in. If you suspect that a Breeder is continually breeding cats with the same health problems (Cat Flu, FIP, Death at a young age etc), the breeder is not seeking vet attention for health problems or the cats are kept in poor conditions (unhygenic/dirty) and not able to access food, water and shelter etc then please contact the RSPCA in your state or territory. Go to www.rspca.org.au for further information.

3) If you are a neighbour or resident in the local area that has a complaint regarding hygiene or smell coming from a local breeders residence then contact your local council.