Bringing a purebred kitten into your life is an exciting and rewarding experience. However, the process of finding a responsible breeder can be overwhelming, especially with the prevalence of scams and unethical practices in the industry.
At My Felidae, we understand the importance of finding a trustworthy source for your new friend. In this blog post, we will provide you with valuable tips and insights to help you navigate the search for a reputable purebred kitten breeder, and how to buy a cat with confidence. We'll also explain how My Felidae can save you time, stress, and ensure a seamless experience in finding the perfect kitten, because of our screening process.
Avoiding Scams: Signs of a Bad Breeder
First things first - it is an unfortunate reality that scammers are out there. Fortunately, there are ways that you can avoid loosing time and money. Here are some things to look out for when screening breeders:
A Sense of Urgency
Is your breeder pressuring you to make a decision quickly? Scammers will often be pushy with customers, to get paid quickly, and then ghost you. When in doubt, wait it out, and consider your options.
Unsecured Payment Methods
Scammers will ask for payments via non-traditional payment methods, such as the wiring of money or payment by gift cards. Opting for an insecure payment method greatly decreases the probability of receiving a refund for your payment, so be aware and make decisions wisely.
Poor Communication
Scammers don't want to talk to you in person, and will avoid phone calls or personal visits. They'll dodge questions, prefer to handle communication exclusively by email or DMs instead. Instead, the right cat breeder will answer your questions, provide photos and videos, and schedule video calls or appointments to visit the breeder and your kitten.
Lack of Information
Irresponsible breeders or scammers don't have health information about their kittens, their parents, and cannot answer detailed questions about their personality. Cats and kittens are vulnerable to a variety of diseases, and depending on the breed, there could even be genetic conditions that could kill your new pet quickly. Find an ethical breeder that will answer a list of questions about their kittens, and check to see if they have documentation on the health of your potential pet.
Large Payments, Paid in Full Up Front
Purebred cats can be expensive, especially if you are purchasing from a breeder that is not local and will require delivery. A scammer will typically charge less than other breeders to attract customers, but will demand payments up front, and will expect to be paid in full before you receive your kitten.
Signs of a Good Cat Breeder: Do Your Research
When starting your search for a good breeder, it is crucial to gather information and conduct thorough research. Look for breeders who are:
Members of Recognized Cat Associations
Not all reputable breeders are members, but this can indicate an ideal match for you. These associations (like TICA or WCF) promote responsible breeding practices and prioritize the health and well-being of cats. If a breeder is registered, it can provide you with immediate confidence that you're in the right place.
At My Felidae, we ONLY work with currently certified breeders, so you can get the cat of your dreams without worrying about who your breeder is and how your kitten was raised.
Open and Honest Communicators
If your breeder is not a member of an association, this doesn't automatically make them a scam. However, a good breeder should be ready, willing, and able to answer detailed questions about your kitten, the cat breed, their parents, health history, and more.
Offer Health Testing and Screening
A responsible breeder prioritizes the health of their cats and conducts necessary health tests to ensure the breeding stock is free from genetic diseases and other health issues. Inquire about the health screening process and ask for documentation to validate the results. My Felidae takes pride in our stringent health testing protocols, ensuring that our kittens come from healthy and genetically sound parents.
Transparent Communicators
Find a good cat breeder that maintains open and honest communication throughout the process. They are willing to answer your questions, provide detailed information about the breed, and offer guidance on kitten care and socialization. My Felidae takes pride in our exceptional customer service, ensuring prompt and transparent communication to address all your concerns and provide you with the information you need.
Offering Contracts and Guarantees
A reputable breeder will provide a written contract that outlines the responsibilities of both the buyer and the breeder. This contract may include health guarantees, return policies, and any additional agreements. Review the contract thoroughly and make sure you understand and agree to its terms. My Felidae offers comprehensive policies that protect both parties and ensures a fair and transparent transaction.
Questions to Ask
A reputable cat breeder will welcome potential buyers to ask plenty of questions, schedule video calls to see the cat or kitten, or even visit the cattery or home they were raised in. This allows you to assess the living conditions, observe the cats' behavior, and ensure they are well-cared for.
My Felidae screens all of our breeders to ensure our kittens are raised in a loving and nurturing environment, free from cages, crowded homes, and unhealthy living conditions. We always encourage questions, and will even schedule video calls or visits if you are matched with cat breeders in your area.
If you're doing your own search, a good breeder should be able to answer the below questions at a minimum:
How was this kitten raised, and in what environment?
Make sure the kitten was socialized with humans and other cats or kittens, and kept in a loving, clean, and safe environment. Your cat should ideally be raised in a small-batch, "underfoot" environment that will mimic your own home.
Is there a health guarantee? If so, how long is the guarantee it and what is covered?
Your kitten should come with documentation regarding their health, including vaccines, and screenings for common conditions like fleas, worms, and breed-specific diseases. Breeders should also have clear policies about what happens if your kitten is ill at pickup, or after they come home with you. Our kittens all come with a 1 year genetic health guarantee, because we screen them for diseases prior to delivery.
If things don’t work out – what is the “return” policy?
A responsible cat breeder will help make it easy to navigate a situation where a match didn't work out, and knows that sometimes returns are necessary. Make sure you know what the expectations are in the worst-case scenario up front, before any money is spent. You can read our policies here.
What is the personality of this specific kitten?
Not all cats are created equal! Everything from the breed of cat, to the parents' personalities, to the kitten's own unique quirks, will shape how energetic, playful, cuddly, and vocal your cat might be. The right breeder will be able to tell you about your kitten in detail, because they've spent time socializing and getting to know them.
What vaccinations have been given, when was it given and when is the next shot due?
You should know what medical care your cat has received before you pick them up, and your breeder should be able to provide you with documentation from a vet about that care. At a minimum, your kitten should have been administered a rabies vaccine, and an FPRCV vaccine. This vaccine protects your feline friend against three highly transmittable and potentially fatal ailments: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (abbreviated as FVR in the vaccine), Feline Calicivirus (represented by C) and Feline Panleukopenia (indicated by the P at the end of the vaccine name).
Who are the parents of the kitten, and what is their health history?
Breeder cats should have detailed health history, pedigree, and your breeder should be able to tell you all about them. You could meet the parents via video call or in person as well, to be safe. This will ensure your pet meets the breed standard you want, and if there are any health concerns that the parents could carry forward.
Have both parents and kitten been cleared for Feline leukemia?
This is a big one when screening the health of the kitten; we test and clear all kittens for leukemia, so that you can rest assured your new friend is happy and healthy for life.
Was a stool sample tested and what were the results?
Testing for worms and parasites is a must when buying a new kitten. This should also be confirmed by the breeder, and documented by a vet prior to you taking your kitten home.
What food and litter are you using right now for the kitten, and what is their feeding schedule?
In order to help your new kitten or cat transition into your new home, you should keep a similar feeding schedule, and use litter they are used to, so that they know where to go. As they acclimate, you can transition them to the diet and litter of your choice.
How My Felidae Can Save You Time and Stress
Finding a reputable cat breeder can be a time-consuming and stressful process. My Felidae simplifies this journey and offers a trusted solution to save you time and ensure a positive experience. Here's how:
Verified and Screened Breeders
My Felidae has a rigorous screening process for breeders in our network. We carefully vet each breeder, ensuring they are currently certified, and meet our strict standards of ethical breeding practices, health testing, and proper care of their cats. This means that when you browse our website, you can be confident that you are connecting with reputable breeders who prioritize the well-being of their cats, because that's our top priority, too.
Extensive Breed Selection
We offer a wide variety of purebred kittens from different breeds, including Maine Coons, Bengals, Persians, Scottish Folds, and more. Our website provides detailed information about each breed, their characteristics, and their compatibility with different lifestyles. This allows you to explore and compare various breeds conveniently in one place.
Streamlined Communication
Our platform facilitates communication between buyers and breeders. You can easily connect with breeders, ask questions, schedule video calls, and discuss the details of the kitten you are interested in. We provide a centralized messaging system to ensure efficient and secure communication, saving you the hassle of searching for individual breeder contact information.
Secure Online Transactions
At My Felidae, we prioritize the security of your transactions. Our platform offers a secure payment system, protecting your financial information and ensuring a smooth and worry-free purchasing process. We also allow for refundable reservation fees, and offer payment plans, to help you feel more confident when making your purchase.
Still Not Sure? Ask the Breeder for References
Finally, don't hesitate to ask the breeder for references from previous buyers. Contacting these references can provide valuable insights into the breeder's reputation, the quality of their kittens, and the overall customer experience. My Felidae has a long list of satisfied customers who are more than happy to share their positive experiences with our breeder network.
Find your Next Purebred Kitten with My Felidae
Finding a reputable purebred kitten breeder doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following the tips provided in this blog post and utilizing the services of My Felidae, you can save time, avoid scams, and confidently embark on your journey to finding the perfect purebred kitten. We are committed to connecting you with reputable breeders who share our passion for ethical breeding and the well-being of their cats. Start your search with My Felidae today and experience the joy of welcoming a healthy and well-socialized purebred kitten into your life.