You have decided to bring home a furry, cuddly friend! So, now what are your next steps? If you are just beginning, rescue shelters are best but not for the rest. However, if you cannot adopt a kitten from the shelter, then what you will have to do is find an accomplished breeder. However, finding a good breeder is not always as easy.
Your choice of breeder will have a huge impact on the health and personality of your cat so they must be reliable. A social gathering of kittens learn vital skills to become a well-adjusted kitten between 3 and 8 weeks of age (though the developing stage may be slightly shorter). This is the time when what they are cared for and how they interact has a profound and long-term influence on their social aptitude, trainability, and general behavior.
Before making a decision, take some time to ask the right questions that will lead you to choose the breeder for this dog. To help you through this process, we outlined some important questions to ask yourself. We investigated this question further.
Some questions to ask a cat breeder
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Is the Breeder Referenced?
The initial question to ask a breeder is if they can refer you to other people or tell you what breed club the fall under. You will use these references to determine her reputation as a breeder. You also need to personally verify the references themselves. In this case it is recommended to search for another breeder who can provide references.
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Are the Parents of the Kitten Certified?
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Can I Meet the Parents?
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What is the Family Line?
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What Kind of Socialization have the Kittens had?
Kittens need early-life socialization and you should ask potential breeders how the kittens have been socialized. It is worthwhile to ask if they have been around other cats and humans. If kittens are poorly socialized by 9-10 weeks, it will be difficult for them to adjust to new animals or people. Kittens with considerable socialization, on the other hand, are more likely to be gregarious and like people and other animals. That is the reason why it is so important to socialize your fluffy little friend as a puppy and let him experience on his own.
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What to Feed Your Kittens?
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Has the Kitten Seen a Vet? What Were the Findings?
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Which vaccinations have been given, and what deworming preparations?
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What is the Guarantee?
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What is a Breeder’s Contract?
As with the warranty, a breeder should issue a contract. This contract will detail any health guarantees or obligations that must be met if the cat becomes ill, and what you agree to do in the event that you are for some reason unable to keep your new kitten in a home where excellent care is assured.
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Does It Need Limited Registration?
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Certificate of Health, Certificate of Sale
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Advice From The Breeder
Moreover do not hesitate to request suggestions from your breeder. An experienced breeder usually has more experience in nurturing kittens than an average pet owner, especially with your particular kitten. Their advice can be very beneficial to you as you enter the world of owning a cat.
Conclusion
The most important thing in getting a healthy and happy kitten is finding a reputable breeder. A good-bred kitten is not only healthy, but also has been taught by his mama and papa good “manners”, which makes this future family member an appropriate friend. Using these questions will help make your decision on selecting a breeder so much easier for you. We recommend talking to several different breeders so that you can see how they respond and gauge their level of knowledge and dedication, as well as what information they are willing to disclose about their breeding practices. This comprehensive care takes all the educated guesswork out and allows us to be confident as consumers that the kittens are raised in optimal settings and that breeding stock is in excellent health. In the end, responding to these inquiries will result in a better choice which will offer you a very best friend for your house.Asking questions helps you assess the breeder’s knowledge, commitment to the welfare of their animals, and the conditions in which the kittens are raised. This ensures you’re adopting a healthy, well-socialized kitten from a responsible source.
Look for breeders with positive reviews from past customers, memberships in recognized breed associations, and references from veterinarians. A reputable breeder will also welcome your questions and provide detailed information about their breeding practices.
Both parents should have health clearances for breed-specific genetic disorders, and certifications from veterinary organizations can demonstrate that they meet breed standards and are free from hereditary conditions.
Meeting the parents allows you to assess their temperament, health, and behavior, which can provide insights into the potential personality and health of the kitten you wish to adopt.
Kittens should be exposed to various environments, sounds, and people to help them develop into well-adjusted pets. Socialization during their early weeks is crucial for reducing anxiety and behavioral issues later.
A responsible breeder will provide guidance on the best types of food for your kitten’s specific age and breed, as well as feeding schedules to ensure proper nutrition and development.
Kittens should have at least one vet visit for a health check-up and vaccinations before adoption. The breeder should provide a record of these visits, including any health findings.
Common vaccinations for kittens include FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia) and rabies. Your breeder should provide a vaccination record detailing what your kitten has received.
A reputable breeder should offer a health guarantee that covers certain genetic conditions for a specific period, typically ranging from a few months to a year. This gives you peace of mind regarding your kitten’s long-term health.
A breeder’s contract outlines the terms of the sale, including health guarantees, return policies, and spay/neuter requirements. It protects both the buyer and the breeder and ensures responsible pet ownership.
Limited registration means that while the kitten is registered with a breed association, it is not eligible for breeding. This is often used to prevent irresponsible breeding practices and ensure that the kitten is a pet only.
Reach out to the breeder first, as they may be able to help address your concerns or offer support. Additionally, consult a veterinarian for any health-related issues.