How to Find a Reputable Cat Breeder

A great tip in screening potential dog breeders and when asking how to find a reputable cat breeder, is to select one that also screens you. Breeders that truly care about their occupation want the best homes possible for their puppies or kittens. They should have as many questions about you as you have about them. They should be willing to offer information particular to their pets, provide Veterinarian references, and test your knowledge of the breed. Though some may be offended by the questions of a breeder, it is a sign that this breeder cares. If all breeders conducted thorough screening of potential customers, there would be far less homeless pets.

If you’re wondering how to find a reputable cat breeder or dog breeder, then consider that no reputable breeder will sell their pets through pet stores, agents, or organizations. They want to know exactly where their pets are going. Breeders should have enough experience to offer ongoing assistance with information and training of your new pet, and request that they be contacted first, should you ever have to give up your pet. They should be willing to allow a visit and inspection.

If you want to know how to find a reputable cat breeder or dog breeder, you should be able to meet and evaluate the parents of your potential new pet. Puppies and kittens should be socialized by the breeder prior to purchase and their parents should demonstrate a calm sociable temperament, regardless of the breed. Puppies and kittens should have their first series of inoculations prior to leaving their cattery or kennel. The breeder should also recommend that you schedule a veterinarian visit as soon as possible with your new pet and that the sale and transfer of ownership is dependent on the results of that medical examination.

Important Questions to Ask When Wondering How to Find a Reputable Cat Breeder or Dog Breeder

Experience is the first question you should have for a potential breeder when wondering how to find a reputable cat breeder. You should have conducted enough research about the breed to ask intelligent questions the breeder should know. The breeder should be willing to offer useful information and be willing to provide references.  Anyone can provide customer references, but reputable breeders should provide professional references. The best reference is from a practicing Veterinarian.  They are very knowledgeable professionals bound by ethics.  Just as a car fax is important in purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, a Veterinarian reference is important when learning how to find a reputable cat breeder and then purchasing your pet. Your breeder should guarantee your pet is healthy, both physically and psychologically, and also genetically.  The genetic problems are those that usually show up later in life.  The breeder should have proof of genetic screening of the parents of your pet and the pedigree to prove no inbreeding. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals is trusted with testing, certifications, and breed history data relative to genetic problems associated with particular breeds of animals.

Bad Assumptions When Finding a Reputable Cat Breeder or Dog Breeder

Many People believe that if a dog or cat is registered to be pure bred, then it is also an endorsement of the quality of the pet. This is not true. If you’re researching how to find a reputable cat breeder, understand that registries are only data collectors that sell registration certificates based on trust. As long as these registries will register the offspring of a Father and Daughter breeding (inbreeding), their true objective should be questioned. They are making progress however with kennel inspections, DNA profiling, and microchip identification, but still have not made progress in preventing inbreeding, and limiting breeding to only genetically healthy dogs and cats. You have the responsibility to research your breed and learn what is pertinent to that breed. This new pet will become a loved member of your family for years to come if you do your homework on how to find a reputable cat breeder. The internet offers a world of information, some useful and some worthless. Medical data should be trusted to .edu or .gov websites only. Technical information posted on the internet should also provide valid references, scientific conclusions, and not someone’s opinion without supporting facts and/or data.