What should I be looking for in a good breeder?
Registration: Cats/Kittens should be registered with a reputable association. If the cat comes with "no papers" or "unregistered" ask the breeder why.
Showing: Owners/Breeders should actively participate in cat shows. This is to establish what is a good representation of the breed, as well as to be able to have unbiased information about which cats would then be suitable to help continue and better the breed going forward.
Participation: Breeder should be in good standing with and/or belong to breed clubs This helps breeders find out what else is going on in the breed all over a much larger segment rather than just their area or their social circle. You want a well informed breeder
Price: Where does the money from their kittens go? Back into ensuring the health and welfare of our cats, ensuring their veterinary exams, genetic testing, biologically appropriate diet, shots, microchips, housing, buying breedings and the list goes on. If they are not doing these things, where does that money go? There's an old saying, that good breeders don't make money.
**Note: Frequently people find Kijiji or other online ads where kittens are half price or less of what most ethical breeders will charge. Cost alone, by no means is an indicator of quality. But if a price seems too good to be true, it often is. Find out what you are receiving for the price. Generally in the USA CFA the price starts at $800 and goes up from there depending on add-ons like microchips or spaying already being done.
Appearance/Care: Cats/Kittens should be clean and well groomed, do they have clean eyes and ears, and butts? Are their eyes bright and shiny? These things show how well the cat is being taken care of behind closed doors.
Knowledge of the breed: Make sure the person you are dealing with can answer questions about the breed, can talk about what issues the breed can have and how and why they have chosen the cats they breed to better those traits. They should also be able to talk about their own lines and what they are striving to improve.
Reputation: Talk to other breeders in their region or their breed and see what they have to say about the breeder you are looking at.
No single one of these items by themselves makes a great breeder, but combined this is a good starting off point to help you avoid unscrupulous backyard breeders who are there to take your money, and don't have your or the kittens best interest at heart.
