So You Want to Get a New Pedigreed Cat…
April 3, 2025
Working With a Breeder to Find the Right Cat For You
Laurie Coughlan
You have decided that you want to add a pedigreed cat to your household. You probably searched the internet, perhaps even the Cat Fanciers’ Association website (CFA.org) for information about the breeds, and think you know what you want. Before you accept a new kitten or cat into your family, there are a number of things you should consider to be sure you and your new cat are a match. An excellent way to find out what you need to know is to contact a responsible breeder and discuss the breed, and even the individual cat you want.
A first step might be to get to know something about the breeders who have your preferred breed. Check references, such as those from other breeders and exhibitors and previous clients. You may hear both positive and negative opinions about the same breeder. It pays to remember that people’s opinions of others are affected by a variety of factors perhaps unrelated to cats and their treatment. Listen carefully to the reasons for the opinions expressed. Does the breeder have a generally positive reputation? Has the breeder been doing this long enough to establish a record? Does the breeder show cats as a way to determine if they are meeting breed standards? For logistical, financial, and family reasons, not all responsible breeders show their cats, but the cats they produce should exhibit the characteristics of the breed. Ideally, it would be best to go to a cat show to meet a breeder or breeders and see some of their cats.
In your discussions with breeders, be sure you are selecting a breed that is compatible with your lifestyle. Cats, of course, will be cats … meaning not every cat of one breed has the same activity level and behavior patterns, but some breeds are definitely more likely to be up on the counter or on top of the refrigerator, while others prefer sticking to floor- or maybe couch-level. All cats require attention and interaction with their people. Some of the more intelligent and more active breeds do not do as well if they are the only pet in your home. They may need another cat or a cat-approved dog to keep them happy during the day when humans are away.
No matter what breed of cat you are seeking, you want a kitten that is healthy and will be your companion for many years to come. There are certain health conditions that are out there in the cat population, both random-bred and pedigreed, and an increasing number of these conditions can be screened. An advantage to a pedigreed cat is that, unlike most random breed cats, you will have some knowledge of the family history, health issues, and possibly results of genetic testing. CFA breeders have funded or supported development of DNA testing for a variety of traits and health concerns to help eliminate them from the gene pool.
When you narrow down your search, there are several ways to contact breeders, including telephone, email, texting, websites and social media. Many breeders no longer accept visitors to catteries since the advent of COVID, and a number of instances when such visits were actually covers for “casing the joint” for crimes. Many have only one or two litters per year, and perhaps only breed when there are people on their waiting lists. You can learn a lot in a phone call. What are some of the questions you may want to ask the breeder of your hoped-for kitten?
How Old is the Kitten When it is Placed in a New Home?
Most kittens should be placed around 16 weeks of age to be sure they are properly socialized. They learn important stuff about being a cat from their mothers as well as littermates during that time, like not using claws and teeth when play fighting with friends. Barring very special circumstances, shy away from accepting a kitten younger than 14 weeks. Rescues may place kittens at earlier ages to make more room in the shelters and save more lives, but a pedigreed kitten should be with mom longer than that.
Are the Kittens Kept With the Breeder Until They Have Had Basic Shots?
What vaccines has the cat received? At very least they should have the FVR-CP series. A rabies shot should wait until a kitten is a full four months of age when the immune system can handle it.
Are There Any Specific Health Issues to be Concerned About, and If So, Was Screening Done?
Does the breeder conduct testing for health issues? Some breeds are carefully screened for specific health concerns such as cardiomyopathy, or Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKDef) and Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). This is not always a requirement. For example, if all of the grandparents of a litter have all been tested clear of a dominant genetic condition like PKDef, then logically the parents and kittens cannot be carrying the condition and don’t require testing.
Does the Breeder Offer a Genetic Health Guarantee?
Some breeders specify in their contracts that the cat is free of any known genetic health issues, and may offer compensation should such an issue arise. It is wise for owners to take new cats or kittens to a vet as soon as possible to determine that the new pet is healthy. Remember that the stress of going to a new home and having no idea what is going on can cause diarrhea for kittens.
Has the Cat Been Spayed or Neutered?
Many breeders require that the cat be spayed or neutered before going to a new home. This protects the cat from excessive stress of going to a new home with new people and having surgery in a short period of time. It also prevents accidental kittens or inappropriate behavior sometimes exhibited by whole cats beyond a certain age. Sometimes kittens are released before surgery to new homes, but registration papers are withheld until proof of spay or neuter is provided to the breeder.
How Has the Kitten Been Socialized?
In other words, what is this kitten familiar with and to what will s/he have to acclimate? Was s/he raised in a litter, or as a singleton, or in a multiple litter setting? Has s/he met dogs, children, and a lot of household activity, or was s/he raised in a quiet setting with only one or two people? With care and proper introduction, most cats will accept other cats, reasonable dogs, and a good deal of activity in the new home, but some cats will not thrive under those conditions. The breeder can play matchmaker, helping you get the right, properly socialized cat for your setting.
What Happens If Things Just Don’t Work Out?
Sometimes in spite of all the research and discussion, things do not work out or circumstances change unexpectedly. The most common reasons for this are previously undiagnosed allergies or changes in the family or living conditions. Taking on a pet is supposed to be a lifelong commitment, so consider carefully before you take the plunge. Many breeders provide a rehoming guarantee, or at least a “right of first refusal,” when cats cannot remain where they are initially placed. Breeders want to know that their cats are safe, so this is a safety net for the cats. Some even request that new owners make provisions for pets should anything happen to them. It is far better, and is much appreciated by breeders, that you notify the breeder, rather than just pass the cat along to someone else.
How Can I Learn More About My Cat, the Breed, or the Cat Fancy?
When you acquire a pedigreed cat from a breeder, you also acquire an advisor about that cat, the breed, and the cat fancy. Breeders want to know if the cat shows signs of illness or allergy that may reflect genetic issues and affect future breeding plans. They provide advice and assistance on behavioral issues (how to introduce your cat to another, how to clip the claws, etc.). They may provide mentorship in showing your cat, if you are interested in following that path. The breeder is your cat’s guardian angel and your advisor for the life of your pet.