Buying a Kitten
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Always Buy from a Registered Breeder
A registered breeder has the following attributes;
Is associated with a governing body who has a list of rules and regulations they must follow. All the progeny is purebred and is registered with the governing body and has a “pedigree” or family tree if you like, that proves their lineage.
In general, their ethics and standards for breeding are much higher. They do a huge amount of research into their particular breed and have done a lot of homework to ensure their breeding stock is healthy, happy and well looked after. In short, they’ve invested heavily in their chosen hobby.
They will always provide health checks and vaccinations as well as flea treatment and worming with their animals at point of sale. Pets are always sold desexed (or with a desexing contract) and micro chipped.
They provide after sale support and care, often for the life of the animal.
Feed the highest quality food. The health of the animals is paramount.
Their main concern is for the betterment of the breed, the health of their stock and the money, although it is needed to keep them breeding, is a secondary consideration.
Only sell animals from their own premises. You will be encouraged to see where the kittens live and will be shown the adults and their living conditions.
Kittens from registered breeders usually do not cost much more. In some cases they cost less, especially when they are desexed, are; fully vaccinated, micro chipped and Vet Checked – all included in the price. Registered breeders follow the standards set by their associations and breed for love not money!
So buyer beware. Do not make the mistake of buying your kitten from an unregistered breeder.
“Why have a cheap knock off when you can have the real thing?”
Checklist
- The first thing is to ask if your kitten is a full-bred Ragdoll.
- Is the breeder willing to let you visit and see all the cats?
- Is the cattery or house clean?
- Do the cats look clean and well taken care of?
- Do they have plenty of room, and are not overcrowded in their environment?
- Does the breeder offer a (at least a two-year) health guarantee?
- Are the kittens offered for sale no earlier than 12 weeks of age?
- Are the kittens well socialised? Do they seek out people, or run away when approached?
- Are the kittens used to household noises and other pets?
Who to Buy From
It is essential that you buy a kitten from a registered breeder.
Most good breeders don’t make money breeding, unless they are breeding large numbers of kittens. If they are lucky, they break even at the end of the year.
Reputable breeders, would rather sell you a healthy, well-adjusted kitten, than try to turn a profit.
Small, or Large Breeder
If you buy from a smaller breeder, you may have to wait awhile for a kitten, but the wait will be worth it.
A large breeder will have kittens available all the time, but with more kittens per care taker, kittens may not be getting the attention they would from a cattery with fewer kittens at one time.
Raising cats in a large cattery, is a time consuming, and more cats = more work = less time for the kittens.
Kittens Age for Rehoming
No Ragdoll kitten should be re homed before 12 weeks of age.
Kittens need to be with their litter mates until this age, learning to be kittens, and it is better for them to do that at the breeder’s house with their siblings.
At 12 weeks of age, you will be getting a much better, well adjusted and socialised kitten.
Also, the kitten’s immune system will be stronger, and the adjustment to it’s new home will go smoother.
Visit the Cattery
If you can, visit the cattery you are getting your kitten from. Understandably, this is not always possible, but it is worth the effort if you can manage it.
When you do visit, look for overall cleanliness of the breeding cats and owners home, making sure the litter boxes are clean, with no feces stuck on the sides. The cattery, or house should not have an ‘old cat urine’ smell all over.
All cat – kitten areas should be well lighted, clean and ventilated.
Ensure that breeding males are separated from the females. If not, ask how the breeder keeps unwanted litters or inbreedings from happening. A breeder should always be willing to show you all the cats, males included.
Look for overcrowding, or high numbers of cats and kittens that could indicate a ‘kitten mill’.