I was just curious who has purchased a kitten from a breeder before? I was wondering what steps I should take to protect myself. What forms do they make you sign and what should you do before you put down the non-refundable deposit? If anybody could give me a list of good steps to follow from begining to end, that would be very helpful. Thanks!
2006-10-24 14:40:42 · 14 answers · asked by BA92107 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
I would adopt, and I have before. But I want to get a Bengal cat just because of the look nature, and temperment of the cat. The selection of adoptable Bengal cats are few and far between.
2006-10-24 14:47:11 · update #1
There are a vew questions that YOU should ask the (reputable) breeder:
- Exact age of kittens (no reputable breeder will sell a kitten before the age of 13 weeks).
- The temperament of the kitten.
- Ask the breeder if they could try and match a kitten to match your lifestyle.
- Sex and availabilty of the kitten(s).
- Has the kitten been vaccinated? *You should NEVER buy a kitten that has not been vaccinated. If the breeder says they have, ask for the certificate.
- Has the kitten been registered? Most REPUTABLE breeders will register their kittens.
- How much is the kitten(s)? Prices will vary depending on which breed you choose to get and where you live. Be prepared to pay in excess of $550 (AUD) for a pedigree Bengal kitten.
- Can I see the kitten(s)? It is always better to view the kittens in the environment they have been living in. The breeder should (and probably will) ask you to disinfect your hands before touching the kitten(s).
- Can I see the sire and dam? Ask the breeder if they can show you the sire and dam of the kittens. Some (not all) breeders use male cats that they do not own so do not be alarmed if they say 'no' to the sire.
Questions to ask YOURSELF:
- Is (s)he friendly towards me?
- Do(es) the kitten(s) look healthy? The kitten should have bright, clear eyes and an alert personality. A healthy kitten should not show discharge from it's eyes or nose. The ears should both look clean and free from wax. Is the kitten playful and relaxed? Is it fearful and unused to being handled?
More questions to ask the BREEDER:
- Ask to view the kitten's pedigree. If you can, it should show all the kitten's ancestors.
- Ask to see the vaccination certificates. The kitten(s) should have recieved atleast 2 vaccinations, usually within 2-3 weeks of each other.
- Ask the breeder to point out all faults with the kitten(s).
- Ask the breeder about the diets of the kittens.
What to do to complete the sale of your new kitten:
When you go to pick up your new kitten, make sure you have a suitable carrier for the kitten. When you get home, you should have ALL the reqcuired accessories ready for your new kitten - food, feeding bowl, water bowl, bed, litter tray, grooming equpitment and any other accessories you may need.
You should have collected the following from the breeder:
- Registration slip (if it has been registered).
- Vaccination certificates.
- Diet sheet and a sample of the food given.
- Receipt for payment of kitten.
** The breeder may ask you to sign a contract stating that you will spay/neuter your kitten at the age of 4-6 months.
** Remember, Bengal kittens are VERY active and love attention and affection. Do not just buy one of these beautiful cats because of it's markings. Make sure that you will be able to look after this cat for the rest of it's life.
2006-10-24 18:28:49 · answer #1 · answered by Elena 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean American Shorthair or domestic shorthair? The American Shorthair is a specific breed, and you're not going to get one from a shelter. Kittens from reputable breeders will start at $600 and up, and breeders won't let kittens go until they are 12 weeks or more. Shelters are filled with domestic shorthair cats and kittens, they are the mixed breed "mutt cats" of the world. Shelter adoption fees vary. They range from $25 or so up to about $100. They may or may not include age-appropriate vaccinations, and most likely your kittens will be spayed or neutered prior to adoption. What colors they have available vary - you can't custom order what you'd like to have.
2016-05-22 11:49:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, I would insist on visiting the breeder and see what conditions that the cats live in!!!! Second I would not sign anything until a Vet has seen the cat you want to adopt. There are very bad breeders out there that make those animals live in unbelievable conditions, if so turn them in and ask your local humane society for referrals.
2006-10-24 14:59:40 · answer #3 · answered by doris_38133 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you want to buy from a breeder. There are thousands of homeless kitties out there who are just as good as those others.
Hate to tell you, but those who are breeding kitties do not care about cats one bit. They are already over populated and because of these breeders adding to the problem, more strays are being left homeless.
My cats always come from the streets. They turn out to be the best companions I've ever had.
2006-10-24 14:45:47 · answer #4 · answered by real_sweetheart_76 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
www.petfinder.org. Keep looking. You can search by breed. Try breed rescue groups. There are people who take in only specific breeds i.e. "siamese rescue". Also, breeders might have older females (2-3 years old) that they don't want to breed anymore that you purchase cheaper. I prefer to get older cats that I meet in person to make sure they are lap cats that want to be with me. It would be pretty bad if you were to buy this special breed and find out your cat hates people and wants to hide for the rest of it's life.
2006-10-24 15:27:25 · answer #5 · answered by Joyce T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
breeders will ask you for references.... they will ask you questions to determine if you are experienced cat owner and know what you are getting into
Bengals are more active so they want to know you are prepared for this
they will also ask if you plan to breed or show and will council you on spaying or neutering
every breeder is different
rarely (but it happens) will you find Bengals in SPCA - this occurs when people get them and have to give them up but for whatever reason perfer not to return them to the breeder they got them from
YOU need to check referenced on the breeder.... becuase not all breeders are ethical
2006-10-24 14:57:48 · answer #6 · answered by CF_ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to your local pound and get a cat from there why pay for a certain breed when there are so many kitties in need of homes in shelters?
2006-10-24 15:43:43 · answer #7 · answered by cutiepie81289 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Please go to ASPCA or a non kill shelter. The poor kitten might be sick. If you don't have a cat and have some $$$, save the poor kitten. Get more info.
Thanks for the points.
2006-10-24 14:48:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hair all over the place, And the smell of cat crap throughout your home. and thats if you lucky that the cat doesnt pee all over your plants and tear up your furniture..
2006-10-24 14:48:16 · answer #9 · answered by myothernewname 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
look in shelters you will find one sooner or later, so many unwanted cats that there is no need to buy one.
2006-10-24 14:48:44 · answer #10 · answered by kat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋