Buy A Cat

Buy A Cat

By Dave Thomas

With regard to finding a breeder, cat shows are the best places to meet and talk to breeders. You can see all the different colors and patterns, learn about the characteristics of the breed, and ask questions. Do your homework, and try not to fall in love with the first kitten you see.

You can also find breeders through the listings in Cat Fancy and Cats Magazine. These are the two magazines in the US with the largest circulations, and consequently with the largest breeders classified sections. You can probably find one or both of these magazines at a well-stocked newsstand. Just because a breeder advertises in these magazines, however, does not automatically make them a responsible breeder. You still need to ask them a lot of questions.

Newspaper ads are probably the worst place to try to find a breeder. That is not to say that highly reputable breeders don't place newspaper ads from time to time--they certainly do--it's just that newspapers are the *primary* advertising medium for poor breeders.

If possible, you should try to find a breeder in your area, so you can visit the cattery. This is the best way to be sure of the quality and health of the animals and the ethical standards of the breeder. You should arrange to visit the cattery to see the conditions under which the kittens are raised. Although heredity plays a dominant part, the cattery environment also has a strong effect on health, personality and temperament. Things to watch out for: overcrowding, kittens raised in cages, poor recordkeeping, poor housekeeping, neglected litterboxes, unclean food or water. Breeders with males will have cages for them; these should be large, well furnished, and clean.

Of course, breeders will occasionally have retired show pets available. You can tell a lot more about what you're getting if you consider getting an adult cat. If you would prefer an adult cat (sure, kittens are cute, but not everyone wants one bouncing off the walls), then you might ask the breeder if he/she has "any alters available" (meaning, an adult cat that has already been neutered or spayed).

Should You Get a Cat?

Your pet will depend on you throughout its life, and with proper care may live 15 years or more. Are you willing and able to care properly for it and provide a stable home for that long? An astonishingly high percentage of cats change owners at least once in their lifetimes, and that does not count those that didn't make it out of the shelter.

Most life changes shouldn't affect your ability to give a pet a good home. Some people think they must give up a cat when they move, but that's not true. It is relatively easy to move with a cat, even if you are moving cross country or overseas.

However, if you expect that you will soon be in a situation where you will have to give up your pet, consider spending time with friends' cats instead of getting your own . It can be very difficult or impossible to find a home for your adult cat if you ever have to give it up.

More info about cat care, please visit Fanciers.