Do you know the difference between a reputable breeder and a backyard breeder?

Question

When looking for a good breeder of purebreds, look for these signs.   Just a few helpful tips.


 Ten Commandments of a Reputable Breeder

1. The Reputable Breeder places cats/kittens by contract.

2. The Reputable Breeder places cats/kittens with a health guarantee.
 
3. The Reputable Breeder insists and contracts the return of a cat/kitten should the purchaser be unable to keep the cat/kitten.
 
4. The Reputable Breeder carefully interviews prospective owners and has specific requirements that are to be met IE; cat/kitten is to be altered if the breeder is not already practicing early altering, cat/kitten is not allowed to roam outdoors, etc.
 
5. The Reputable Breeder is willing and able to educate the novice. He/she happily answers any/all questions regarding the breed and his/her breeding program.
 
6. The Reputable Breeder insists on being informed of any health, genetic, or behavioral problems the cat/kitten may develop in it’s lifetime.
 
7. The Reputable Breeder does not have more cats/kittens then he/she is able to keep clean, healthy and well socialized.
 
8. The Reputable Breeder spends individual time with each of his cats/kittens.
 
9. The Reputable Breeder is very concerned with excellent temperament in his/her cats/kittens as well as excellent health.
 
10. The Reputable Breeder makes him/herself available for advice and help to other breeders, and throughout the life of the cats/kittens he/she has placed.

If the breeder doesn't do this, then don't waste your time/money with that person.

Michele the Louis Wain cat · Accepted Answer

A reputable breeder will also;

* Not sell kittens younger than 13 weeks old.  (In the UK they now recommending minimum 17 weeks in the cases of more sensitve breeds such as the Siamese.)

* At the time of sale, provide the purchaser with a properly completed pedigree signed by the breeder, carrying 3 generations at least, showing all the breed numbers and registration numbers, also the breeders name and address.  (In the UK this is a legal requirement under the Trades Descriptions and Sale of Goods acts for anyone advertising pedigreed kittens or cats for sale.)

*  Provide a certificate confirming the kitten has been fully vaccinated.  

In the UK the GCCF's web site also has a list of suspended breeders and it is recommended potential buyers check that list to make sure they only visit reputable breeders.

Cattitude · Answer

You list very good points. I would expand on number 7. We visited a Ragdoll breeder who turned out to be allergic to cats! She kept the kittens confined to one area of her house & never interacted with them. They hid and hissed at us, and seemed almost feral. I really felt sorry for them. From our conversation with her, that lady was only in it for the money.

Jennifer · Answer

That all sounds about right, and that goes for dogs too.

Do you know the difference between a reputable breeder and a backyard breeder?

3 Answers