What is a BYB (Back Yard Breeder)? Anyone who breeds cats and can answer yes to one or more of the following;

 

      * Someone who breeds unregisterd purebred cats who sells them       as purebreds without papers.

 

      * Someone who is looking for a quick buck.

 

      * Someone who drastically undercuts the price of registered       purebred cats.    If you find a purebred Maine Coon Kitten for       under $600 run the other way.     There is no way a breeder can       feed a good quality food, and take proper health care and test       efficiantly, by selling for less than this price at this current time.    However, Retired Adults, or Older kittens are harder to place and may be placed at a lesser price just to find a good home.

 

      * Someone who does not care who buys their kittens or for what purpose.

 

      * Someone who lets kittens go at seven weeks or younger so that they do not have to spend any money on vaccinations (nor       do they have to approach a vet and admit to what they are doing).

 

      * Someone who does not offer a health guarantee on their kittens, contract or even take the phone number of kitten buyers.

 

      * Someone who does not require a Spay/Neuter contract on all their Pet placements.

 

      * Someone who will place their kittens for sale in pet stores.

 

      * Someone who has no thought or care to good feline husbandry.

 

      * Someone who has no thought or care to genetic good health or defects.

 

 

 

So What Makes a Good Ethical Breeder?

 

To Find and "Ethical" breeder, you will want to first make sure you research a breed's traits to determine how they will fit into your family. Then you will want to be sure the breeder you are looking at does the proper testing for genetic concerns in the breed as well as that they feed and care for their cats with high quality food and care. A Breeder who goes as far as getting a Cattery Inspection by a Vet regularly will be happy to display their Approved Cattery or Cattery or Excellence Achievements. Finding a responsible cat breeder is easy if you know someone who has had a good experience buying the breed you have chosen. Word of mouth is a great way to shop for a kitten. But, if you are not fortunate enough to have this, ask for testimonials, or you can also check with cat forums and blogs on the internet, and checking with your veterinarian. Or look for a breeder referal site, such as Fanciers Breeder Referal Link In addition, here are some issues to consider.

 

The Right Fit:

Just because a breeder shows, does not necessarily mean they will care for their animals ethically. The right breeder should be highly educated on their breed, know what the show standards are as well as be more concerned about how you and the cat fit together than the sale. They should be able to provide you with information on the breed and list the bad points as well as the good. All Catteries have health concerns at one point in time or another. Any cattery that has "NEVER HAD" and "Has had NO Health worries at some point" is lying to you.

 

Health and Temperament Issues:

Research the breed so you can ask questions about health, behavior, and temperament. The breeder should be very knowledgeable about the breed and answer any questions. Look to the kittens's parents for information. Find out the health and temperament of your kitten's parents, half siblings, cousins, any relative. The breeder should be upfront about any health issues related to the breed. Many breeders will Line breed to get better type, temperament and health. However watch for too much line breeding. Ask how the parents of the kitten are related, and any other questions you may have. The breeder should be willing to be totally open about their breeding practices. It has been proven that too much inbreeding in one cat can decrease the life span up to 10 years.

 

Care and Concern for Cats:

Ideally the cats should spend a considerable amount of time indoors and with the family and children if possible. Be handled every day, not only for the cats and kittens well being, but also for good socialization and a great forever companion. The cats should have playtime, affection and be socialized. Ask if there are children in the home, there is no better way to develop a more loveable personality than to be handled all day by a human, and children LOVE to do this, with out even being asked. What are their breeding practices? Do they breed cats that are too young (females should be at least 9 months old for their first litter)? Do they breed too often (2 litters a year per queen is average)? How are they handling the kittens? Are they waiting to sell them (kittens shouldn't be taken from their litter before eight weeks of age, a little older is even better depending on the kitten) or pushing them on you at too young an age?

 

Contract for Cat/kitten:

You should sign a contract agreement with the breeder, including health and placement agreements. Likewise, cat breeders should be willing to help you place a cat in a new home, by offering to advertise free for you and help you to screen for new homes, or helping you to find an appropiate home so to avoid placement in a shelter or abandonment. A replacement cat/kitten should be available, so long as the breeder is still in breeding practice, and an inherent health problem arises in your cat that is terminal to the cat. You should get a contract at the sale listing these rules. You will need to keep all vet records in order to have proof of proper care of Cat.

 

Finding a responsible breeder takes a little time but it's worth it. And there are many reasons to buy a cat from an ethical breeder. Often, if you want a kitten, this is the best choice. Be sure the breeder is willing to take the time with you, to make sure this kitten or cat is the right one for you and your family as you will them a life time.

 

 

Two are Better Than One!!

 

Cats need stimulation during the day just like humans. Studies have shown that some animals left alone most of the day in the house, have brains that weigh up to 25% less than those who have playmates.

 

      * By having 2 or more cats, you are able to enjoy the true social nature of the cats and their relationship with each other.

 

      * Cats that have a playmante tend to be more socially well-adjusted and avoid behavior problems like shyness, biting,          hissing, being frightened and hiding in the company of people they don't know.

 

      * In Switzerland, an anti-cruelty law was passed that requires people who are adopting dogs and cats to get 2 instead of just 1          since it is the nature of animals to want the company of their own kind.

 

      * If they have a companion, cats are much less likely to gain weight due to lack of movement, and to suffer related illnesses.

 

      * They are less likely to ruin furniture out of boredom.

 

      * If you must work long hours or travel for a couple of days, two or more cats keep each other company and are more          tranquil during your absence.

 

      * Your cat will remain more playful and youthful into his or her later years with a companion.

 

      * The workload to care for two cats remains relatively the same as one.

 

      * You don't need more space for a second cat! So remember........ Two are Better Than One!.

 

 

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