Adopting and bringing home a kitty is a commitment for the whole family. Adopting from the right breeder will assure you a good start with your new family member! You want to make sure that you adopt a healthy and happy kitten.

A breeder will ask you questions to know more about you to ensure the kitten will be in a safe environment. You might also ask questions to be sure that you are adopting from a responsible and ethical breeder.

What is a ‘good cat breeder’?

Everyone has their standards, but you can have an IDEA on TICA‘s website of the expectations from the breeders registered at the federation.
When you adopt a kitten from a responsible breeder, you can expect the breeder to guarantee that your kitten is in good health. However, we suggest that your veterinarian examine your new family member within a few days of adoption to confirm its good health.

Questions to ask a breeder.

We selected a few questions you might want to ask the breeder before and determine if you still want to adopt from them:

• How old are the parents of the kitten? 

It is an important question. If the parents are too old, it can decrease the immune system of the newborns. Indeed, at a certain age, the cats should stop breeding for their health and the kitten’s health. A female cat should stop breeding around six years old, while a cat male should be retired around the same age. Also, Some breeders will give proof of good health and absence of genetic diseases.

• How are the kittens raised? 

You want to ensure the conditions where your future family member grows. Is he well socialized with humans and other kittens? A responsible breeder will gladly discuss their methods with you without taking it personally!

• You want to meet your kitten. If not possible, ask for photos and videos. You’ll be able to see the environment and want to create contact with your kitten.
• Do you provide a written sales agreement that includes a health guarantee? What diseases and conditions does your health guarantee cover? A responsible breeder sells a kitten only with a written contract providing a health guarantee. Also, by the date you pick up your kitten, they should have seen the veterinarian at least one or two times. and took their first shot against panleukopenia, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis

A breeder will gladly discuss their method, the breed characteristics, and the requirements and give you advice regarding the breed.

We recommend you visit the cat federation website of your country or the international ones to guide you in your research.

Feline Federations.

Here is a list of some feline federations all around the World :

• Australian Cat Federation (Australia)
• American Cat Fanciers Association (USA)
• Association Feline Canadienne also called Canadian Cat Association (CANADA)
• Cat Fanciers’ Association (headquarters in the USA)
• Fédération Internationale Féline (head quarters in Europe)
• Governing Council of the Cat Fancy ( headquarters in England)
• Livre Officiel des Origines Félines ( headquarters in France)
• The International Cat Association (headquarters in USA)
• World Cat Federation ( headquarters in Germany)