What questions should I ask the breeder before adopting a kitten

 When you want to adopt a kitten, it is important to be well informed about the breed you want to choose, its needs, its character, and not only that. Choosing the right breeder is also essential to be sure of adopting a healthy, well-balanced, and correctly socialized kitten.

Here are the important questions to ask the breeder before adopting a cat.

Can you visit the cattery?

Being able to check the way the cattery is run and the living environment of the cats is an important criterion in the adoption decision. The cattery must be clean and well maintained. Too much feces, urine on the floor, and bad smells are red flags.

Cats should have enough space to grow in their environment. Don't adopt a cat that is raised in poor conditions, even if you feel you are doing a good thing. You will only be encouraging the breeder to continue his bad practices.

Similarly, if they simply refuse a visit, or want to make the transaction in a car park, walk away. There is certainly something to hide, and there are other competent breeders who will make you happy.

Can we observe the kittens?

Taking your time to observe the kittens in their environment will give you an initial assessment of their health. They should be alert and not run away from you.

Give them time to get used to your presence so that you can approach them. A kitten is very active and will never refuse to play with you or her siblings.

However, if they are apathetic or hidden during your entire visit, it is better to look for another cattery.

Can we see the mother of the kittens?

Cats need their mother to grow up properly until they are weaned. It is thanks to her that they learn the feline codes that will follow them all their life. A breeder who refuses to show you the mother of the kittens should be avoided.

Observe the relationship between the cat and the kittens. Normally she should be protective of her kittens. If she is not interested in them, she may not be a real mother.

Also, don't hesitate to ask when the last litter was. One litter per year is the maximum acceptable for a healthy cat. Beyond that, it is no longer breeding, but slaughter.

At what age can kittens be adopted?

The legal age to adopt a kitten is eight weeks. Some breeders do not give up their animals until they are twelve weeks old. You should give preference to these when making your decision.

Indeed, in order to be well socialised, the kitten must stay with its mother as long as possible. If the weaning is not completed at the time of adoption, you may end up with a cat with behavioural problems.

Although it may seem difficult to you because you want to enjoy your kitten as soon as possible, this is the ideal age for their well-being. And a breeder who loves his animals will be adamant about this.

Will the kittens be vaccinated, dewormed, and chipped?

There are no mandatory vaccinations for cats. However, some breeders will give away their kittens after they have had the recommended vaccinations, such as typhus and coryza. This is a guarantee of seriousness.

Deworming is not mandatory but is of great importance for the health and development of the kitten. The treatment must be done from three weeks of age.

Identification is mandatory and must be done before the kitten is adopted. Otherwise, the breeder is out of the law.

Can we consult the cat's papers?

The breeder must be able to show you the documents concerning the cat. Vaccination certificates, health records, certificates of good health, ICAD registration (Identification des Carnivores Domestiques). And if the kitten is registered with the LOOF, the receipt of the application, but also the parents' pedigree.

It cannot be repeated enough, but a kitten not registered in LOOF, even if its parents are, will not be LOOF. As such, it cannot claim to be a pedigree cat. Be careful, because the price of a LOOF and non-LOOF cat is not at all the same. You should know that for the breeder, the registration process is not free.

What is the price of a kitten?

A pedigree cat is expensive. Make sure you find out what the prices are for the breed you have selected. If the price offered by the breeder is too low, ask yourself questions about the breeder's seriousness.

But also be careful, a price that is too high does not necessarily mean a better selection or better care. You have to find the right balance. Be aware that a kitten whose parents have won prizes in competitions is more expensive.

The price of a kitten will include the cost of visits to the vet, vaccinations, and flea and pest control treatments. Quality food also represents a significant budget for the breeder.

Do you follow up after the sale?

Although it is rare, a kitten can be lost when it leaves its mother, siblings, or simply the family it was born into. This loss of reference points is likely to lead to some behavioural problems, most of the time temporary.

But being able to call on the breeder in case of questions once you're back home can be very useful. He knows the kitten he has given you perfectly well and is, therefore, able to find appropriate solutions.

Also, giving him some news or sending him some pictures of the kitten (and then of the cat) from time to time, can give great pleasure to both the buyer and the seller. A human relationship centered on your cat is an appreciable plus.

Adopting a kitten is not a decision that should be taken lightly and the choice of breeder is very important. A good breeder will be completely transparent with you and will be able to advise you on the best way to care for your moustached friend. Moreover, he will be available even after the sale if you have any questions!