Reputable Breeder

Determining A Reputable Breeder Vs. A Kitten Producer

  According to TICA there are specific ways to determine the difference between a REPUTABLE BREEDER and a KITTEN PRODUCER.

THE INTERNATIONAL CAT ASSOCIATION, INC.

DETERMINING THE REPUTABILITY OF A BREEDER

The defining difference between a Reputable Breeder and a "kitten producer" is the concern for and the responsibility a person shows for their breed, breeding program, fellow breeders, their individual cats and kittens, and purchasers thereof.

Reputable Breeders: spend time and money on that which they believe to be for the best interest of the breed, their cats and those directly and indirectly affected by the breeder’s actions.

Reputable Breeders: see their breeding program as an unfinished work, a creative masterpiece that drives them towards excellence and purrfection. The "kitten producer," on the other hand, is motivated by profit. While the "kitten producer" is happy to sell quantity to dealers and brokers, the reputable breeder insists on individual contact with each prospective owner and will only place a kitten after careful and thorough screening. Direct contact is necessary in order to ensure a mutual compatibility between the would-be purchaser, the cat or kitten and the breeder. Due to this concern, a reputable breeder will help the novice purchaser select the cat or kitten that is compatible with their lifestyle, personality and expectations, even if it means talking them out of a cat or kitten. Screening is necessary to ensure a successful placement and is foremost with the reputable breeder.

Reputable Breeders: are concerned with pedigrees. The breed standard is of utmost importance to their goal for excellence and the betterment of the breed. A reputable breeder would NEVER think of breeding without knowing the pedigree or without holding the papers qualifying the dam and the sire as breeder quality. A reputable breeder will own the right to breed, the papers proving such, and will have the pedigree of his/her cats as well.

  are willing and able to educate and be educated, have a willingness to answer questions correctly and care about the concerns of the potential new owner. They will allow visits to see the mother and kittens and, if available, the father, in their environment and when it is feasibly safe 35gb h offer seemingly good reasons to meet in places with available kittens other than the raised environment.

Reputable Breeders: insist upon contracts and require that cats and kittens be returned to them if, for any reason, the purchaser is unable to keep them. These breeders show responsibility to the breed and the cats and kittens they have "created" for the lifetime of the pet. Health records, pedigrees and care information are a source of great pride to the breeder that is reputable, as well as a sanitary, clean, healthy and happy environment.

Reputable Breeders are excited at the prospect of furthering their education through breed clubs, at shows, seminars and will take advantage of available resources. These breeders tend to live around their cats and kittens. Every opportunity to participate in activities with other reputable breeders, ensuring them that their breeding program compares to others within their breed group, is looked upon favorably by this reputable breeder.

Reputable Breeders: are realistic and understand that sometimes things go wrong. However, they maintain a responsibility to the situation. If it is within their power, they do what is needed to rectify a problem fairly. The reputable breeder does not abandon a situation.

®Brigitte McMinn 1999  

CFA Breeder Code of Ethics

As a breeder who uses the services of the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats,

I understand I have certain responsibilities to pedigreed cats and to the Cat Fanciers’Association (CFA).

I am aware that I am representativeof CFA breeders in my community.

I will breed my cats with the intent of improving the breed and to produce healthy, happy kittens.

I will deal honestly with the purchasers of my kittens and cats.

To the best of my knowledge and ability I will not, without prior disclosure, sell any

kitten/cat that is sick or has beenexposed to an infectious disease.

I will not sell or place kittens prior to their attaining a proper level of immunity against

common infectious diseases.

I will place cats directly to the new pet owner or in a manner that will enable contact

with the ultimate owner to provide on-going education and advice.