First, there
are a few basic questions you need to ask yourself. Am I doing this after
seriously considering the time, energy and money it will take to be a good
pet parent? Am I willing to be responsible for this animal for its
entire lifetime, up to 20+ years ? Am I in a settled enough lifestyle and
position to have an animal ?
Take this quiz:
If you have considered these things, then you
are off to a good start. Bringing a pet into the family is a long-term
commitment. Learning about the breed you are interested in is the first
step. Buying your kitten from a responsible breeder is the next.
Determining a
reputable Breeder
Ask
lots of questions:
-
What
are the characteristics of the Breed?
-
Do
you provide a written sale agreement that includes a health guarantee?
-
Do you Spay/Neuter
your pet quality kitten before placing them?
-
What
diseases and conditions does your health guarantee cover?
-
What
vaccinations has the kitten received?
-
How
are kittens raised? (i.e. In the house, In a kennel, In cages)
-
Can you provide
references?
-
Are you a member in
good standing of TICA, and TIBCS, or TIBBA?
-
When can I get my
kittens papers?
There
are several things you can expect from a responsible breeder.
-
Guarantee
that your kitten is in good health, and free from feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
and Feline Immunodeficiency (FIV).
-
They
will strongly advise you to have your own veterinarian examine your kitten
within a few days of purchase to confirm the kitten is in good health.
-
Require
that you have your kitten neutered or spayed at the appropriate age. (Some
breeders participate in early spay/neuter)
-
Provide
a written sales agreement that describes all terms of the sale including
the breeder’s health guarantee and the neuter/spay agreement.
-
Be
intensely interested in the welfare of every kitten they produce, and
encourage you to call with any questions or concerns.
-
Allow
their kittens to go to their new home at 12 weeks or older.
-
Keep
papers until proof of Spay/Neuter is received.
Do not be
offended if the breeder asks you several questions. Such as if you have
other pets, and if they have been tested and/or vaccinated against
contagious disease. A responsible breeder sees each kitten as a little
member of the family, not a commodity.
If you find a breeder you feel meets your
expectations, be willing to wait for a kitten.
Responsible breeders are breeding to improve their breed, not fill a demand
for kittens. If you spend just a little extra time, in research, planning
and looking, you are sure to find the right kitten.
Best wishes.
Informational
page provided by Gateway Bengals:
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