07/06/2026
Balance. A word for anyone who is contemplating breeding cats or who has a breeding program for something other than producing pets for fun or profit. There needs to be a balance between physical appearance, health, temperament, and pedigree. Purchasing a cat for the purpose of breeding is different that purchasing a pet. Traditionally, a breeding program is established to improve or preserve a breed. So, when shopping for a new addition to your breeding program, you need to keep your head on straight and not make an emotional purchase. You will be investing between $3,000 and $6,000 in a new cat and it will put its stamp on the future of your line and reputation so be smart and don’t waste your money. Having good results isn’t foolproof but here are a few suggestions to avoid making a bad decision:
1. Don't approach a breeder about a kitten unless you have the money to complete the purchase. Not just money for a deposit.
2. Ask to see the kitten's pedigree. At the very least, get copies of the parent's registration slips so you can research the line.
3. Research the pedigree. Look for pictures of the cats on the breeder's website, page, CFA's breed website, Regional page, etc.
4. Look for a strong pedigree - one that has a lot of Champions, Grand Champions, Regional Winners, National Winners, and Distinguished Merit cats. Those titles are proof that the bloodline is strong in producing cats that meet the CFA Show Standard. Not everyone shows their cats to the same degree but there should at least be an effort to show locally.
5. Ask other breeders their opinion of the bloodline, pedigree, and reputation of the breeder.
6. Request pictures of the kitten and pictures of its parents if you can’t find them on your own.
7. If possible, visit the breeder’s home and see the cats and kittens in person. If that isn’t possible, try to find someone who has been to their home and ask for their opinion of the cleanliness, etc. If the breeder is attending a show near you, go to the show and meet them in person.
8. Listen to your intuition. If something doesn’t feel right, then dig deeper and try to find out what is wrong or missing.
9. Be fair. Be honest. Be smart. Be balanced.
