Do not sell their kittens through pet stores. Ethical breeders screen potential owners, seeking to match the kitten/cat with the needs and expectations of the family. Good breeders guarantee the health of their animals, provide written contracts that outline the breeder and new owner’s responsibilities, document the pedigrees, and share their knowledge about genetics, socialization and development with pet buyers. A good breeder ought to be a valuable and reliable resource for pet owners throughout the lives of their companions.

 Specialize in one or two breeds. An ethical breeder does not sell multiple breeds of cats but concentrates time, knowledge, and resources on improving and contributing to the improvement of select breeds. It should be noted that some breeds are very closely related - e.g. Balinese, Javanese, Siamese, Colorpoints, and Orientals – and a breeder working with such program may have several breeds that work in combination without being a kitten mill.

 Actively show in their associated registries – CFA, TICA, FiFe, etc. Pet buyers should understand that registries serve primarily to process paperwork and sponsor shows. They do not visit homes or assure pet owners that their companion will be healthy and well adjusted. A breeder/exhibitor with a good reputation to maintain with his/her colleagues will work with you to select the right companion. A breeder with purebred animals (with or without papers) who does not show is a backyard breeder.

 Provide written guarantees regarding the pet’s health. Such guarantees vary with the breeder, but they ought to assure new owners that the pet is free of congenital defects, diseases (FeLV/FIV), and parasites and is otherwise healthy at the time of placement. Usually such guarantees are outlined in the purchase contract.

 Take the kitten/cat back at any time for any reason should an owner be unable or unwilling to care for the animal. Reputable breeders will also work with a network of rescue organizations and friends to re-home the kitten/cat and/or to foster it if they should be unable to do so.

 Keep their cats as house pets, so that the kittens/cats are properly socialized to people. Cats and kittens are caged only when necessary (very young, potty training, breeding, or spraying studs/queens). The animals are members of the household, not warehoused in cages.

 Visit the Cattery – if possible. Some breeders live in remote areas, and selling kittens at a show is their best chance to find good homes for them (We know, we’ve been remote ourselves), but you should try to see the environment in which they were raised. Some breeders clean up quite well for shows but allow themselves and their cats to live in horrid conditions at home. If a breeder says, ‘I value my privacy’ or prevaricates awkwardly about having visitors, find another breeder.

While you may feel sorry for a kitten in wretched circumstances, buying such an animal only enables bad breeders to continue, and you may have bought yourself a warm, purring life-long vet bill.

 Look Around – make sure the kitten/cat you are adopting is right for you and your home and not just the only kitten for sale at the show. Take your time in choosing your companion. A good breeder will not press you to take a kitten, though he/she may ask for a deposit if you are seriously considering their kitten. Get to know breeders in your area and adopt from the one with whom you feel most comfortable and/or about whom you have good reports.