Tip 1
Do not buy a cat in a pet shop, even you feel sorry for those cats. No
demands, no supply.
Contact a breeder, there exist many clubs and breeders' lists. Breeders have
to follow very strict quality rules, especially concerning the health of
cats, their cats must have complete vaccinations and must undergo several
tests.
Our breeders are requested to have a
health certificate
for all their cats, which must be issued and signed by an approved
veterinarian.
Tip 2
Pedigreed cats have a pedigree, i.e. a certificate of birth, which must
be issued and signed by a registered club. The pedigree is a certain
certificate of quality, because breeders must follow very tough breeding
rules.
Tip 3
Always make a
contract with the breeder, where it must be clearly stated, which
documents you have to get:
- pedigree
- health certificate
- vaccination passport
You must receive at least those documents from the breeder.
A pedigree is no reason to increase the sales price of a cat, because a
pedigree is quite cheap and does not really cost so much. If a breeder
offers you a pedigreed cat without a pedigree for a reasonably cheaper
price, it is better not to buy this cat.
Please read also carefully any special clauses concerning breeding which
might be included in the contract. It makes a difference in price if you buy
pet quality or breeding quality.
Tip 4
The cat must have its vaccinations completed, i.e. 1st and 2nd booster.
Cats which are vaccinated for the very first time must have 2 boosters for
each vaccination, in the following years only one booster is needed.
The cat must have at least the following vaccinations:
- vaccination against Panleukopena
- vaccination against respiratory problems (rhinotracheitis)
- vaccination against cat aids (FelV)
If the breeder offers you to pay for the 2nd booster, i.e. you shall go
to your own veterinarian for the 2nd booster, it would be better not to take
this cat. The 1st booster of a vaccination does not guarantee any
protection.
Tip 5
Do not buy a kitten which is too young, even little kittens are so cute.
Breeders in our club are not permitted to sell kittens before 14 weeks of age.
This has very good reasons based on the development of a cat. With a certain
age cats have all the necessary vaccinations. Many kittens still drink their
milk at mammy's bar with an age of 10 weeks and more, the longer the better.
A kitten of 14 weeks age has already a certain weight, which is good and
necessary.
Think twice to get a too young cat, those kittens are mostly not robust and
resistant enough. |
Tip 6
A cat is not like a toy, even it looks sweet, and even it is so small and
cute. A kitten is your companion and will become about 15 years old,
sometimes even older. You should keep in mind that you will have to care for
the cat for many years and years, because cats can become quite old. You
have to take measurements for your vacations, too, because a cat needs to be fed at
least 2 times per day, kittens need to be fed more frequently.
A cat is also not a suitable Christmas present or a birthday present.
Think about twice if you shall buy a cat, and do not buy a cat if you are
just in the mood to do. Speak about your wish to buy a cat first with
your family.
Tip 7
Visit the breeder where you want to buy a cat. Thus you can see how the
cat's environment is.
If the breeder only shows you those cats which are for sale and you can not
have a look on the other cats, it is better not to buy a cat from this
breeder.
Tip 8
Watch the cat which you want to buy for some time, kittens like to play
and are very active for their surrounding, they are always busy when not
asleep. If the kitten is apathic or listless, it is better not to take this
kitten.
A healthy cat has bright eyes, if the cat shows weeping eyes or the cornea
of the eyes appears to be red, this might be a sign for an inflammation. The
fairy tale that the wind has blown into the eyes of the cat is a mere fairy
tale.
The nose must be also clean.
Also inspect the abdominal part of the cat which must be clean and neat, the
anus should not show any sign of reddening, which might be an indication for
diarrhoea.
Check if the cat does not have any fleas, which are mostly located around
the neck and at the base of the tail, you shall not see any signs of flea
bites. A healthy coat is shiny, if the coat is dull, be cautious.
Stroke with your fingers carefully along the back and the flanks, if you can
feel every single bone of the vertebrae or every single rib, this might be a
sign that the cat is undernourished.
Tip 9
Which type of cat do you want to have ? Think about that slender
shorthaired cats are more active cats. Is your furniture suitable for a cat
which might jump on your shelves ?
Longhaired cats need more intensive grooming. Do you have enough time every
day to brush your cat ? Are you aware that many hairs will fly around in
your apartment when the cat changes its coat, which is the case at least
two times per year ?
Do not buy a cat because of its rare colour or because of its interesting
and special pattern, buy a cat because of its type, if it is a longhair or a
shorthair cat, if it is more an active cat or a rather quiet cat.
Tip 10
To own a cat means to take over a great and permanent responsibility -
and this will last for many years. To own a cat also means to take care
about the daily needs of a cat, to clean the litter box, to provide dishes
with food, to provide a scratching tree, to comb and brush the cat on a
regular basis, to provide enough toys for playing, etc. To own a cat also
means to have enough time for your companion, the cat, to spend time for
care and grooming, but also to spend time every day for playing and cuddling
with your cat. A responsible breeder will provide you with a
little brochure
how to take care and how to feed a cat properly.
To own a cat means to spend money. Cats are not cheap companions, the price
to buy a cat is relatively cheap compared to the monthly costs for your cat. |
