Buying a pedigree cat is not an impulse purchase – it is a decision that should be well thought out and based on trust in the breeder. After all, it is about a new member of the family! And not just for a moment, but probably for at least 15 years!
Before you decide on a particular cattery, make sure that you will receive not only a healthy and well-cared-for cat, but also full support and honest information.
How to do it? Here 10 questions, which are worth asking every breeder. And under each of them – our comment on what it looks like with us, at Kotki Kędziorki*PL.
PS. If you feel like it, also read our guide Choosing a cattery – 9 tips for future owners on how to choose a good cat cattery?
A pedigree is not a „whim” – it is proof of origin and documentation of a cat's ancestors, but also a guarantee that the cattery operates legally and in accordance with the rules of pedigree breeding. Also important is organisation, which issues the pedigree (belonging to the WCC – i.e. in Poland it is FPL/FIFe, WCF, TICA). And the last question on this topic – when and how you will receive the pedigree, whether it will be conditional on something (e.g. on neutering or other conditions) and whether you will actually get it in hand at collection in the original! If you want to know more about pedigrees, then read our guide Cat pedigree – what is it and why is it important?
Kotki Kędziorki: All our cats have full-fledged FIFe (FPL) pedigrees, one of the most recognisable and credible feline organisations in Europe. We always issue the pedigrees at the collection of the cat – in the original, without any conditions that have to be met.
The answer is: no earlier than after completing 14 weeks of age. Only then does the kitten have time to develop correctly mentally, socially and health-wise.
Kotki Kędziorki: We do not rehome kittens earlier than in the 14th–16th week. Thanks to this they are completely independent, fantastically socialised and find their way in a new home brilliantly. Also read our guide Cat socialization – 7 key elements in practice
A responsible breeder carries out tests for genetic and infectious diseases and general health (e.g. CMS, FeLV, FIV). Do not be afraid to ask the breeder about this important aspect!
Kotki Kędziorki: All our cats are regularly tested. We do not breed cats with a risk of hereditary diseases. In our cattery there has NEVER BEEN ringworm, FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), FIV (the feline equivalent of human HIV), parasitic diseases (giardia, toxoplasmosis, tapeworms, roundworms); none of our cats have ever had cat flu (caused by the FHV-1 and FCV viruses), feline leukemia (caused by the FeLV virus), feline panleukopenia (caused by the FPV virus), chlamydia, or rabies.
In catteries, neutering cats kept „as pets” (i.e. not for further breeding) should be standard – it prevents uncontrolled reproduction, supports a responsible approach and prevents the creation of backyard breeding. Sometimes, unfortunately, irresponsible breeders hand over a kitten without neutering and make the transfer of the pedigree conditional on having this procedure done yourself (this is also an additional cost for the new owner + additional stress and post-operative care). For more details, we invite you to our guide: Early neutering in cats (around 14 weeks of age) – facts, safety, and why it is standard in our cattery
Kotki Kędziorki: EVERY kitten leaves our cattery after the neutering procedure. This gives the assurance that the cat will not be unknowingly bred, and the recovery proceeds calmly under our eye (with its mother and siblings). It is of course also included in the price of the cat. So we also do not make the release of the pedigree conditional on doing the neutering yourself.
A chip is a mandatory element of a cat's identification – the chip number must also appear on the pedigree, so that we can be sure the cat we're buying is the same one we chose. Importantly – the breeder should not only implant it themselves (we know cases where a „breeder” handed the chip „into the hand”), but also to register in a nationwide (or international) database. If you want to know more read our guide Microchip in a cat – why is it worth it and what does it look like?
Kotki Kędziorki: We chip all cats at the cattery, before pickup, and the data immediately we register free of charge in the SAFE-Animal database – by default in our data, but on request also in the future carer's data.
Good preventive care is essential. A kitten should have a full set of vaccinations and dewormings appropriate to its age. Most often, before being handed over, a cat should have had two dewormings and two vaccinations done (sometimes three – depending on the vet and the vaccines used). At collection you should definitely receive a health record book with these procedures entered and information about when the next vaccination should be.
Kotki Kędziorki: Our kittens receive a set of 2 vaccinations (viral) and are dewormed twice – in accordance with the veterinary calendar of our clinic. Each kitten receives health record book. On request we can also make a passport for the cat (for an additional fee) and possibly a rabies vaccination (necessary for trips outside Poland).
It is worth asking (and best of all seeing) whether the cats live in the house with the family, or are isolated e.g. in a separate room or cages. It is best if the cattery shares photos, video materials and descriptions on its websites or social media.
Kotki Kędziorki: Our cats live with us at home, sleep on the sofas, run around the living room and are part of our everyday life. They have access to the whole space of our home (almost 200 m2 house + 70 m2 of built-in, glass-enclosed terrace), so there is plenty of room for play and antics. But also enough space to always find a quiet place for themselves when they need it. Thanks to this, they grow up to be open, trusting, sociable cats.
A breeder who has nothing to hide, as a rule allows a meeting with the kittens and their mum – after prior arrangement (although there are also good catteries that greatly restrict such possibilities for safety reasons). Also picking up the cat should take place in the cattery (and not in a car park or at a petrol station).
Kotki Kędziorki: For the safety of the cattery and the cats, we do not accept random visits. To people who have reserved a cat with us we regularly send photos and videos, and after vaccinations there is the possibility of individually arranging a visit.
The contract should be clear, containing the exact details of the cat (with chip number, colour), of the breeder and of the buyer, information about health status, neutering and the obligations of both parties. The breeder should make no problem about sharing the contract in advance (and not just handing it over sight unseen for signing at collection).
Kotki Kędziorki: We are preparing a clear and transparent contract, which we send beforehand (even before the reservation and the decision!) to read. There is always room for questions and clarifications, and sometimes even for changes to the contract.
When you buy a cat from a good cattery, the relationship does not end on the day of collection! The breeder should be helpful and available in the future. They should be able to advise on any matter related to the cat and questions should start with them.
Kotki Kędziorki: We are always at your disposal – both when it comes to advice, photos, checking the state of health or even… just a simple chat about the cat!
By asking these 10 questions, you will not only check the cattery – you will also give the breeder a signal that you are a responsible and conscious owner.
A good cattery is not afraid of these questions. A good cattery even likes to answer them.
And if you want to see what it looks like in practice – come and visit us, at Kotki Kędziorki*PL.
Interested in a Devon Rex?
If you are interested in a Devon Rex kitten from our cattery, then:
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok – we also regularly publish lots of photos, videos, and information there. Like and follow our profiles to stay up to date with what’s happening with us 🙂
If you have any questions, please contact us!
Tags: Cattery, Pedigree, Socialization
#Cattery #Pedigree #Socialization
Pain in a cat – how do you recognise it and when should you react?
Pain in cats is one of the most underestimated topics in their everyday care. Not because cats rarely suffer – but because they show pain very differently from what we expect. They do not cry out. They do not ask for help. Often quite the opposite – they hide, withdraw, and “shut down.” In our Kotki Kędziorki*PL cattery, we have had situations where a quick reaction saved […]
Choosing a cattery – 9 tips for future owners on how to choose a good cat cattery
Wondering how to choose a good cat cattery and avoid a kitten mill? In this article you will find 8 key tips that will help you make an informed decision. Check what to look out for, what questions to ask the breeder and why the price of a kitten may matter.
15 things you need to know before bringing a Devon Rex home – a guide for future owners.
Devon Rex is an exceptional breed full of energy, loyalty, and sociability. In our guide, you’ll discover 15 key facts about these cats: their need for closeness with their owner, intelligence, cheerful nature, and ease of adaptation. An ideal choice for people looking for an intelligent and devoted friend for years to come.
