Key Questions to Ask a Breeder
🏡 Can I visit the cattery or meet the kittens virtually?
Answer: Yes! A reputable breeder should be open to in-person visits (if local) or virtual meetings via video calls. This allows you to see firsthand where the kittens are raised and ensures transparency in the breeding process.
At PurrfectlyFold, we welcome video calls to introduce you to our kittens and their environment. If the kittens have not yet received their vaccinations, a video call is the safest option to protect their health while still giving you the opportunity to see them and ask questions.
🐾 Are the kittens raised in a home environment?
Answer: Yes! At PurrfectlyFold, our kittens are raised in a loving home environment with careful attention to their development. For the first three weeks, they stay in a quiet nursery with their mother to ensure she has a peaceful space to care for them. Around four weeks, they begin exploring their surroundings, and at six weeks, we gradually expand their space. By eight weeks, they are fully integrated into our home, interacting with our family and our dog, Cleo, to ensure they are well-socialized. At night, they return to the nursery for safety and to prevent any potential dangers.
🏥 Do you provide health guarantees?
Answer: Absolutely. A reputable breeder offers a health guarantee covering genetic conditions and provides a timeframe for viral infections. Be cautious of breeders who do not stand by their kittens' health.
📑 Can I see the parents’ health records and DNA tests?
Answer: Yes. Ethical breeders conduct genetic testing on their breeding cats to prevent hereditary diseases. They should be willing to share health records and DNA test results with you.
🍼 At what age do kittens go home?
Answer: Kittens should never leave before 12-16 weeks old. Reputable breeders ensure kittens are fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and socialized before they go to their new homes.
📞 What kind of support do you provide after adoption?
Answer: A good breeder remains available for questions and guidance throughout the kitten’s life. They should be willing to help with any concerns regarding care, health, or behavior.
⭐ Do you offer references from past buyers?
Answer: Yes. A reputable breeder should have testimonials or references from happy kitten owners. You can also check social media or website reviews.
📜 Do you require an application or contract?
Answer: Yes. Ethical breeders screen potential buyers to ensure their kittens go to responsible homes. A contract should outline health guarantees, return policies, and care expectations.
🍽️ What do you feed the kittens?
Answer: High-quality food is essential for a kitten’s development. Reputable breeders will provide a diet plan and recommend quality brands that meet their nutritional needs.
🔄 Can I return the kitten if something happens?
Answer: Yes. Ethical breeders have a return policy to prevent their kittens from ending up in shelters or unsafe environments. They should be willing to take the kitten back at any point in its life.