"I have visited 6 people with Siamese kittens for sale from Waterloo to Hamilton,  Guelph and points in between. I want you to know that none of them can hold a candle to your cats...I have to say none of them looked badly treated or anything but the owners really knew almost nothing about Siamese at all. I find it very odd indeed. They appear to have a female, breed her to any male they can find  and that's it..not looking for strong points to balance their cat's weak points or anything even half way scientific. ..most of the people really did not know that much at all about what they should look like. One lady thought her Siamese cat was a bit unusual because it had blue eyes....she thought they should be green. Good grief.No wonder the breed characteristics get diluted over a couple of generations. "

I have received quite a few comments  & e-mails with this same information & feelings being perceived.

What should you look for in your breeder?

-Knowledge of the breed

-  Knowledge of her own cats faults & strengths

-  At least some health information (I would be very leary of these people who give you a choice as to whether your kitten comes vaccinated - this usually means that a Veterinarian hasn't even seen your kitten).  You should be getting something more than a kitten, breeders who do this right, know you don't make money and if they aren't even spending it on a litter??

-  You should be able to see the parents, at least one on site, if not both.

-  Make sure they DO NOT STUD OUT 

OR

if they do -- should be able to prove to you with lab results FeLV & FIV  viral tests (negative) for every queen they are allowing into their cattery.

--It is also important that your breeder can show you proof that all her cats, including both Queens & Toms are not only up to date on vaccines but also get vaccinated on a regular basis.

-  How are the kittens kept - are they "raised under foot" --  does the breeder even know the term or just uses it because others have?

-  Does she allow you to come in without a deposit??

-  What food does she feed her adults & kittens -- is it the cheapest/  Does she know why she's feeding it?

--  And you should receive a ample supply to get you through a transition period.

--Would your breeder give you a discount if you purchased more than one or if you purchase the last one in the litter?  How does this make you feel?  Breeders don't make money -- birthing & raising kittens as well as keeping a cattery up to date with veterinary care is expensive, socialization takes alot of time  -- how do you discount all your time & money??.  All quality breeders won't need to discount their kittens as they never have any issues finding good homes for all their kittens.

This question actually is quite insulting as all the work we put into our kittens, & then to have bargin shopping!!

What should you look for in the kitten??

This is where the health information comes in, now I'm not just saying this because I work in the Veterinary Profession.  This is common information that if your breeder cares about her kittens --  takes some time to do the homework.

-  Kitten & adult cats have clean clear eyes --  no discharge this tells you that there is an upper respiratory infection in the cattery, it won't necessarily cause you issues, but if you already have a cat then it could be passed on.

--  Clean ears - dark discharge in the ears means you could be bringing home some additional freinds (ear mites)!!

-  Does your kitten come with vaccines -- it should come with a vaccine certificate, veterinarian signature, & health issues if there are any.  Does your breeder understand what is normal in kittens -- ie.  garde I/VI heart murmurs, yes its an abnormality, but most kittens also grow out of it, so it should be mentioned so you are aware of it.  Are both testicles descended in males?, does it have a hernia?  All are simple abnormalities, not deal breakers BUT what if you weren't told until you took your new friend to the vet.

-  Your kitten is de-wormed it should be multiple times, & with more up to date medications.  Does she know what parasites your kitten could have & what she is de-worming for?  How about why shes de-worming?  Does she do her adults as well?

 

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