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Note 4715.0 GUIDE TO BUYING A PUREBRED CAT 9 replies
USDEV1::NDC "Putiput Scottish Folds DTN:297-2313" 329 lines 13-JUN-1991 08:42
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Below is the GUIDE TO BUYING A PUREBRED CAT that I compiled for the
pet fair in Concord on May 5th. I put it together fast and much of
the information came directly from my sources with little change.
References appear at the bottom. I appologize for typos and hope
that it is of help to folks. Your comments are welcome, either
here or off-line.
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GUIDE TO BUYING A PUREBRED CAT
compiled by Nancy H. Diettrich-Cunniff
What is a purebred?
The majority of cats living as household pets are not purebreds.
They are born of parents who are themselves unregistered, and in
most cases are of mixed ancestry. Such cats are called freebreds
and are every bit as likely to be a pleasing companion as one with a
blue-ribbon ancestry.
A purebred cat comes from a traceable line of mutual ancestry.
Such cats conform to a set standard which describes the body type,
coat coloring, hair type, head shape, eye shape and color , earset,
and other required characteristics of the breed. These cats consistently
produce similar traits and characteristics in their offspringas the result
of a controlled breeding program. The offspring of purebred cats must be
registered with a cat association if they are to authenticate their purebred status.
Cats that appear to be purebred cats but are not registered are referred to
as apparent purebreds.
Different types of purebreds - Picking the right breed
There are at least 36 recognized breeds of cat. Some examples
include:
Longhair cats -
American Curl Javanese Persian
Balinese Kashmir Ragdoll
Birman Longhair Scottish Fold Somali
Cymric Maine Coon Cat Turkish Angora
Himalayan Norwegian Forest Cat
Shorthair cats -
Abbysinian Cornish Rex Oriental Shorthair
American Curl Devon Rex Russian Blue
American Shorthair Egyptian Mao Scottish Fold
American Wirehair Exotic Shorthair Siamese
Bombay Havana Brown Singapura
British Shorthair Japanese Bobtail Snowshoe
Burmese Korat Sphynx
Chartreux Manx Tonkinese
Colorpoint Shorthair Ocicat
As well as having different physical characteristics, different breeds have
different personality traits. For example, the Persianand Exotic Shorthair
breeds tend to have a quiet, gentle temperament. They are not excessively
active cats. Abyssinians, by comparison, are highly active, inquisitive
and playful cats. The Scottish fold falls between the two in energy level
and are known for their comic and mischievous personalities. Breeds such
as the Siamese and Tonkinese are known for being quite vocal .
It is very important to select a breed of cat that is compatible with your
personality and lifestyle. If you select a longhaired cat like a Persian
then you must be prepared to undertake the grooming that is required with
such a breed. If you love the Persian personality but are unable to put
in the time grooming, or take the cat to a professional groomer, then
an Exotic Shorthair would probably be a much better choice.
Take the time to research your chosen breed. As well as physical and
personality characteristics, most breeds have possible problems
associated with them. A responsible breeder will have taken great care
to minimize or eliminate the occurrence of such problems but not all
breeders fall into this category. It is important for you to familiarize
yourself with these possible problems and know what to watch out for.
Examples of such problems are skeletal problems in Scottish Folds. These
problems may manifest themselves in something as benign as a stiff tail,
or as serious as crippling deformities.
Where to get a purebred
Pet Shops:
Obtaining a freebred kitten from a pet shop is a satisfactory
option if the animal is in obvious good health, has no apparent behavior
problems, and is maintained in a clean, pleasant environment. However,
for the purchase of a purebred, the Pet shop is not the best choice.
While there are many responsible pet shops in existence, there are many
others who acquire their purebreds from kitten mills or irresponsible
breeders who care little for the overall health and quality of the breed.
In such situations the customer may pay a high price for a purebred of
lower quality and potentially poor health.
Animal Shelters:
It is sometimes possible to find purebred cats in animal shelters.
This is especially true of adult cats. These cats may or may not come with
papers. For the individual only interested in having a purebred as a pet
then a shelter can be an excellent option.
Veterinarians:
Vets are often asked to find homes for cats and it is possible that
a local vet may have a purebred cat to place. Usually this means that the
vet is familiar with the cat and its health record which is of obvious
advantage to the prospective owner.
Breeders or Catteries:
"Some kittens purchased from a cattery are more expensive than
anticipated by pet owners, because of the time and expense involved in
creating a line of cats that meet the breed standards set down by the
various national cat associations. Producing beautiful, healthy, happy
kittens is a costly hobby, and most breeders become involved for the sheer
love of it. Catteries are an important source when looking for a kitten
most likely to possess the physical and behavioral qualities expected of
its breed. However, some catteries are better than others, while some are
not at all satisfactory." (1)
Breeders who produce purebred cats that meet breed standards will
often be involved in cat shows. Cats at shows are evaluated by other
breeders, exhibitors, show judges and other knowledgeable cat people.
This allows a breeder's cats to be compared to others of the same breed
to check for quality and conformity to the breed standard. A breeder
who consistently produces cats of substandard quality loses credibility.
Not all breeders are involved in cat shows. Cat shows are not for everybody
and a breeder may choose not to be involved while still producing excellent
quality cats. Also, like many other things there are "fashions" to cat
breeds and a breeder may prefer a different style to that which is the
accepted style at cat shows. Such a breeder would not do well at a cat
show because of failure to conform to the breed standard. In some cases
this is acceptable. An excellent example is found in the breeding of the
Siamese. Most people are familiar with the Applehead or traditional Siamese.
However, the current show Siamese style, called the "wedgehead" calls for
a much thinner cat with a longer straighter profile that the average person
may not recognize as a Siamese.
Other breeders may not participate in cat shows because they breed cats
strictly as a source of income. Such breeders may or may not use
registered purebreds and may not provide papers to the buyer. They may
have little or no interest in the quality or health of the cats. Typically
they sell their kittens at lower prices than the more respected catteries
charge. Usually there is no kitten contract and no health guarantee.
*Such breeders are a poor source for any kitten.*
Typically a good breeder will show a great deal of interest in his/her
kittens' prospective homes and buyers. A prospective buyer should expect
a lot of questions and feel free to ask questions of the breeder. A breeder
who displays no interest in the future of his/her kittens is probably not
a good person from whom to purchase a cat.
Breeders may often be found at local cat shows. The show catalog lists all
entries by class (e.g. kitten, cat, altered purebred, household pet) along
with the names of owner and breeder. It also lists the addresses of all
exhibitors. Since exhibitors are usually extremely busy at shows that may
not be the best location for an extended discussion. Use the show as a
method of first contact and follow up at a more convenient time.
Cat magazines such as CAT FANCY, CATS and I LOVE CATS typically list a
calendar of cat shows as well as a breeder directory.
Prices - what to expect
Show quality cats may cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Typical prices range from $600-$1000. Breeder quality cats may cost
slightly less. Pet quality kittens typically start around $250.
Show Quality: This cat is an excellent example of the breed
and one that conforms closely to the breed standard and as such
has the potential to do very well on the show circuit. This cat
is free from any defects that would disqualify it from competition
and is being sold with the expectation that it will be shown and
bred to another show or breeder quality cat.
Breeder Quality: The breeder quality cat is also of excellent
quality however it typically has some characteristic that would
be a disadvantage or would disqualify it from the show circuit.
A good example of a breeder quality cat is a straight-earred
Scottish Fold. These are cats that did not inherit the gene for
folded ears. Such cats are a critical component of the breeding
program but are ineligible for championship competition in all
cat organizations.
Pet Quality: These are cats who my fail to live up to the
strict letter of the breed standard but are otherwise beautiful,
healthy examples of their breed. Often these cats can do quite
well in the alter (neutered) classes at cat shows. The mating
of even the best quality purebreds usually does not produce an
entire litter of show quality cats and those not considered top
quality are usually sold as pets.
The Kitten Contract:
Many breeders require the signing of a kitten contract when they
sell a kitten. Such a contract generally protects the buyer, breeder and
kitten. Besides giving purchase price and health guarantee these contracts
often specify other conditions.
Such conditions may include -
* Kitten must be spayed/neutered at the appropriate age and may
not be bred. Often the breeder will not provide registration
papers until proof of neutering is received from the buyer.
* Kitten/Cat may not be declawed
* Kitten/Cat must be indoor only
* Kitten/Cat must be returned to breeder in event that buyer
can no longer keep cat.
* Kitten/Cat may not be sold or given to pet shop, laboratory, or
animal shelter.
* Kitten/Cat must be taken to vet for a "well visit" within 2 weeks
of purchase.
Danger signs - when to say no (2)
The kitten's nose should be cool and damp. A kitten with runny eyes or
nose, or who is sneezing or coughing may have an upper respiratory infection.
Gums and mucous membranes should be a light pink. A pale color is a sign
of anemia.
Eyes should be clear, bright and free of watery discharge and matter. There
should be no white spots on the surface of the eye which could be scars
from injuries or infections. Redness or protrusions of the third eyelid
also may indicate a chronic eye ailment or poor health.
Eyes should look straight ahead. A cross-eyed look is undesirable.
(This is especially common in Siamese.)
The ear canals should be clean. A buildup of wax with a rancid odor could
be caused by ear mites. Head shaking and tenderness about the ears indicate
an infection of the ear canal.
Feel the stomach. If it is swollen this would indicate poor feeding or
possibly worms. A bulge at the navel is most likely an umbilical hernia.
The coat should be fluffy, glossy and free of mats. Excessive scale, sores,
itching and deposits in the fur indicate fleas, mites or other external
parasites. Bald patches may indicate fungal infection (ringworm).
Examine the kitten for soundness and correct structure. The legs should be
straight and well formed; the feet cupped and the toes well-arched. The
gait should be free and smooth. Avoid the kitten who is stiff-legged or
lame.
The kitten should appear in correct proportion for his age & size. Eight
to twelve week old kittens are typically 2-3 pounds.
The well-socialized kitten, when talked to, appears eager for attention.
When picked up he settles down and relaxes. When stroked, he may begin
to purr. These are good indications.
A kitten who is inactive, withdrawn, who does not interact well with his
littermates, who shrinks when spoken to or resents being picked up and
remains tense, may be timid or in poor health.
As good health and good disposition so often go hand in hand, it is perhaps
wise, in making the final selection, to pick the sturdy individual with
bright eyes who is full of life and bursting with self confidence.
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Author's Note: While much of the above information was taken from my
references (listed below) it nevertheless reflects my experience,
feelings and opinions. For more complete information the reader is
advised to seek out the references listed below.
Nancy DC
Putiput Scottish Folds
31 Peach Street
Braintree, Ma 02184
617 849-9771
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(1) THE CORNELL BOOK OF CATS edited by Mordecai Siegal
Copyright 1989 by Mordecai Siegal and Cornell University
on behalf of Cornell Feline Health Center
(2) CAT OWNERUS HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK
by Delbert G. Carlson DVM, and James M. Giffin, M.D.
Copyright 1983 by Howell Book House Inc.
(3) FELINE HUSBANDRY Diseases and Management in the
Multiple-Cat Environment Niels C. Pedersen DVM, PhD
Copyright 1991 American Veterinary Publications, Inc.
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