NEWS:Gemma has been awarded 2nd Best Siberian Cat in the South Central Region and Best Brown Classic Torbie in TICA for 2009-2010. Congratulations Gemma & ForestWind Siberians!
UPDATE: Pendraig launches new Golden Siberian Cat program.
“Caveat emptor”, let the buyer beware. It is up you, the buyer to buy with caution and with care. Do not trust anyone selling you a product even if it’s a cute and cuddly new Siberian Kitten. Ask them questions, take notes and do your research. This is an important, life changing, purchase you are making and besides the obvious investment in a considerable amount of money you are also investing your love and emotion into a living being. It is better all around to make that as positive an experience as possible by buying from a responsible breeder.
So, how do you recognize a responsible breeder? Here are some tips.
A Responsible Breeder….
Screens potential buyers
Asks lots of questions about you, your family, and what you want from a Siberian cat
Requires buyers to sign a contract
Offers at least a two year health guarantee for congenital defects
Withholds registration papers until proof of spay/neuter surgery is provided OR alters the kittens before placement
Provides pedigrees of parents and copies registration papers ( from CFA, TICA or other legitimate registry)
Requires kittens or cats be returned if you can no longer keep them
Prohibits declawing
Cares what type of food and care you will provide
Advises buyers on acclimating their new cats and kittens
Provides references and testimonials
Health screens their breeding stock
Practices good animal husbandry
Constantly learns new things, takes classes, reads books
Shares their knowledge with others
Shows their cats at least once a year
Will be honest about the health of their cats, their lines and their kittens.
Will not place kittens younger than 12 weeks of age
Is a member of a respected cat club or organization
Is dedicated to cats, cat welfare and responsible breeding
Is dedicated to preserving their breed and the breed’s future
Is honest, ethical and above all responsible
Is there for the life of each and every kitten produced by the cattery