Cat breeding

Take time to talk with the breeder about their cats, litters, the conditions in which kittens are raised and the care provided before they leave. They should be able to provide information about the breed, the kitten’s parents, diet, behavior and habits.

Where possible, also observe the kittens’ living environment, behavior and interactions. Ask about their daily life rather than focusing only on color, sex or appearance.

Cat breeds can differ in body type, coat, grooming requirements and sometimes particular needs or predispositions. Before choosing, research the breed’s characteristics and consider whether they are compatible with your lifestyle and the environment you can provide.

Breed does not, however, completely predict a cat’s personality. Every kitten remains an individual with its own temperament, history and experiences.

Depending on the breed and bloodlines, some health conditions may have a hereditary component. Ask the breeder what health monitoring or screening is performed for breeding cats and what information is available about the kitten’s parents.

Appearance should not be the sole objective of breeding selection. Health, welfare and the ability of cats to live comfortably are essential considerations in a breeding program.

The first weeks are an important period of behavioral development. Positive and gradual experiences with people, sounds, objects and everyday situations can help the kitten become familiar with its future environment.

Ask the breeder how the kittens live day to day, which experiences they are introduced to and how they respond to human interaction. The quality of experiences matters more than simply exposing kittens to as many things as possible without considering their reactions.

Where circumstances allow, ask about the kitten’s mother and the conditions in which the litter is raised. The mother’s behavior, the environment and interactions between kittens all form part of their developmental context.

Also ask the breeder how the kitten’s transition toward independence is managed and how feeding, resting areas, litter trays, play and interactions within the litter are organized.

Where possible, observe the kitten in its usual environment. Its general appearance, mobility, activity level and way of interacting with its surroundings can provide useful information.

A kitten may naturally be more or less cautious around an unfamiliar person. Avoid drawing conclusions about its future personality from a single reaction and ask the breeder about its usual behavior.

Before the kitten leaves, ask the breeder what it is currently fed, in what quantities and on what schedule. This information can help maintain familiar feeding habits during the first days in the new home.

If you later want to change the kitten’s diet, a gradual transition avoids combining an abrupt dietary change with the stress of moving to a new environment.

Before arrival, prepare essential resources including food, water, litter trays, resting areas, hiding places, scratching surfaces, vertical space and opportunities for play. The setup should allow the kitten to explore its new environment gradually.

In a household where other animals already live, plan a gradual introduction rather than immediate contact. The kitten should have access to a safe area during its adjustment period.

Before acquisition, ask what health information is available for the kitten and which care or examinations have already been provided. Also ask what should be continued after arrival.

After arrival, a veterinarian can advise you on appropriate care according to the kitten’s age, history, lifestyle and health.

Ask about the parents, breeding cats’ health, breed characteristics, the kitten’s diet, environment, habits, early experiences and care provided before departure.

You can also ask what the breeder recommends for the first few days, which objects or foods are familiar to the kitten and how to contact them if you have questions after arrival.

Requirements concerning the sale, identification, documents or transport of a cat may vary by country or territory. Before acquisition, check the requirements applicable to your situation and ask the breeder which documents will accompany the kitten.

If the kitten will be transported between different territories, also check any conditions that may apply at departure, during transport and at the destination.

Prousty & Co allows you to search for cat breeders and discover the breeds they present. Use the available filters to find professionals matching your search.

Review the information available on breeder profiles and contact them directly to learn about available kittens, their characteristics, breeding conditions and acquisition arrangements.