QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BUYING A REGISTERED CAT

If you choose well, your cat's breeder could be the most valuable resource you have in enjoying your new pet and keeping it healthy and happy. After you find your perfect Persian, you're sure to encounter situations where the guidance of an experienced hand could alleviate stress by answering questions before they become problems. And if you're interested in the show circuit, you aren't just looking for a show quality kitten, but a mentor----someone to show you the ropes.

The following questions are intended to help you choose a breeder, then get enough information to understand the Persian kitten's needs and how best to fulfill them.

Text Box: QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BUYING A REGISTERED CAT

If you choose well, your cat's breeder could be the most valuable resource you have in enjoying your new pet and keeping it healthy and happy. After you find your perfect Persian, you're sure to encounter situations where the guidance of an experienced hand could alleviate stress by answering questions before they become problems. And if you're interested in the show circuit, you aren't just looking for a show quality kitten, but a mentor----someone to show you the ropes.

The following questions are intended to help you choose a breeder, then get enough information to understand the Persian kitten's needs and how best to fulfill them.

12 MUST-ASK QUESTIONS	1. How long have you been breeding Persians? 2. Do you normally raise more than one litter? 3. Do you have a cattery veterinarian who sees all your cats? 4. Do you provide a written health guarantee? 5. Are your kittens raised in cages or in your home? 6. Have the cats in your breeding program been screened for Feline Leukemia and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus? 7. Are you aware of any genetic problems in the lines you breed, such as Hip Dysplasia? 8. Can I see the kitten's mother and father? 9. What's the typical personality of the cats you raise? 10. What do you feed? 11. How often do I need to bathe/groom my cat? 12. How long do your cats typically live? By Marry Sorenson's

ANSWERS TO 12 MUST ASK QUESTIONS

1. How long have you been breeding Persians?

I have been breeding Himalayans and Persians since 1988. I register all my kittens with Cat Fanciers Association (C.F.A.) and The International Cat Association (T.I.C.A.). I primarily show in The International Cat Association (T.I.C.A.) because there are many shows in the Texas/New Mexico area close to my home.

2. Do you normally raise more than one litter at a time?

I am a discriminatory breeder. I breed only a small quantity at a time. I try to breed two litters at a time just in case one mother has problems and I can surrogate the other kittens if necessary.

3. Do you have a cattery veterinarian who sees all your cats?

I have a veterinarian who comes to my home and checks my cats. I have been rated with an Outstanding Cattery from The International Cat Association (T.I.C.A.) and a Cattery of Excellency from Cat Fanciers Association (C.F.A.)

4. Do you provide a written health guarantee?

Never buy without a written contract. I have a written contract and a health guarantee for each kitten sold. The contract protects you as the buyer and me as the seller.

5. Are your kittens raised in cages or in your home?

My kittens are hand raised -never caged, with the exception of new borns. They and their mothers are caged for their safety. Kittens are blind until about three weeks of age.

6. Have the cats in your breeding program been screened for feline

leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus?

My cattery has been screen for FIP/FeLV/FIV. I guarantee my cats are free of disease.

7. Are you aware of any genetic problems in the lines you breed, such as hip dysplasia?

To the best of my knowledge, there are no genetic problems in my lines. The only problem I have had is on of the teeth coming in at an angle but not enough to harm the kitten.

8. Can I see the kitten's mother and father?

I have both the mothers and the fathers at my home so anyone may see what the potential quality may be. My lines have a tendency to develop late so seeing the parents is a good idea.

9. What's the typical personality of the cats you raise?

Himalayans and Persians are very mellow. When they are socialized as kittens, they are very loving, lap cats. They enjoying playing and looking beautiful.

10. What do you feed?

My cats and kittens are fed Iams cat food exclusively. It may be a little more expensive than others, but the benefit for out weighs the cost.

11. How often do I need to groom/bathe my cat?

I bath on a monthly basis and comb as needed. I handle all of my cats daily, so I can find mats when they are small and comb them out. If I am showing a particular cat, I bath much more often. I am more than willing to assist with bathing information.

12. How long do your cats typically live?

The oldest of my cats lived to be 20 years and 5 months

Text Box:
ANSWERS TO 12 MUST ASK QUESTIONS

1. How long have you been breeding Persians?

I have been breeding Himalayans and Persians since 1988. I register all my kittens with Cat Fanciers Association (C.F.A.) and The International Cat Association (T.I.C.A.). I primarily show in The International Cat Association (T.I.C.A.) because there are many shows in the Texas/New Mexico area close to my home.

2. Do you normally raise more than one litter at a time?

I am a discriminatory breeder. I breed only a small quantity at a time. I try to breed two litters at a time just in case one mother has problems and I can surrogate the other kittens if necessary.

3. Do you have a cattery veterinarian who sees all your cats?

I have a veterinarian who comes to my home and checks my cats. I have been rated with an Outstanding Cattery from The International Cat Association (T.I.C.A.) and a Cattery of Excellency from Cat Fanciers Association (C.F.A.)

4. Do you provide a written health guarantee?

Never buy without a written contract. I have a written contract and a health guarantee for each kitten sold. The contract protects you as the buyer and me as the seller.

5. Are your kittens raised in cages or in your home?

My kittens are hand raised -never caged, with the exception of new borns. They and their mothers are caged for their safety. Kittens are blind until about three weeks of age.

6. Have the cats in your breeding program been screened for feline
leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus?

My cattery has been screen for FIP/FeLV/FIV. I guarantee my cats are free of disease.

7. Are you aware of any genetic problems in the lines you breed, such as hip dysplasia?

To the best of my knowledge, there are no genetic problems in my lines. The only problem I have had is on of the teeth coming in at an angle but not enough to harm the kitten.

8. Can I see the kitten's mother and father?

I have both the mothers and the fathers at my home so anyone may see what the potential quality may be. My lines have a tendency to develop late so seeing the parents is a good idea.

9. What's the typical personality of the cats you raise?

Himalayans and Persians are very mellow. When they are socialized as kittens, they are very loving, lap cats. They enjoying playing and looking beautiful.

10. What do you feed?

My cats and kittens are fed Iams cat food exclusively. It may be a little more expensive than others, but the benefit for out weighs the cost.

11. How often do I need to groom/bathe my cat?

I bath on a monthly basis and comb as needed. I handle all of my cats daily, so I can find mats when they are small and comb them out. If I am showing a particular cat, I bath much more often. I am more than willing to assist with bathing information.

12. How long do your cats typically live?

The oldest of my cats lived to be 20 years and 5 months

What to look for in different breed qualities

Show Quality Pet Quality