Would like to breed pedigree cats but have no idea where to start! Any advice?

[becklespeckle]

DH and I were discussing life and stuff last night and he mentioned that he would love to breed pedigree cats. Little did he know that it is something I would love to do too!

I would like to breed Bengal Cats ideally as I love them but I have absolutely no idea how to start, I don't even have a Bengal.

Any suggestions on where to start? What I will need? Can I get an adult female or do I need to get a kitten to begin with?

This would just be a hobby rather than a fully-fledged money making business.

Think there are breeders clubs or associations you can join.

I did soem research before buying our pet cats and this is basically what I saw in passing.

You can just breed them without any regulation, but if you wabnt them to be registered you need to be part of a club and conform to their rules. Sensible ones, I think, about how to do it responsibly.

To get a breeding male or female you have to tell the breeder that's what you want it for, and they will only sell you one registered to breed from if they are sure you know what you're doing. I think if they do, they will kind of mentor you until you are confident.

Look up registered breeders on the net and arrange to go and visit one to get all the facts.

Good luck. Sounds lovely. (We have Tonkinese cats which are absolutely delightul, if you change your mind re breed.)

Thanks redadmiral! Sounds like a good idea to get registered and I like the idea of being mentored a bit until I am more confident! Will have a search for local breeders!

I just googled Tonkinese cats and you are right, they are gorgeous! Beautiful shaped faces, that is what I love about the Bengals too.

I'm jealous. We did consider breeding from our female, but I didn't feel I had the time to spare at the time, so regretfully had her spayed.

One last thing - I rang quite a few people before finding a breeder that I liked. It's a small, intense world, and attracts some slighty eccentric people IMO.

The breeder we found in the end was wonderful, so it's worth trying loads. We also went to see kittens from one registered breeder that just weren't in good condition because the mother cat wasn't maternal. If I hadn't owned kittens before I might have taken her word that they were fine, so trust your instincts.

Sorry last sentance wasn't very clear. I suppose I mean if you're not sure about the kittens in any way, try another breeder.

Hello bs, my dp and I have 2 Maine Coons and are absolutely delighted with them. My dp has smaller kids and the cats are really good with them and love to play.

They are very beautiful and gentle cats that look like baby lynxes. We got them as 3 months olds (purebred cats have to be 12 weeks at least before you can pick them up). They were litter trained and are very well behaved.

Hi,

If you intend to breed animals you MUST get the relevant licensing from the local council otherwise you will be breaking the law. Check your local website. I think it costs about £90 a year for the license.

Hi, i've got a Bengal (but he's a boy.) In the future, I'd like to get a female and breed a few litters but I think they usually have quite small litters and are difficult to breed. I have heard rumours that their fertility may be compromised as they were originally a cross breed.

however, I'm not an expert! They are lovely tho'.

I also love Maine Coons and Tonkinese too as previous posters have said.

and the world of cat breeders can be strange . . .

This might help:

www.gccfcats.org/buying.html

MIL used to breed persian & ragdolls as a hobby - not sure it ever paid for itself, you end up needing cat runs (lots of legislation etc if you want to use them boarding) plus vet bills, plus if kittens die etc etc etc

MIL now has 2 main coons - again lovely tigers but quite shy now they are adults, we have a somali and he is divine in terms of being loving and affectionate but as with all pedigrees he's a bit stupid.

MIL has been showing one of her young cats recently (has 4 in total) and the same person keeps winning - he is some sort of judges aid......... It is a small world tbh.

i think that when you buy a pedigree cat you usually have to sign a contract saying yo will not breed the animal. you will have t oask the breeder you are purchasingthe animal from for permission to breed. also worth checking the animals parentage to make sure there are no congenital problems.
research research research

I think they are generally double the price if you do not have them spayes

Cargirl - second the stupidity of pedigree cats. Ours will cheerfully submit to being wrapped in blankets and pushed around in the doll's pram. They are just beautiful though...

ours regularly falls off the sofa, he's there enjoying been stroked or just being with us next minute he's on the floor - an not feet first. He quite often misses the table/worktops when he goes to jump on them. He also doesn't appear for tuna, roast chicken etc etc.

Thanks for the advice guys and for the link Alexa! Lots for me to look into there including which breed to look at! I love Maine Coon cats too, we had a mog who definitely had some Maine Coon in him somewhere down the line, he was enormous and fluffy!

Lots and lots for me to look into!

Thanks for the advice guys and for the link Alexa! Lots for me to look into there including which breed to look at! I love Maine Coon cats too, we had a mog who definitely had some Maine Coon in him somewhere down the line, he was enormous and fluffy!

Lots and lots for me to look into!

Oops