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Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Feeling guilty about wanting a pedigree cat. Any advice?

109 replies

FuckNugget · 31/07/2013 21:50

I have wanted to get a kitten/cat as a family pet for a long time but only recently been able to do so.

I decided I would get a litter pair from a rescue shelter. I've been looking at a few locally and reading their adoption rules. This has ruled out some places but I have been keeping my eye on the kittens/cats they have available.

However, I have also been googling a lot on cars and kittens and came across an advert for the most beautiful BSH kitten not too far from us. I've areanged to go and see it soon. I know I will fall in love with it and probably buy it.

I feel so guilty for this Sad. There are hundreds of cats languishing in shelters across the country and I could have provided a good home to two but instead I'm buying a kitten from a breeder.

Should I cancel going to see the kitten and go ahead with my plan to adopt? Or is it ok to want a pedigree? I won't be breeding from it either, will have the cat neutered as soon as it's old enough.

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tabulahrasa · 01/08/2013 00:58

Like I said, papers matter because they tell you about the breeder, but there's other stuff you'll need to ask as well.

Pedigree kittens aren't sold until 13 weeks - when they've had all their vaccinations (so actually another unvaccinated kitten wouldn't be an issue), the parents should have health certificates clearing them of certain illnesses before they're bred from (I think it's HCM and PKD in BSHs?) that's not the same as just a health check from the local vet.

They also usually come with 6 weeks free insurance and at least a sample pack of the food they're on.

If a breeder has skipped any of that, I'd be worried about what else they've cut corners on. If you're going to buy a kitten you want to buy one from somebody who's breeding them and treating them properly.

A good breeder should be more than willing to tell you everything you want to know, more than likely even more than you want to know about their cats in fact, lol. They'll also want to quiz you - because they want to decide whether you're the right home for the kitten. They should also be willing (in fact insist) on taking back the kitten if you ever need to rehome it.

Original poster
FuckNugget · 01/08/2013 00:59

I'd love to get two but I don't think I could afford it. Yes, I've seen grey tuxedos and they are gorgeous too Smile.

There are a few grey moggies for sale here and there but it presents the same moral dilemma but slightly worse IMO.

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MumnGran · 01/08/2013 01:03

Re buying pedigree kittens ....
the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy offer guidelines to people looking for kittens. You can find them here Reputable breeders will comply with GCCF guidelines.
Cheaper does not always = the best option.

Original poster
FuckNugget · 01/08/2013 01:05

mumgran, thank you for those links. I will make some calls tomorrow before I go to see the kitten and good advice about ex breeding queens. I've seen a few people selling ex- queens too Sad.

Thank you ever so much tahbula, all brilliant advice. I spoke to the breeder on the phone and she is happy to hold into the kitten a bit longer while I move so it will be older than 13 weeks. It comes with insurance and a 'kitten pack' (food and things). I shall have to have my logical head on, I don't want to fall in love and buy anyway without checking.

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tabulahrasa · 01/08/2013 01:14

I don't see pedigree cats as any different to pedigree dogs, different breeds have different appeal and personality, they're not superior to moggies, but they are different.

If you want a specific breed then you find someone who is breeding carefully, takes care over selling kittens and wants to be responsible for them if anything goes wrong.

You don't give your money to people throwing together any cat any old way with no regard to health because that just encourages them to do it again.

That way you might not be taking in a rescue cat, but you're doing your best not to add to the situation either and there's nothing to stop you also contacting breed rescues or having a rescue kitten as well.

deliasmithy · 01/08/2013 01:49

I have a russiam blue, a grey short hair who looks on the siamese side.
Bought her from breeder, she came with papers etc.
I still keep in contact with breeder some 5 years later. They love the odd update photo.
Good luck with whatever you choose. I'd love to have a bsh. I don't think there is an ethical issue to buying a cat that has been bred. Bsh are a healthy breed.

Fluffycloudland77 · 01/08/2013 17:02

Have you looked on cat chat.org? Or for a BSH rescue?. Personally I'm a sucker for black cats.

My advice on getting kittens is to avoid Bengals.

Original poster
FuckNugget · 01/08/2013 19:22

Thanks all for the replies.

I have an update: I'm in love!! Grin

She was the most gorgeously beautiful kitten. I spent an hour with her, the breeder seemed to know her stuff and wanted assurances that I wouldn't breed from her. All paper work correct.

She was nervous for all of 10 minutes but curled herself up and fell asleep in my hand Smile. She brought out another kitten and the difference in personality was quite marked. My kitten was definitely very friendly.

Still feeling the guilt but can't wait to pick her up when des ready. Will upload a pic later. Might need some babe suggestions.

I have also made some calls to local shelters to get her a playmate - said I'm not fussed on colour and will take the most difficult to regime kitten so just waiting to hear back about that Smile.

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Original poster
FuckNugget · 01/08/2013 19:23

Oops, lots of typos. Hope it made sense!

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riojabotherer · 01/08/2013 20:03

She sounds addictive! Good that she has papers. Surely a pedigree without papers is not a pedigree, but rather a very expensive moggy.

riojabotherer · 01/08/2013 20:04

Also, did you get to see her parents, or at least her mum?

Original poster
FuckNugget · 01/08/2013 20:13

She is! I didn't want to leave her and she was so comfy sleeping on my hand Smile.

Yes, both parents were there and she showed me pics of the grandparents too, all her own cats. She's a serious breeder by all accounts. The paperwork showed 5 generations and there are champions in her bloodline.

The main thing was her lovely temperament and I could see she was very healthy and well handled and looked after so I'm very happy that I have taken a kitten from a reputable breeder.

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shufflehopstep · 01/08/2013 20:20

If it's love, there's not a lot you can do about it Wink. I hope you are both very happy together. Smile

issey6cats · 01/08/2013 22:43

dont feel guilty it was obviously meant to be and glad that she is coming from a responsible breeder, and dont forget to update us on when you get a rescue kitten aswell. dont forget yorkshire cat rescue (hint hint) when you are ready we always have far to many kittens to rehome, they had three moms and 12 kittens dumped in a box over the gate a couple of weeks ago, the center is small (14 pens) and we are a friendly bunch :)

Original poster
FuckNugget · 01/08/2013 22:49

It was l

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Original poster
FuckNugget · 01/08/2013 22:53

Love at first sight shuffle. I knew I wouldn't be able to walk away from her if I went to see her but the fact that she is so affectionate just clinched it Smile.

Thank you so much issey. I called the local cats protection league today and they are calling back tomorrow to discuss with me. How long can I leave it between getting the two kittens? I'm assuming at some point the first to come home will be the dominant cat? Don't want to leave it so late that they won't get on. Will they get on ok do you think? Sorry for all the questions Blush.

I will definitely get in touch if CPL can't help Smile.

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issey6cats · 01/08/2013 22:57

i would say time it so they both come together that way they will bond pretty quickly, we usually rehome two kittens from same litter if possible if someone wants two, but people have adopted two kittens from different litters who were in at the time and has not been a problem because they went together

Original poster
FuckNugget · 01/08/2013 23:05

Thanks issey. How long does the adoption process usually take and would they hold into a kitten so I could time it so they came home the same day? She was quietly hissing at the other kitten from another litter today, I was Grin.

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Original poster
FuckNugget · 01/08/2013 23:07

Grrr! I can't upload a picture. Will try again tomorrow.

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issey6cats · 01/08/2013 23:21

i dont know about cpl but at ours if you come down to the center most of the kittens are available the day you see them, we dont do home checks various reasons why, before anyone jumps in and asks why not, the procedure at ours is we ask questions that are pertinent, we show you suitable kittens (or cats for those not wanting a kitten) and if you like anyone you fill out the adoption forms and can take your cat that day, or some of the kittens have been spayed/ neutered the day before so we keep them for 5 days to make sure they have recovered from thier ops and these can be reserved and we let you know what day they are available that week

Original poster
FuckNugget · 01/08/2013 23:31

That sounds a good way to do things issey. Cpl do want to do a home check so obviously this will take longer. And there is the chance we won't be approved I suppose depending on how stringent their rules on adoption are. I emailed about the cream kitten today - he is still available but they've asked some more questions (which I expected) and I know they will reject us Sad. I shall keep you posted Smile.

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tabulahrasa · 01/08/2013 23:37

They're usually dead adaptable for months, it's usually only once they're proper adults that they don't make friends with other cats as easily.

Oh and which one comes first doesn't matter anything like as much as personalities when they decide which one is in charge.

Original poster
FuckNugget · 01/08/2013 23:43

Oh that sounds promising tahbula. Having never adopted a rescue before, I wasn't sure on how things will be timed but I guess the breeder will be ok to hold on the BSH for me anyway Smile.

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issey6cats · 01/08/2013 23:48

as tabs said depends on the personality of the cat females are usually the bosses in a house, i have a brother and sister who are 7 ,a boy (the ginger ninja ) who is coming up 6 and the half siamese is two, guess who is boss in our house yes the 3lb girl cos shes the girl in the house, until she went the other ginger girl was the boss see a pattern here, nugget the best combo is being as you are getting a girl kitten ,is a boy kitten would probably be the best option as that way madam will be boss without any work needing doing so she will be happy

Original poster
FuckNugget · 01/08/2013 23:54

Ah, ok. That sounds good. I told cpl that I didn't mind which sex but I shall tell them that a boy would be best.

I can see BSH being the boss, she does a mean grumpy face Grin.

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