"Hobby" breeders

[ghislaine]

I hope this isn't a touchy subject (it probably is...). We are moving and for the first time in years will have a home suitable for a cat. I would love to have a Tonkinese and have been looking at rehoming and breeders' sites. This is my first foray into the world of pedigree cats. I keep seeing references to being a 'hooby breeder". What exactly does this mean? Should I steer clear? I don't want to be involved in a feline puppy mill type scenario!

Someone who genuinely breeds cats as a 'hobby' wouldn't bother me. I'd regard that almost as a positive in fact - they're likely to care more about the breed/their cats and eg have higher standards than someone who is only keeping animals to make ££££. (And sadly, there are some of those around.)

I might be a little concerned though at such a declaration being made deliberately and early on, rather than you finding out through eg chatting to them. It seems - I don't know - just a little forced?

Have you been to the breed website?

PS - I should add the caveat, though, that it's been a while since .I had to search websites for a breeder so I don't know just what they're advised to put on them these days.

I suppose you just have to be very careful and do your research. My pair were breeeding queens who lived in poor conditions. Out of a group of six rescued. 1 died and one was very sick and almost died.. They'd never lived In a house and it took them a long time to settle in. I bet the breeder who must have made a mint with their kittens showed them off as family pets.

I would say a hobby breeder is someone who has a few queens and only has a few litters a year, the queens are more like pets and the kittens are well socialized in the house.

Hobby breeder to me is probably a good thing than a full on commercial breeder who has multiple litters at any one time and the kittens aren't around people/pets/household noises.

Thanks all - I haven't been looking on gumtree but through the links provided on the 2 breed websites. They are mostly names like "Tonkydoo Tonks" and "Tonkarella" (I've made these up). It definitely sounds like Kiroro's description, I just wasn't sure if it were code for something else!

I'd get in touch and either have a chat or two or go see them. (Or both if distance permits.) There's no substitute for homework when you're looking for a companion who might be around for twenty years or so.

Yes, definitely contact the breeder, ask to visit. I found my Devon Rex boy through googling GCCF breeders in my area. His breeder is a hobbyist, the queens are part of the household, and they paid for the services of a stud.

I have one happy little lad, who loves everything and everyone, and as his breeder described, "bomb-proof". He makes a very good companion to my quite neurotic moggy, and adores him. The main reason I chose his particular breed is because they're so affable.

I think the best advice is, really do your homework.

*... forgot to say, if they're not with their mum, smelly, aren't socialised or anything that seems "off", let the RSPCA know. Those are the first signs of kitten farming.

Is there a breed specific club or society? Try may keep a list of breeders. Get to cat shows and meet people and ask questions.

*... pps, just realised, I was at boarding school with a girl called Ghislaine! Not you is it OP?!

I'm a hobby breeder! Just do it purely because I love them. My gorgeous girl is due today and is certainly in no rush I've been waiting around watching her all day!
Defiantly visit homes because you get an instant idea of what their start in life has been.

One breeder I went to had a litter in each room of her house and after chatting to her for a while she confessed to having 18 females she was breeding!!! She was very dishonest and gave people false paper work so she didn't get caught out for over breeding them!

No advice on breeders (other than that ours is fab - in Scotland) but just to say we have a tonk and he is magic.