Advice on finding a breeder?

[BumHairDontCare]

Hi all, I'm just looking for a bit of advice if that's ok?
We've been thinking of adopting a kitten for some time now and we're now ready to do this (I am so excited 🤗)  
The thing is, although we always had cats growing up, this will be my first time adopting my own and I'm a bit confused finding a breeder. 
I know I shouldn't buy animals on places like gumtree and that the welfare of the kittens and their parents are priority so I was wondering if anyone had any guidance on finding a responsible breeder, and things to look out for etc? 
Also one last thing, I've seen non active/active registered is this how I tell whether the cat/kittens are pedigree?

Thank you to anyone who can help 💐

[Toddlerteaplease]

Ps Persians are far better than Ragdolls! (Prepares to be flames)

[viccat]

For what it's worth, the best breeders usually have long waiting lists and kittens are reserved long before the age they are ready to go to new homes, so you are probably looking at a wait anyway.

Saying that I 100% recommend adopting a kitten from a rescue, not supporting a breeder. There are way too many cats in the world already, many literally dying when there are no homes and no rescue spaces. Many of us here on the Litter Tray are volunteers at various cat charities and see the reality - it might come across as judgmental to hear the adopt don't shop message but you should be fully informed before you decide.

[reallyanotherone]

There’s a bengal rehoming site on facebook that has quite a lot of cats.

I came across quite a few ragdolls in my cat search. Last one was a 5 month old- owners were allergic.

Rspca/blue cross often let you set up a breed specific search.

Pedigree cats are up for rehoming suprisingly often. Probably because many pedigrees are, umm, challenging- bengals and siamese/orientals, i mean you :). I wouldn’t have it any other way, but there are a lot of people who buy a bengal, for example, thinking there getting an ordinary cat, just with a fancy fur coat. Then a hyperactive whirling, yelling, demanding dervish arrives and destroys their house :).

Ragdolls are similar in that they aren’t self sufficient at all. They’re like a particularly thick toddler :).

[YetAnotherSpartacus]

Then a hyperactive whirling, yelling, demanding dervish arrives and destroys their house

Waves at Asbo!

[Toddlerteaplease]

Like a particularly thick toddler. That describes my Persians completely!!

[chemenger]

Our very ordinary rescuer has had a beautiful oriental, at least one Bengal and a rag doll come through in the last few months. So make sure you keep an eye out on local rescue sites. Surprisingly we find moggies get adopted faster than the breeds.

[mistermagpie]

Yes, there are lots of bengals looking to be rehomed because they are quite high maintenance as kittens (mine are complete lap cats, but they are older) and people don't do their research. It really annoys me.

[WTFIsAGleepglorp]

There's something about a moggy, though.

The random genes and the lack of breeding add to the fun.

The cat equivalents of mutts are less high maintenance and slightly less likely to be stolen.

Pedigree cats are highly desirable and attract thieves. 😡

[Wolfiefan]

Oh my. I cuddled the sweetest young tortie today in rescue. No white. Just black and ginger flecks. So cuddly and affectionate. Snuggly and sweet. Not insecure despite having only just met me.

[greenlanes]

My Siamese is a rescue from his breeder. Long story but he had to be rehomed when he was 3. She had taken him back from a family that couldnt keep him but ran a rescue and was still breeding. We stay in touch loosely and it works fine. So as other pps have said if you really want a pedigree then there are rescues around the country. I can help with a couple of siamese ones. You will be quizzed to bits and that is as it should be.

[Wolfiefan]

@greenlanes PICTURES!!!!!
I would absolutely love a Siamese. Like no other cat in the world.

[reallyanotherone]

Wolfiefan- look at the lovely Winston!

www.rspca.org.uk/findapet/details/-/Animal/WINSTON/ref/BSA2083331/teaser

[reallyanotherone]

o/p-

the lovely isabelle...

www.rspca.org.uk/findapet/details/-/Animal/ISABELLE/ref/BSA2082837/rehome

[Grumpyoldpersonwithcats]

Hi OP,
Another suggestion of following up local rescue centres. My current four are all from Battersea (2 sets of siblings 7 years apart).
I've only ever had moggies but Battersea do get in 'breeds' as well.
Regarding temperament all my cats have different characters but are all very friendly. A good rescue will make sure that kittens are well socialised and I suspect this makes as big an impact as theoretical breed traits. I can't commend Battersea strongly enough - the cats I've had from them are brilliant .

[Grumpyoldpersonwithcats]

And while not a kitten - if I didn't have four already Millie would be on my Christmas list (can't resist a grey cat)

www.battersea.org.uk/cats/millie/?filters=true&centre=&gender=&size=&ageRange=&status=&liveChild=&liveDog=&liveCat=&breed=&reset=&returnID=15423668679849588710&id=461117

[Wolfiefan]

So gorgeous. Love that grey face too. Not sure the tortie terrors would cope. They atready hate each other.

[greenlanes]

You asked for a picture and his royal highness is here :) He is missing an eye, has patchy skin on his back, dodgy dentition, has wrecked my sofa and stair carpet but still, we luffs him!

[chemenger]

Just looked at Winston, poor little scrawny mite! But how beautiful he will be when he has filled out a bit.

[reallyanotherone]

I would take poor winston in a second if I hadn’t just taken on mine. I bet he’ll be a bloody gorgeous needy siamese.

Poor old isabelle too. That’s what unscrupulous breeders do to these cats.

[Wolfiefan]

Oh my! I popped into our local rescue today to drop off treats for animals and staff. Two stunning tabby kittens. Just delicious. Hope they’re in a wonderful home soon.

[CatchingBabies]

I breed Ragdolls, there are people out there doing it ethically so all breeders shouldn’t be tarred with the same brush. My girls have 2-3 litters max, well spread out, are pets first and foremost, live in the home with me and are neutered at the first sign of a problem and stay with me as a retired cat.

With Ragdolls the absolute most important thing is to make sure the parents of your kitten are HCM tested and ask to see proof of a negative result. HCM is a potentially fatal condition so very important you don’t buy a kitten with it!

You know you have a pedigree cat when you are supplied with a pedigree certificate. Registered means the pedigree is registered with an organisation that compiles and stores breed records and can therefore confirm the accuracy of the pedigree certificate.

Active / non active is about breeding. So a non active cat cannot be bred, if you do breed them the kittens cannot be registered. Most pet kittens will be non active. Active means the cat is registered and being sold for breeding and the kittens can be registered. They should be a good specimen of the breed and match the breed standard well. Beware people selling novices an active registered cat, no ethical breeder would do this.

If you have any further questions feel free to message me or if you want to tell me what area you’re in I can recommend some reputable breeders. Good luck!

[Sausagefingers9]

A good start in finding a breeder is to look up the GCCF and see who they recommend in your area.

I have a ragdoll and he is just lovely but is like no other cat I’ve owned before. They Can be very sensitive and emotional.