What a terrific question! I wish everyone took the time and effort to quiz prospective kitten sources.
Ask if the breeder has ever turned down a potential purchaser and if so, why? This can be a very GOOD indication of breeder responsibility. Responsible breeders likely will want to quiz you as well to make sure you can provide the best home for their babies.
Ask about the temperament of the parents--that can predict your kitten’s personality. Are the parents lap cats, or prefer to play? How do they react to strangers in the house? Siamese tend to bond most closely with their owners so it wouldn’t be surprising if they were not super-friendly to strangers. Also ask about the temperament of your kitten. It will vary from baby to baby even within the same litter.
You want kittens that have been “raised underfoot” as pets in the household, and handled a great deal by the breeder. That helps with socialization to people. Also, most of the responsible breeders I know prefer to keep kittens until they are at least 10-12 weeks old to ensure proper socialization, so any younger than this could be a red flag.
If the kitten is a purebred, is registration information available? When you don’t plan to show or breed, don’t be surprised if the breeder requires you to spay or neuter your kitten. Breeders also may stipulate in their contract what vaccines they recommend, and what medical procedures they frown on (such as declaw). You should ask for and receive medical history and to-date vaccinations for your kitten. Ask if the purchase price includes a health guarantee and what that might cover.
Also ask for references or testimonials from other satisfied kitten buyers. They may also be able to suggest questions to ask. Finally, ask if the breeder will be available to offer advice and help as the kitten matures.
Source: http://www.catchow.com
No comments:
Post a Comment