Choosing a Breeder

Indian River Ragdolls

Guidelines to Pick the Right Breeder

"The defining difference between a reputable breeder and a “kitten producer” is the concern and the responsibility the person shows towards his/her breed, breeding program, fellow breeders, and his/her individual charges; cats/kittens and purchasers thereof."

-Brigitte McMinn, The International Cat Association. 

I have been breeding Ragdoll kittens in a small home-based cattery since 1998. My kittens are raised in the home, underfoot, as part of my family, which includes my dog Toshi, a 13-year-old Shiba Inu and my five grand children. In addition to a safe, healthy environment, all of my kittens receive constant love, attention, and touching, so by the time they are ready to leave with their new owner, they are well socialized and display all of the gentle human-centric traits that are famous in the breed.

The Ten Commandments of the Reputable Breeder

  • 1 The Reputable Breeder places cats/kittens by contract.
  • 2 The Reputable Breeder places cats/kittens with a health guarantee.
  • 3 The Reputable Breeder insists and contracts the return of a cat/kitten should the purchaser be unable to keep the cat/kitten.
  • 4 The Reputable Breeder carefully interviews prospective owners and has specific requirements to be met, i.e., cat/kitten is to be altered (if the breeder is not already practicing early altering), not allowed to roam outdoors, etc.
  • 5 The Reputable Breeder is willing and able to educate the novice. He/she happily answers questions regarding the breed and his/her breeding program.
  • 6 The Reputable Breeder insists on being informed of health, genetic, or behavioral problems the cat/kitten may develop.
  • 7 The Reputable Breeder does not have more cats/kittens, then he/she can keep clean, healthy, and socialized.
  • 8 The Reputable Breeder spends individual time with each of his/her cats/kittens.
  • 9 The Reputable Breeder is concerned with temperament as well as the health of his/her cats/kittens.
  • 10 The Reputable Breeder makes him/herself available for advice and help to other breeders, and throughout the life of the cats/kittens, he/she has placed.
TICA

I have been a proud member of TICA since 1998. I strongly believe and practice the ten commandments of a reputable breeder.