Why Finding the Right Breeder Matters More Than You Think
The decision to bring a kitten home is exciting — but where that kitten comes from will shape the next 15+ years of your life together. A kitten from a responsible, registered cattery arrives healthy, well-socialized, and supported by a breeder who genuinely cares about its wellbeing. A kitten from an unethical source may carry hidden health problems, behavioral issues, and heartbreak.
As a TICA and WCF registered cattery in Bethesda, MD, we believe every prospective kitten buyer deserves honest, transparent information. Here are the 10 most important questions to ask any breeder before you commit.
10 Questions to Ask a Kitten Breeder
1. Are you registered with a recognized cat registry?
TICA (The International Cat Association) and CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) are the two main registries in the US. Registration means the breeder has agreed to a code of ethics and that kittens can be registered with documented pedigrees. If a breeder can’t provide registration papers, keep looking.
2. Do you health-test your breeding cats?
For breeds like British Shorthair, Ragdoll, and Scottish Fold, health testing for HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) and PKD (polycystic kidney disease) is essential. Ask to see actual test results, not just a verbal assurance. Reputable breeders test annually and share documentation freely.
3. Can I visit your cattery or see the kittens via video call?
A breeder who refuses a live video could be potentially a red flag. You should be able to see the environment your kitten was raised in, meet is not always possible because there is the risk of introducing diseases into the environment putting all kittens at risk. Clean, home-based catteries are a positive sign.
4. At what age do you release kittens?
12 weeks is the minimum for pedigree kittens. Earlier releases are associated with behavioral problems, immune deficiencies, and poor socialization. Some breeders of larger breeds (like Ragdolls) wait until 13–16 weeks, which is perfectly appropriate.
5. What vaccinations and veterinary care have the kittens received?
Kittens should have at least their first FVRCP vaccine series started, a full veterinary exam, and be free of parasites. Ask for documentation — reputable breeders provide a complete health record with each kitten.
6. Are the kittens microchipped?
Microchipping is standard practice at quality catteries and significantly increases the chance of a kitten being returned if lost. At Luxury Only Kittens, every kitten is microchipped before going to their new home.
7. Do you provide a written health guarantee?
A health guarantee is a mark of a breeder’s confidence in their kittens and their commitment to their buyers. It should cover a minimum of 1–2 years for genetic conditions. Read the terms carefully before signing.
8. What does the kitten eat, and what is their daily routine?
A good breeder will send you home with a care guide, a sample of the food the kitten has been eating, and detailed information about their routine. Sudden diet changes are a common cause of digestive upset in kittens — continuity helps ease the transition.
9. Do you take kittens back if the buyer can no longer keep them?
This is one of the most telling questions. Reputable breeders have a “return policy” — they will take a cat back at any point in its life rather than allow it to end up in a shelter. This reflects a lifetime commitment to the animals they produce.
10. Can I speak with previous buyers?
References from previous kitten buyers are invaluable. Established breeders have a community of happy clients who are usually glad to share their experience. Be cautious of breeders who can’t or won’t provide references.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Multiple breeds available at all times with kittens always in stock
- Unusually low prices (well below market rate)
- Pressure to pay immediately or use wire transfer/Venmo only
- Refusal to show parents or the facility
- Kittens available before 12 weeks
- No registry papers or health testing records
How Luxury Only Kittens Measures Up
At Luxury Only Kittens, we’re proud to answer “yes” to every question on this list. We are TICA and WCF registered, health-test all our breeding cats, raise kittens in our home, and provide full documentation with every kitten. We welcome visits, video calls, and questions at any time.
Browse our available kittens or reach out to us directly — we’d love to answer any of these questions personally and help you find your perfect companion.