Things to consider:
I have had people tell me they rescued a sick kitten from a bad breeder. When I asked why they paid $2000 for a very sick kitty. . . .
Think twice… You are buying a lifetime companion, a best friend, a bundle of fur therapy, someone to chew on your toes while you’re sleeping.
Choose kittens for health and temperament.
The most important qualities to keep in mind while looking at kittens are health and temperament. Genetic and infectious diseases lead to expensive vet bills and early deaths. Cats raised in cages (or kitten mills where they are poorly socialized) will always be difficult to handle, unpredictable, and fearful. As a cattery, we have purchased quite a few cats. Some were wonderful and gentle, while others were timid and fearful. The difference in how they were treated was obvious.
Social interaction is critical for young kittens.
Cats imprint with people between two and eight weeks of age. During this period they need lots of gentle physical contact with people to become affectionate pets and lose their natural fears. We have raised Siberians for twenty years now. I am the surrogate toddler in our home. By the time kittens are 8 weeks old, they have been scooped up of the floor, taken naps in my shirt, stuffed into boxes, snuggled in laps, swirled in the air (helicopter rides), and used as bowling balls (the self-return type). They’re great with little kids, come when called, and never scratch or bite.
Siberians may have genetic and contagious diseases.
Before placing a kitten, the cattery should provide a veterinary exam and certify that the kitten is in good health, and free from contagious disease or parasites. Your own veterinarian should examine your kitten within a week of purchase. Notify the cattery promptly with any concerns, and arrange for return the kitten if needed. Your kitten warranty should cover any health problems present at the time of purchase, and also cover genetic or congenital disorders for a year or more. Reputable catteries allow returns for 15-30 days. Some catteries charge a small return fee ($200-$400 to cover new vet exams), which is reasonable. Request a sample contract before agreeing to purchase a kitten.
Meeting a buyer at the K-Mart parking lot is a concern.
There might be valid reasons.. .. Most (not all) reputable catteries will let you pick up your kitty at the home. If the home looks like 30 cats ransacked the place, and smells just as bad, the likelihood is your kitty will be sick. If the kitten is has gummy eyes, facial sores, sneezing, or is soiled – it is sick. Some of these illnesses like herpes and leukemia are lifelong diseases. Don’t get attached, don’t rescue the kitten.
Zelle Pay to unknown phone number
“We have just one kittens available, text $2000 to my burner phone and meet me at the abandoned warehouse”. This isn’t something you would normally do. Pet scams are common, and play on your emotions. Use PayPal business pay, write a check at pickup, or ask the folks at your bank for help. If your banker says don’t, please take their advice.
The stud and dam should have registration papers.
There are many associations that register cats, such as TICA, CFA and FIFe. You are buying a purebred kitten, so feel free to ask for copies of the registration papers of the sire and dam. Your contract should certify the authenticity of the kitten, although registration documents for the kitten are often held until neutering requirements are met. Breeders should receive formal registration papers at the time of sale.
Photos courtesy of Lundberg Siberians – copyrighted, use prohibited.