Lets assume that my goal in breeding Devons is to have a hobby that allows me to break even. 

Approximate Annual Expenses, 2006

$1500 Cat food

$250 Cleaners, kittening supplies, vitamins

$1000 Kitty litter (we use pine pellets that are only $6/bag)

$200 Pet sitter (so the family may join me at the shows)

$250 Registrations and membership

$800 Stud fees

$2000 Show entry fees and travel costs

$400 Shipping cats for breeding

$300 Toys, beds, accessories

$220 Vaccines

$2000 Vet exams, emergencies and medications

$2400 Vet procedures (neutering, microchips)

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$11320 TOTAL / 12 kittens  = 943. 33 cost per kitten

Oh... and I didn't account for my time.  That's 2 hours per day for birthing, bathing, cleaning, scooping litter, medicating, transporting to the airport or the vet, feeding and following up on pet owner inquiries at, hmmm... lets say $10/hour, to be fair (Tim Hortons would give me $11.50) ...  $7300.

$18620 TOTAL / 12 kittens  = $1551 ACTUAL cost per kitten

My price was $800. Now I know why some people think I'm crazy. 

But I know I am smart, not crazy. I have fallen in love with Devons which of course I know is the best breed  (as any crazy cat lady or man should feel about their breed) and I will do my best to preserve and improve it for the benefit of pet owners and future breeders. I hold my breath during a birth (yes, Corey and/or I are there  for everyone of them) and through the weeks I get to see these wavy-coated "hamsters" develop into cats that take my breath away. I pick up a pet quality kitten who looks like it has to be another breed and while I hold him on his back in my arms hearing him purr, I tell him he is a beautiful, loving kitten who is going to make someone very happy like he has me.  Or, with some heartbreak, I place a show-quality kitten as a pet because I have no one to breed them to and I know they will be admired the way I do. Damn, I am lucky.



Do I break even? I will let you make that judgment.

...Pam