~ Breeding Practices, Adoptions & FAQ's ~

Our Breeding Practices

FAQs

We are non-commercial hobby breeders doing a limited number of well planned breedings each year. Our cats are raised and live in our home where we treat them as beloved members of our family. We feel it is very important for all cats to have a nurturing environment with much love and human interaction. By keeping our breeding program small, we are able to give each of our cats and kittens the time and attention they deserve. Through selectively breeding quality American and European bloodlines, our goal is to ensure the health and longevity of these unique breeds. Our cattery is CFA registered, FIV, FIP and FeLV negative.

Our kittens are born and raised with their mothers until they are completely weaned and emotionally mature enough to be separated. We believe in raising them in a natural way so we don't rush this process. We handle and love each kitten on a daily basis so they will be "imprinted" by humans from birth. We begin clipping their nails and training them to use a scratching post at 3-4 weeks of age. As the kittens mature and start their vaccinations, they interact with the rest of the family and begin receiving visitors. This helps them to develop their social skills while experiencing new situations.

Adoption Information

We occassionally offer our show/breeding adults for a modest adoption fee. We "retire" our cats while they are still young so they can form strong bonds with their new families. These cats are between 1-4 years of age, already neutered and spayed, and have current vaccinations. Our adults are in excellent condition and are well trained making them wonderful companions for retired people, as well as for families with children.

We offer Pet and Show quality kittens by reservation when available. We usually let our kittens go around 14-16 weeks of age. We have found this to be a suitable age as the kittens have completed their distemper/upper respiratory series and are mature enough to handle the transition to their new homes.

Our cats and kittens are available by contract to loving, responsible people who will keep them exclusively indoors. Our Pet kittens are required to be spayed and neutered. We also ask that our cats not be declawed. We spend much time and effort training them and feel that declawing is unnecessary. Our kittens and adults receive a thorough vet exam and Health Certificate prior to their adoption, and we provide each with a written health gaurantee.

* Visit our Adoption Page for pictures and descriptions of our young adults. See our New Babies Page for baby pictures. For kitten availability, please contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do breeders offer adult cats for adoption?
We believe that each cat deserves to enjoy life as a beloved pet. Since we don't practice inbreeding, we are able to retire our cats while they are still very young and can easily adapt to new people and surroundings. We also keep some of our kittens to show and use in the breeding program. By placing our pet kittens and retired adults we are able to prevent overcrowded living conditions, which would greatly diminish their quality of life.

Why do breeders and veterinarians recommend early spaying and neutering?
There are a few reasons... Spaying or neutering your pet before he/she matures fully can greatly reduce their risk of diseases which affect their reproductive organs. A whole male is at greater risk of prostate cancer, and will eventually develop male territorial behaviors such as spraying, aggression, calling and wanting to roam to look for a mate. Whole females are at a fairly high risk of developing uterine infections, some of which can be life-threatening. They are also more susceptable to mammary and ovarian cancers later in life because each heat cycle they experience causes ovarian and mammary tissue to become active. This tissue activity can lead to hyperplasia (overgrowth) which is often a precursor to cancer. Unaltered females can "howl" relentlessly and will often "spray" when they are in heat, much like the males do to mark territory. Aside from the health risks and undesirable behaviors, a spayed or neutered cat makes a much calmer, more content pet.

Is it true that a cross-eyed cat can't see well?
No. Cross-eyed cats are able to develop compensatory mechanisms, such as the strengthening of their optic muscles, so they can focus normally. Although breeders are working to breed this undesirable trait out, crossed eyes have appeared in the Siamese since their origin and the gene is still in the gene pool to some degree.

Why do so many breeders recommend clay litter over the clumping type?
Most clumping litter is made up of small sandlike granules which are chemically treated with a solidifying agent. It is our opinion that this type of litter can contribute to urinary tract infections and possibly to urethral blockages. The fact that it is so easily "scoopable" encourages owners not to do thorough litter box changing and disinfecting as often. Meanwhile, the bacteria grows in the litter box and can "in itself" contribute to infections and the spread of diseases. The small, sandy granules also tend to track more than the larger clay pieces. It is much more sanitary to do frequent changes and disinfecting. A 50% bleach to water solution is quite effective. A toilet brush works very well to scrub the box out with. Then by rinsing and letting the box dry in the sun, you have killed most if not all of the bacteria and viruses that could be harboring in your cat's litter box.

Why shouldn't I breed my "Pet" quality cat?
Kittens are offered as pets when they don't conform to the breed standard, or they have some less desirable physical or genetic characteristic or fault. In order to keep the breed true and strong, only the best examples should be used for breeding. Your pet quality kitten may look perfect, but until broad DNA screening becomes available, breeding is still best done by knowing the genetic history of the bloodlines and how they work together. It literally takes years to learn about the different bloodlines and genetic factors. There are also many complications which can arise during the mating, gestation and birthing. If you want to breed, you really should purchase a suitable cat with breeding rights and gain some education beforehand. Knowledgeable, reputable breeders and veterinarians along with some well-written, thorough books will be your best source for this necessary information.

Interested in breeding? Visit our New Online Bookstore for some excellent reference books about breeding, showing, genetics, health and cattery management.

What is the difference between counter to counter and cargo shipping?
Counter to counter shipping is preferred because the animal is directly taken to and from the plane and kept in the temperature controlled express office inside the airport terminal during lay overs and while awaiting pick up. Cargo shipping does not give your pet the same degree of care and attention, and the animal is brought to the cargo office in a separate building outside of the terminal. Counter to counter service is somewhat more expensive, but the extra care and convenience is well worth the price.

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