How to Choose a Reputable Cat Breeder: Questions First-Time Owners Should Ask
- A reputable cat breeder is transparent about health testing, vaccination history, parasite screening, and the kitten's home environment.
- Ask to see written records for the kitten and parents, including breed-specific genetic testing when relevant, FeLV/FIV testing policies, vaccine dates, and a signed contract.
- Most well-run breeders place kittens at about 12-16 weeks, not unusually early, so kittens have more time for social development and early veterinary care.
- Red flags include pressure to pay quickly, large nonrefundable deposits, refusal to share records or video of the cattery, multiple litters always available, and no return policy.
- Plan for more than the breeder purchase cost alone. First-year setup and veterinary care for a kitten commonly adds about $1,200-$3,500 in the U.S., depending on region and what is already included.
Getting Started
Choosing a breeder can shape your kitten's health, behavior, and early stress level for years to come. A reputable breeder should welcome thoughtful questions and be ready to discuss the kitten's parents, socialization, preventive care, and any known breed-related health concerns. Good breeders are usually selective too. They often ask you questions about your home, lifestyle, and plans for indoor living because they want a safe long-term match.
For first-time pet parents, it helps to think beyond appearance. Temperament, handling, litter box habits, early socialization, and medical records matter as much as coat color or pedigree. Cornell notes that when you bring home a new cat or kitten, you should ask about prior vaccinations, nutrition, and parasite control. Merck also recommends FeLV testing for all kittens at their first veterinary visit, and breeding cats should be tested for infectious diseases that can be passed to kittens.
A strong breeder relationship should continue after pickup day. You should receive written instructions, a contract, vaccine and deworming records, registration paperwork if applicable, and clear guidance on what follow-up care your vet should provide. If a breeder avoids documentation, rushes the sale, or cannot explain health testing for the breed, it is reasonable to keep looking.
Your New Pet Checklist
Before You Commit to a Breeder
- ☐ Request a video call or in-person visit to see where kittens are raised
Travel costs vary. You should be able to see a clean, low-stress home environment or receive a live virtual tour.
- ☐ Review written health records for the kitten and parents
Look for vaccine dates, deworming, parasite testing, and breed-specific genetic screening when relevant.
- ☐ Read the contract before paying a deposit
The contract should explain health guarantees, spay/neuter terms, registration status, and return policy.
- ☐ Confirm what the deposit is, whether it is refundable, and under what conditions
Large nonrefundable deposits can be a red flag.
First Veterinary and Preventive Care
- ☐ Schedule a first exam with your vet within 48-72 hours of bringing the kitten home
A prompt exam helps confirm hydration, weight, heart and lung health, parasite concerns, and vaccine timing.
- ☐ FeLV/FIV testing if your vet recommends it based on history or household risk
Testing needs vary by age, exposure risk, and what records the breeder provides.
- ☐ Kitten vaccine series and boosters
Costs depend on what the breeder already completed and your local clinic.
- ☐ Fecal parasite test and deworming as advised by your vet
Especially helpful for kittens, multicat homes, or any history of diarrhea.
- ☐ Microchip if not already placed
Some breeders include this before pickup.
Home Setup
- ☐ Carrier
Choose a sturdy, easy-to-clean carrier.
- ☐ Litter boxes and scoop
Many kittens do best with at least two boxes in quiet areas.
- ☐ Litter and cleaning supplies
Ask what litter the kitten is already using.
- ☐ Food and water bowls or fountain
A fountain may encourage drinking in some cats.
- ☐ Scratching posts and safe hiding spots
Ask the breeder what surfaces the kitten already uses.
- ☐ Bed, toys, and enrichment
Interactive toys help with adjustment and confidence.
Planned Procedures and Ongoing Care
- ☐ Spay or neuter if not already completed
Some breeders include this before placement.
- ☐ Monthly parasite prevention if your vet recommends it
Needs vary by region, indoor-only status, and household risk.
- ☐ Pet insurance or emergency savings fund
Helpful for unexpected illness or injury.
What a Reputable Breeder Should Offer
A reputable breeder should be able to explain why they chose a pairing, what health issues are known in the breed, and what screening has been done on the parents. That may include DNA testing for breed-specific conditions, cardiac screening, orthopedic screening in some breeds, and infectious disease testing policies. The exact tests depend on the breed, so ask what conditions they screen for and why.
You should also expect written records. These often include vaccine dates, deworming history, feeding instructions, litter preferences, registration paperwork if applicable, and a contract that explains health guarantees and return terms. CFA advises asking about the kitten's health history, vaccination schedule, stool testing, FeLV testing of the parents, and what happens if the placement does not work out.
Questions First-Time Pet Parents Should Ask
- How are the kittens raised day to day: in the home, around normal household sounds, children, or other pets?
- What health testing was done on the parents, and can I see the results?
- What vaccines, deworming, and parasite screening has this kitten already had?
- Has the kitten had any illness, diarrhea, eye discharge, sneezing, or trouble gaining weight?
- At what age do your kittens go home, and why do you use that timeline?
- What food, litter, and scratching surfaces is this kitten used to?
- What does your contract cover, and what is your return policy if the match is not right?
- Will you stay available after adoption if I have questions during the first few months?
Red Flags That Should Make You Pause
Be cautious if a breeder always has many litters available, cannot show you where kittens are raised, or refuses to provide medical records before payment. CFA also warns that scams are more likely when large nonrefundable deposits are required and when breeders will not provide photos, video, or live updates.
Other concerns include kittens going home very young, dirty housing, strong odor, fearful or poorly socialized kittens, no questions asked about your home, and no written contract. A breeder should not promise a completely risk-free kitten. Instead, they should discuss what they know, what they test for, and how they handle problems if they arise.
Why Your Vet Still Matters After You Choose the Breeder
Even if the breeder seems excellent, your new kitten still needs an early exam with your vet. Cornell recommends asking about prior vaccinations, nutrition, and parasite control when you acquire a kitten, and Merck recommends FeLV testing for all kittens at their first veterinary visit. Your vet can review the breeder's records, confirm the vaccine plan, discuss FeLV risk, check for parasites, and help you plan spay or neuter timing, microchipping, and preventive care.
This step is not about assuming something is wrong. It is about starting your kitten's medical record with a baseline exam and making sure the transition into your home is as smooth as possible.
First-Year Cost Overview
Last updated: 2026-03
Questions to Ask Your Vet
Bring these questions to your vet appointment to get the most out of your visit.
- Based on this breeder's records, what vaccines or boosters does my kitten still need, and when?
- Does my kitten need FeLV/FIV testing now, or does that depend on age, exposure risk, and the breeder's documentation?
- Are there breed-related issues I should screen for early based on this kitten's pedigree?
- Does the breeder's deworming and parasite prevention plan look complete, or should we do fecal testing?
- When do you recommend spay or neuter for this kitten if it has not already been done?
- Is the kitten's body condition, hydration, and growth appropriate for age?
- What signs during the first two weeks at home would mean I should schedule a recheck sooner?
- What food transition plan do you recommend if I want to change diets from what the breeder used?
Frequently Asked Questions
What age should a breeder let a kitten go home?
Many reputable breeders place kittens around 12-16 weeks. That gives more time for social development, early vaccines, litter training, and observation for health concerns.
Should a breeder provide vaccine records?
Yes. You should receive written dates for vaccines already given, along with deworming history and any other veterinary care the kitten has received.
Do all breeder kittens need FeLV/FIV testing?
Testing decisions depend on age, exposure risk, household situation, and what records are available. Merck recommends FeLV testing for all kittens at their first veterinary visit, so it is a good topic to review with your vet.
Is a deposit normal?
A modest deposit can be normal, but the terms should be clear in writing. Be cautious with large nonrefundable deposits or pressure to pay before you receive records or a contract.
What if the breeder will not let me visit?
Some breeders limit home visits for biosecurity or privacy, but they should still be able to provide a live video tour, current photos, and detailed answers about how kittens are raised.
Does a contract matter?
Yes. A written contract helps clarify health guarantees, registration status, spay/neuter terms, return policy, and what support the breeder provides after adoption.