Kitten Frequently Asked Questions |
|
Home Page
|
 Black and sable Bombay kittens at four months
A. A pet store is the worst place. They usually get their kittens from a kitten mill. These kittens are raised for profit with little concern for the health and welfare of the baby. They have often been taken from their mothers at too young and age, exposed to all kinds of diseases, not handled enough, and have been caged all their lives, thus altering their purr-sonalities. The best place to buy a kitten is from a breeder. You can find a number of them listed online, in the Breeder Directory in Cat Fancy, at cat shows, and in newspaper listings. It is a good idea to visit the cattery, to make sure it isn't a kitten mill and to check for cleanliness. Beware of anyone willing to sell you a kitten less than three months old. Also, few kitten mill owners show their cats. Check our page for a list of questions for you to ask breeders Q. How can I tell if a kitten is healthy? A. Feel the kitten. A Bombay should weigh more than it looks. Some kittens will purr for anyone when they are picked up, whereas others need to get to know you. You should be able to feel the ribs slightly, but if you can readily feel the backbone, the kitten is underweight. Are the eyes clear, not watery, and free gunk? (However, with the stress of a show, a kitten's eyes may water.) Is the kitten sneezing, coughing, or licking it's nose? Is the coat glossy and without bald spots, scabs, or sores? Are his gums a nice healthy pink? Is the kitten's butt clean or red, irritated, and feces clinging to the fur? Q. Why should a kitten be at least three or four months old before they go to a new home? A. We do not let our babies go until forteen weeks minimum. That is when they get the last of their kitten shots. They have had time with their mom and played with their siblings. They are better socialized. They know such fundamentals as biting hurts, it's a no-no to climb the curtains, and the scratching post is for claws. And their immune systems can better handle the change than younger kittens. Also, they need to be old enough to neuter or spay before they leave the breeder Q. You mean kittens can be neutered and spayed at 3-4 months? My vet says they should be at least 6 months. A. Yes, our vet will neuter and spay kittens that are at least three pounds. In fact the younger ones recover faster than older kittens and cats! The boys will bounce back the next day and act like nothing has happened. The girls take three or four days. There have been long term studies done, that have shown that there are no ill affects in early neuter and spay. In fact there are studies that have been done about altering kittens as young as six weeks. If we neuter or spay a kitten before they leave us, it insures you have a good pet, you don't have the hassle of having to get it done later, and (God forbid) if the kitten should die during the surgery, you haven't become attached to him. Q. Do you ship kittens? A. Reluctantly yes, to airports that have nonstop flights out of our nearest international airport. The airline will not accept pets if the temperature is above 85 degrees or below 50 degrees anywhere in the flight. Because Bombays have such short coats, it is cattery policy to not ship if it is below 60 degrees. It is better if the kitten can fly in the cabin with someone. We feel it is better yet for the kitten for the new owners to transport the baby by car if possible. Q. Can I make money breeding cats? A. Not if you are an eithical breeder. Breeding and showing cats is an expensive hobby. Not only do you need to acquire a high quality foundation queen to begin with, but you will to register your cattery in at least CFA and TICA, subscribe to the Cat Fanciers Almanac, TICA Trend, and other magazines, and purchase reference books about breeding and cattery management. Then there are stud fees, possible shipping charges for the queen to get to the stud, medical care for the queen and her babies, advertising, and costs for high quality cat food and kitty litter. Your veterinary bill will skyrocket when you add breeding to the picture. Then you ought to show your cat and kittens. An average show runs $40-50 to enter one cat. Then you need curtains for the show cage and something to cover the cage floor, grooming supplies, a kit with various things like business cards, pens, pencils, markers, Tylenol, cage signs, then a sprayer with disinfectant, and of course food and bowls for the cat, a small litter box, and toys. Plus there are costs for gas, your food, and a hotel bill. This all makes breeding cats a very expensive hobby. If you are really interested in breeding cats, read Breeding Purebred Cats by Anne Moore.
Photo of Ari and Nico © Chanan |
