Being a cat owner is not as easy as just having a cat in your home, and being a cat breeder is not as simple as having a cat that gives birth to kittens. Cat owners have a huge responsibility to care for their cats physically, emotionally, and financially, and these responsibilities apply even more to cat breeders.
If you are considering becoming a cat breeder, it is important to adhere to ethical laws to ensure that your breeding practices are appropriate and humane. In this article, we will discuss what it takes to become a cat breeder, including expenses and ethical considerations.
Prepare for Expenses
Cat breeding is not as simple as having a female and male cat produce kittens. There are several expenses that you will need to cover, many of which are ongoing.
Upfront Costs
Before you can even begin, you will need to purchase cat supplies. This includes food, bowls, litter boxes, nesting boxes, scratching posts, and bedding at the very least. Depending on how many breeding cats you plan to own, these costs can add up to several hundred dollars or more.
Then, you will need to buy the cats. A single breeding cat can easily cost upwards of $1000, and the price will only increase for rarer breeds. If you do not plan to purchase your male cat, you must set aside money for stud fees. These fees are paid to a breeder who has a male cat available for breeding. However, if you choose to purchase a male cat, you will also need to build a stud house to keep the male away from the females when necessary.
Ongoing Costs
Food and litter will need to be constantly replenished, and other pet care items will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Toys will also need to be purchased regularly to provide your cats with a variety of entertainment options and enough enrichment.
Medical expenses will also be a significant part of your ongoing costs. General veterinary care, such as routine checkups, treatment for injuries and illnesses, spaying/neutering, microchipping, and vaccinations, should be included in your budget for each cat and kitten you own. Additionally, you will need to be able to cover the costs of genetic health tests, disease tests, and blood tests to ensure the health of your breeding cats and any kittens produced.
Other Costs
In addition to caring for the cats, you will also need to cover the expenses involved in running a business. This may include insurance costs, website or marketing expenses, cat show equipment and fees, property taxes, and registration fees, among others.
Become an Ethical Cat Breeder
Before becoming an ethical cat breeder, ask yourself one question: why do you want to be a cat breeder? If the answer is financial gain, this may not be the right career for you.
As a cat breeder, your priority should be the best interest of every cat and kitten in your care. If you are dedicated to the breed you are breeding and capable of providing for the health and safety of each cat you own, you may be ready to become a cat breeder.
1. Research Cat Breeding
This step may take longer than any other step on this list, and that is okay. Before you begin, you need to have a thorough understanding of cat breeding. Of course, you will learn some things through experience, but the well-being and safety of your cats cannot be left to chance. If you do not put in the effort for this step, your breeding efforts will likely fail before they even begin.
Learn about the feline reproductive process as well as the birthing process. If you know any local cat breeders, reach out to them and ask specific questions about cat breeding, cat care, and running an ethical breeding business.
1. Introduction
Breeding cats can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. As a breeder, it is your duty to ensure the health and well-being of your cats and their offspring. In this guide, we will discuss the steps you can take to ethically breed cats and maintain high standards of care.
2. Register with a Reputable Cat Council
One of the first steps to ethical breeding is to register with a notable cat council, such as the Cat Fancier’s Association. By doing so, you will be held to a high ethical and humane breeding standard. This also helps to ensure that you are following proper guidelines and regulations.
3. Purchase Quality Breeding Cats
When selecting breeding cats, it is important to purchase them from a reputable breeder rather than a shelter or friend. This ensures that your cats have a good pedigree and are free from any genetic health issues. It is also recommended to have separate housing for your male and female cats to prevent unplanned pregnancies.
If you choose not to purchase a male cat, you will need to establish a relationship with another reputable breeder who has a male breeding cat. This may involve paying stud fees, so be prepared for this additional cost. It is important to ask for official medical and genetic records to ensure the health of the stud, and be prepared to provide the same for your own cat.
4. Register Your Cats
Once you have your breeding cats, it is important to register them with your chosen cat council. This process may vary depending on the organization, so be sure to follow their specific guidelines.
5. Breed with the Intention to Improve the Breed
As a responsible breeder, your focus should always be on improving the breed and the well-being of your cats. This includes knowing which diseases to screen for and taking necessary precautions to prevent them. Each breed has its own vulnerabilities, so it is important to educate yourself and stay informed.
6. Maintain a Clean and Sanitary Environment
It is crucial to provide your cats with a clean and sanitary environment at all times. This includes providing them with high-quality food, water, shelter, litter, and other necessities. Regular veterinary visits should also be scheduled for all cats and kittens, and ample time should be given for the queen to recover after giving birth.
7. Keep Detailed Records
As a breeder, it is important to keep detailed records of all medical care, genetic testing, and other notable procedures. This information may be requested by potential buyers and is also important for the health and well-being of your cats.
8. Only Sell Healthy Kittens
If a kitten is born with health issues, it is important to disclose this information to potential buyers. It is also unethical to sell a kitten that has not yet reached a proper stage of immunity against common infectious diseases. Even if a kitten has been exposed to an infectious disease, it is important to disclose this information to potential buyers.
9. Stay Connected with Buyers
Once a kitten has been sold, it is important to stay connected with the new owners in case they have any questions or concerns about their cat in the future. It is your responsibility to provide continuous education and advice, but it is important to note that you should not replace the role of a veterinarian.
Breeding cats ethically requires a great deal of dedication, knowledge, and responsibility. By following these guidelines, you can ensure the health and well-being of your cats and their offspring, and contribute to the improvement of the breed as a whole.
The Responsibilities of Cat Breeding
Cat breeding is a serious undertaking that requires dedication, knowledge, and resources. It is not a hobby or a way to make quick money. Responsible cat breeding involves a commitment to the health and well-being of the cats and their offspring.
Financial Considerations
Before deciding to become a cat breeder, it is important to understand the financial responsibilities involved. Breeding cats requires a significant investment in time, money, and resources. From purchasing high-quality breeding cats to providing proper nutrition, veterinary care, and supplies, the costs can add up quickly.
In addition, there may be unexpected expenses such as emergency medical care for the cats or unexpected complications during pregnancy and birth. It is crucial to have a solid financial plan in place to ensure that all expenses can be covered.
Ethical and Humane Practices
As a cat breeder, it is your responsibility to ensure that your cats are treated with the utmost care and respect. This includes providing a safe and clean living environment, regular veterinary check-ups, and proper socialization. It is also important to follow ethical and humane breeding practices, such as not overbreeding your cats and avoiding inbreeding.
It is also important to consider the impact of breeding on the overall cat population. Overbreeding can lead to an overpopulation of cats, which can result in many cats ending up in shelters or on the streets. Responsible breeders should have a plan in place for finding suitable homes for their kittens and should never contribute to the overpopulation problem.
The Rewards of Cat Breeding
Despite the challenges and responsibilities, cat breeding can be a rewarding experience. Bringing new life into the world and contributing to a cat breed that you are passionate about can be incredibly fulfilling. It also allows you to form strong bonds with your cats and their offspring.
Furthermore, responsible cat breeding can help improve the overall health and quality of a specific breed. By carefully selecting breeding cats and following ethical practices, breeders can help reduce the risk of genetic health issues and produce healthier kittens.
Conclusion
Cat breeding is not for everyone. Before committing to this line of work, ensure that you can provide for all potential expenses and adhere to ethical and humane breeding practices. Breeding cats is hard work, but the satisfaction of bringing new life into the world and contributing to a beloved breed can be incredibly rewarding.
Featured Image Credit: Mariia Boiko, Shutterstock