Here are a few warning signs that you may be dealing with a disreputable, unethical, or irresponsible breeder:
The "breeder" doesn't know or care about a quality pedigree.
The "breeder" will breed a cat until it can no longer turn a profit. Profit is the key word, not breed furtherance.
The "breeder" will put down retired breeders, or re-sell them as breeders, rather than take the time and effort to find them a loving forever home as a spayed/neutered pet.
The "breeder" doesn't interview prospective owners or ask any questions about what sort of homes the kittens are going to.
The "breeder" definitely doesn't take back a kitten or cat if things don't work out. This will be an included part of a contract with any reputable breeder.
The "breeder" doesn't work to further the breed, breed out genetic issues, work with temperament, structure or health.
The "breeder" does not answer follow up questions or concerns once a pet has been sold. A good tip here is how quickly they answer your phone calls, questions or emails when you contact them to inquire about their kittens.
The "breeder" will happily sell to a pet shop or broker - since the goal is profit, not the welfare or happiness of the animal or the pets owners. Actually, pet shops and brokers are ideal, as they may sell many kittens at one time, often in litter lots.
The "breeder" often sells over the Internet - and may have quite a flashy website with gorgeous photos. Flashy websites don't necessarily mean quality breeders.
The "breeder" frequently houses adults and kittens in very small cages, for smaller cages means less clean up, more space to house others. They might not let you see where the adults/breeding cats or kittens are actually housed, bringing cats for you to see to the office/display area.
The "breeder" spends very few funds on veterinary care and may vaccinate themselves or not provide an actual health certificate. Ask for a veterinary referral.
The "breeder" does not socialize its' animals with other cats or humans.
The "breeder" frequently breeds multiple breeds on a small or large scale - with no concern for breed development, and may not even be familiar with the breeds' standards.
The breeder has no knowledge of their breeds' Rescue Network, Contact person or Breed clubs.
How to Spot an Unethical Breeder
The "breeder" does NOT encourage visitors - if you are unsure always visit the facility.
The "breeder" does not register the kitten in a noted cat registration association, or sells them without papers perhaps for a "reduced" price. Registration is very inexpensive, so there is no excuse not to record and register each an every litter and to provide a pedigree or family tree for each kitten.
The "breeder" does NOT allow a visitor to see most of the cattery. Often, they do not want you to meet or see the adults - they only show the kittens available.
The "breeder" often prefers to ship, or to meet you somewhere, so that the cattery is never visited.
The "breeder" is rarely a member of a breed association such as The International Bengal Cat Society.
The "breeder" never shows. That's not to say those who don't show are mills, to the contrary, but see if any of their cats come from recent show lines, or if the breeders' goal is to further the breed and produce show quality kittens - meaning the goal is to produce kittens who meet the breed standard very closely. If you intend to show your cat, or wish to purchase a "show quality cat" purchase from someone who shows cats on a regular basis.
The "breeder" does not receive quality references from other reputable breeders - ask for references.
The "breeder" frequently shows ignorance or denial of genetic defects in the breed, and therefore does not test the animals for known health issues - so ask if they are doing any testing/screening.
The "breeder" is not concerned with genetic issues common to the various breeds - so ask about that - and do a little research yourself beforehand - compare notes.
The "breeder" rarely gives health guarantees past the first few weeks of a kittens purchase date.
Reprinted with Permission (with additions by Tracey McCready) from the Bengal Bulletin, Jennifer Miller, author.
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