• Takes responsible care of all of his or her cats (breeding stock & kittens), and  provides:
  A) Sufficient companionship, affection, interaction & attention
  B) Nutritious quality food & fresh clean water
  C) Adequate shelter
  D) Immunization
  E) Proper vet care
  F) Parasite prevention/treatment
  F) Grooming
  G) Exercise
  H) Socialization
• Belongs to a national (and/or local) breed club.
• Abides by their breed club's Code of Ethics.
• Tests their breeding stock for any congenital diseases, conditions  and strives to eliminate genetic problems by breeding only sound cats  (shown to be free of any serious physical conditions and/or temperament problems).
• Only breeds cats that have excellent temperaments.
• Is very knowledgeable about their breed.
• Strives to better their breed.
• Immunizes their kittens' Sires and Dams (& their Kittens) against:  Rhino, Calici. Panaleukepenia, & Rabies.
• Screens potential owners thoroughly, and does not sell to those who are  unsuitable.*
• Educates potential owners, and discloses any pertainent information about their breed
• Discloses info about (and abides by) "The CAT Lemon Law".
•  Neuters and spays all kittens that are not of superb quality.
• Offers new kitten/cat owners guidance and support (for the kitten's entire  lifetime).
• NEVER sells kittens to brokers, pet shops or animal outlets of any kind  (including so-called "Kennel/Cattery Clubs"). Period.**
• Shows and titles their cats.
• Supports or participates in breed rescue work whenever possible.
• Never breeds out of greed (and never over-breeds).
• Will take back a kitten or cat that doesn't work out.

*A reputable breeder wants to know as much about you, your household, your schedule and your ability to properly care for a kitten (throughout its entire lifetime), as you want to know about the breeder's kittens.

**Important Note: Many pet stores and puppy outlets tell prospective buyers that their kittens come from reputable breeders, even though the large majority of these places actually get their kittens from kitten/puppy mills and second-rate commercial breeding facilities.  The bottom line is: NO reputable breeder will ever sell their kittens to a pet store or kitten/puppy outlet, and NO pet store or kitten or puppy outlet will ever admit to getting their kittens from a kitten or puppy mill.

Author - R & R Cullen
Last Updated06/05/11