Cat Breeders. Information on cat breeders and breeding cats. Covers the evaluation of cats for breeding purposes and guidance on choosing possible mates.

Cat Breeds

Cat breeds are customarily divided into two major categories - longhaired and shorthaired cats. In each of these categories, there is a variety of specific breeds.

Cat associations in Europe and the United States officially set the standards of each breed.

What is Professional Breeding?

Professional breeding of cats in catteries is a complex business. You may think that it is enough to buy any purebred cats and start breeding them. In fact, it requires a good understanding of genetics governing each breed and detailed knowledge of the breeding history of the specific breeding pair.

Most pedigree cats are unsuitable for further breeding. These are called "pet quality" and are usually neutered and sold as pets to non-breeders.

In fact, only few of the kittens born to a pair of pedigree cats of the same breed have the right genetic qualities to be used as breeding cats. These are called "show quality" and are relatively rare and expensive.

It is especially important to know the diseases and genetic flaws typical of each breed, in order not to breed cats that have these flaws.

Pedigree cats are often more sensitive to diseases and stress, and hence, more money and time must be invested in maintaining their health and living conditions.

When cats are kept for breeding, they also need special habitats and nutrition. All these factors greatly increase the cost of running a professional cattery. Anyone who is thinking of entering the field of professional breeding in the hope of financial gain should think again.

Neutering the cat does not prevent you from actively showing the cat in professional cat shows. You can show your cat and compete for prizes in special categories reserved for neutered pedigree cats.

Breeding Cats

Before breeding your cat, visit your veterinarian. The vet can make sure your cat is healthy to breed, currently vaccinated and free from internal and external parasites.

It is particularly important with purebred cats to be aware of any potentially inherited problems, because each breed has a tendency to develop certain diseases or conditions.

Select a Mate

Choose a mate that best complements your cat's temperament and physical characteristics. All purebreds recognized by various kennel clubs have a set of physical standards considered to be the goal of breeding a litter of kittens.

Check the breed standard guides for your particular cat and then evaluate your cat against the accepted standard. Look for a mate that best complements and balances your cats structure, temperament, colour and size.

Understand Your Cat's Reproductive Cycle

A female becomes fertile several times a year. This is known as the heat cycle, and for a few specific days within this cycle, she will be fertile and accept a male.