How to Know a Breeder

[Kronos]

Looks like you are well on your way. That F6 is just so adorable.....

I also think you have done a wonderful job with this site Paige. We really needed a Savannah forum, there literally were none out there until this one came out.

 

[admin]

Thanks Alisha! Just wanted to give back and help educate...I think we are off to a wonderful start

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

I think given one will have one's kitty for hopefully MANY years, it is worth spending some time getting to know the breeder and making sure they are someone you wish to deal with . I do think you can know a lot about a kitten's personality at 8 weeks of age, if the breeder spends a decent amount of time with her kittens. Look for comments that are more specific that "very loving, friendly"... listen for specific stories about the kitten to know that the breeder might actually have observed that kitten.

I advise people to ask lots of questions and feel like the breeder has given time and thought to the answers. If they don't have time for that now, they definitely are unlikely to have time for you once they have your money! Most breeders nowadays have the ability to email pictures and little videos... so being able to visit in person is not as essential. It's not always possible to do so, some live in rather remote locations.

I don't think we want this forum to allow trashing of breeders, but by posting here if anyone has anything negative to contribute they can contact you privately I am sure. Be sure to take all comments with a grain of salt. Doing rescue, I've seen some situations where the breeder was trashed but when we got the kitty many of the claims were obviously not true. Good luck with your research!

 

[Dantes]

I think given one will have one's kitty for hopefully MANY years, it is worth spending some time getting to know the breeder and making sure they are someone you wish to deal with . I do think you can know a lot about a kitten's personality at 8 weeks of age, if the breeder spends a decent amount of time with her kittens. Look for comments that are more specific that "very loving, friendly"... listen for specific stories about the kitten to know that the breeder might actually have observed that kitten.

I advise people to ask lots of questions and feel like the breeder has given time and thought to the answers. If they don't have time for that now, they definitely are unlikely to have time for you once they have your money! Most breeders nowadays have the ability to email pictures and little videos... so being able to visit in person is not as essential. It's not always possible to do so, some live in rather remote locations.

I don't think we want this forum to allow trashing of breeders, but by posting here if anyone has anything negative to contribute they can contact you privately I am sure. Be sure to take all comments with a grain of salt. Doing rescue, I've seen some situations where the breeder was trashed but when we got the kitty many of the claims were obviously not true. Good luck with your research!

My intention was never to bash any breeder, I promise! But as you say, I plan to have this little buddy for 20 years...that's a long time. Unfortunately, when I went to get my Ragdoll, I had no idea how to work with a breeder, what to expect, etc as I had only had rescues up to that point. While my Ragdoll is lovely, he is has his own way of interacting with me, which isn't quite what I would have wanted, had I known what I was doing before I got him. That's why I'm being super careful this time around.

I have to admit that what caught me was Carol's description of the kitty as SingingBoy...I participate in a few music events and there's always singing (and dancing) going on in and around my home. She sent me a picture of him yodeling! But when I asked about a video or recording, she said she couldn't. I know that people have differing levels of technical expertise, but that really got me wondering. I think that's why my only choice will be to go there. Not that I doubt her--but like you said, 20 years is a long time.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

If I were attracted to a kitten called SingingBoy and he was supposed to yodel then I'd definitely be interested in hearing that!

I do think though, that when choosing a pet it is the one that leaps out to you via those pictures...and it will always be a chance you take as even if you go to the breeder's house the kittens might be shy when you meet them while they will blossom with a little age. Some kittens can go through phases and be more easily startled...I usually find by 16 weeks they have hit their stride in confidence but often buyers want the kittens earlier.

You are trying to be careful, so I hope your hard work pays off for you and you do get the kitten of your dreams

 

[admin]

I think it wonderful that you were asking questions and trying to do your due diligence. Our cats are our fur babies and will be with us a very long time...so you are right to find out all you can...ask all the questions you want and there are plenty of very experienced breeders and owners who can help you.

 

[Dantes]

A new question: Papers. My ragdoll's breeder provided me with a form that I could use to get papers for him by paying a few dollars and sending her form in. When I asked this breeder about papers, the following was her response: "I don’t typically send papers with pet kittens – the reason the Savannah kittens are so inexpensive. However, I am registering this litter as several are going to breeders. We could negotiate on price if you want the papers for him."

Is this normal? What would you normally expect to pay for papers for a Savannah? If you didn't have papers for him, how would you know that he's a true Savannah?

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

I know some breeders do this, but I really don't agree. Maybe because I was a pet owner once (and still think like one) and when I bought pedigreed pets I wanted their papers. Not because I was going to use them but as you say to confirm they were what they were sold and really just to have them.

I always individually register each kitten and send papers to the owners. I have had some pet owners tell me they don't care but I do it anyway.

I think it okay if a breeder holds the papers until sent proof of spay/neuter though.

 

[Kronos]

That is weird. Solo is a pet and I got his TICA registration paper with his parents on it. I got the same with Kronos although I had to fill out the form and pay for it myself... its TICA's "blue slip". That is pretty puzzling that she would raise the price of the kitten especially if the litter is already going to be registered.

 

[Dantes]

I think it okay if a breeder holds the papers until sent proof of spay/neuter though.

This is what I meant, at least in my head. Once I sent her the doctor form, she mailed me a paper that I could use to request his formal papers for a few dollars.