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08/25/08

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A guide to choosing

your new British Shorthair kitten

Most people, when deciding they would like a new kitten in their family, start by visiting the local book-shops, library or the internet to find the breed of cat they would like and which most suits their lifestyles.  Now having finally chosen the British Shorthair breed of cat the next step is to find a breeder who has the right kitten or kittens for you.  Obviously this is what the British Shorthair Breeders Group is all about – to help you find your new little furry friend.

Before we go any further though, have you asked yourself the reason why you want a new kitten.  If the answer is for “it to become part of the family, to be a much-loved pet for life, for the love and affection it can bring to you and the sheer enjoyment of sharing your home and life with it”, then all breeders will welcome you.  If on the other hand you want one because “there’s one on the telly advert”, “the colour would go with your new furniture and decorations” (yes, this comment is made), “when I have been out from 8.00 am to 6.30 pm every day of the week and sometimes at week-ends, I want something to have on my knee at night”, then most breeders would be cautious.  Kittens and cats are living, breathing beings and should be treated as such.  They need love, attention and security.

 

Having resolved the reasons for wanting a new kitten the question most often asked by prospective owners is “How do I know that the breeder I select is O.K. and that the kitten is healthy?  What do I look for when visiting a breeder?”  Therefore here are a few guidelines to help you.

 

Be prepared to travel – do not expect a pedigree kitten to be available just around the corner immediately you decide you want one.  It doesn’t work like that.  If you want a Blue, or a Silver Tabby, or a Colourpointed then that is what you want and not the nearest kitten which is available.  If you just want a British Shorthair kitten for looks and temperament and don’t mind what colour or sex then your search could be made easier.  All colours and patterns of British Shorthair cats share the same look and temperament as far as individual breeding.

 

 

The first contact with the breeder is usually by telephone and this will allow you to ask all the questions you want about the litter of kittens available.  It will also allow the breeder the chance to ask you questions they would like answering before deciding whether they would be prepared to home one of their kittens with you.  It works both ways!

 

If the first contact is encouraging arrange to visit the breeder to view the kittens.  The earliest at which kittens should be viewed is approximately 5 weeks of age.  By then they are steady on their feet, their ears have unfurled, their eyes have fully opened and they are just adorable little fluffy buddles with a wonderful AAAHHH!!! factor.  Any earlier than this and there isn’t a lot to see.  Certainly the first few weeks they look more like little sausages with fur and the risk of infection being passed to the kittens from handling by strangers is very real.  It must also be stressed that you should not arrange to visit more than one breeder on the same day – cross infection can be lethal.  Please respect the breeder and their kittens. 

The majority of kittens are indoor reared.  This means that they are well adjusted to normal family noises, i.e. telephone, door-bell, visitors, television, washing machine, etc., etc.  They also know what carpet, ceramic tiles, and wooden floors feel like under their feet, and by the time they come to you will have had their fair share of investigating wires, plugs, cupboards, shelves, human knees, baths, stairs, etc.  These kittens settle very quickly in a new home as they are used to a domestic environment.

 

Some breeders however have their mums and litters outdoors in a specially built cattery.   If the breeder you visit has outside facilities such as these do not be put off. 

 

The main thing in choosing a kitten is whether that kitten is loved by its breeder and is being well socialised with lots of playing and handling.  This is very important.  A happy, well-socialised kitten will settle into a new home far easier than one which hasn’t been handled and had lots of company.

 

Initially when visiting a litter of kittens you should be looking for plump, friendly kittens which are very square in build, with small ears, round eyes, short stocky limbs and a thick tail.  However if the first viewing cannot be arranged until around 10 weeks of age the kittens may have lost some of their roundness and will be starting to look rangey.  This is a normal part of their development.  They are like children and seem to grow in fits and starts.

 

You will have to trust the breeder, listen to what they tell you about the development of their lines.  Owners of British Shorthair cats have to learn to be patient as they are very slow to mature and reach their full beauty.

 

If the cats and kittens are healthy, happy and sociable and you are happy with their surroundings that’s fine.

 

Kittens should be available to go to their new homes at 13 weeks of age.  By then they will be fully vaccinated against cat ‘flu and enteritis (this is the minimum requirement of The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy).  Some breeders will also vaccinate against leukaemia and chlamydia.  The breeder is obliged to provide a Pedigree Certificate with each kitten, usually this is a four or five-generation pedigree although G.C.C.F. only stipulate a three-generation.  It is also recommended that breeders provide a feeding guide for the kitten, together with list of requirements, i.e. warm bed, litter tray, cat-stand, suitable toys (nothing with loose parts or string, or stuck-on bits).  Some breeders insure the kitten for the first six weeks in its new home.  Registration documents may also be provided.

 

The cost of kittens will vary depending on the area of the country.  The Southern areas can be more expensive than the Northern areas.  When purchasing a kitten do consider TWO.  Obviously initially it is twice the cost (although some breeders may be prepared to reduce the price slightly) but think of the advantages.  Twice the fun, twice the cuddles, some-one for the kitten to play with when you are busy, company for each other when you are out so no guilt trips on your part, and more than one cat for the family to enjoy.  It really is worth seriously considering.

 

We hope that this has helped you in your search for your new kitten – if you need any more help, information or advice (even when you have got your new companion) please contact the British Shorthair Breeders Group.  Finally please do not forget the breeder of your kitten – they would love the occasional telephone call or photograph to let them know that all is well with the baby they reared for you.

  

Should you require any help or advice from our group of Breeders please do mail, and someone from the group will contact you shortly.

Thankyou !

CopyrightBritish Shortha
Website Design
Copyright
 Jeanette Camm
British Shorthair Breeders Group. 
July 2002
ir Breeders Group. 
July 2002

 

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