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