11 Tips for Identifying a Reputable Cattery
We’re a hobby cattery, and that means our kittens are raised right underfoot, we only have a few litters a year (our kittens go to pet homes only), and they are showered with love from day one. We take pride in the incredibly well-socialized kittens we raise, and it’s always heartwarming to hear from new families about how quickly they adapt and how sweet and outgoing they are. This is the magic of keeping things small and personal – it truly makes all the difference!
11 Tips for Identifying a Reputable Cattery:
1. Transparency with TICA or CFA Registry
Ensure the breeder is listed with a legitimate registry like TICA or CFA, and that the name you pay matches the one on the registry. If a cattery isn’t listed, simply call and verify their credentials. Note that some breeders may choose not to be listed for various reasons, like the cost or recommendations from their vet (such as my reproductive vet not agreeing with the early spay and neuter policy required to be listed).
2. META Verification
A blue check mark on META (Facebook/Instagram) is a helpful tool for verifying a business, as it requires submitting government ID and tax documents. While the absence of a blue check doesn’t mean someone isn’t legitimate, it can help you confirm their authenticity more quickly.
3. Willingness to FaceTime
A legitimate breeder should be open to FaceTime or video calls, especially if they are not comfortable having strangers visit their private home. This shows their willingness to build trust and transparency. My home is not open to the public for health and safety reasons, as visitors can unintentionally spread viruses and bacteria harmful to cats, like Strep B. My safety is also very important to me.
4. Application Process Before Payment
A responsible breeder will have an online application process. They won’t just accept payment without ensuring the potential adopter is a good fit. Reputable breeders care about where their kittens are going and won’t sell to anyone willing to pay without a proper screening process.
5. Engaging Social Media Presence
A trustworthy breeder has a genuine social media presence—not just constant posts about available kittens. Look for engagement with followers, helpful advice, and transparency. A reputable breeder builds relationships and trust over time, not just a sales pitch.
6. Consistent Payment Details
When making a payment, ensure it’s to the same name listed in communication and on the cat registry. Consistency is key. The person you pay should match the name on the registry, and payments should go through secure and consistent channels. Venmo, PayPal, etc
7. Photos and Videos from One Location
Check that all photos and videos are coming from the same home location. You should recognize familiar backgrounds like the living room, catio, or cat room. Consistency in location helps confirm authenticity.
8. Real Testimonials
Legitimate breeders will have honest testimonials from real people who have purchased kittens. Look for feedback from past customers that reflects the breeder’s quality and care.
9. Visible and Consistent Presence
A reputable breeder is willing to appear on camera in reels. You should see the same person or people interacting with the cats and kittens in videos and photos. I personally share images and videos of myself with the kittens, along with my partner Jeff, so you can connect with us and see the care we give.
10. Proof of Veterinary Care, Exam, and Vaccines.
A reputable Cattery will provide vet paperwork for you to take to your vet at pickup and be happy to provide who their vet is beforehand. Any breeder vaccinating at home, should at least provide an exam by their vet prior to the kitten going home. *I do not vaccinate at home. *I'll also add this, HEALTH TESTING for PKD, SMA, HCM etc.
11. Two-Health Guarantee and Spay and Neuter Clause:
My reproductive vet and standard vet do not recommend early spay and neutering. I have never had a vet who has recommended it. It is the client's responsibility to have the kitten S/N at an appropriate and healthy age. I have heard everything from no sooner than 6 months old all the way to 12/18 months old. For female due to pyometra, I recommend 6 months old, but males can be around 9 to 12 months old. Our kittens are for pet homes only and must be spayed/neutered by 6 to 9 months of age, and I do not send home TICA paperwork until proof that the kitten has been altered. Maine Coons are at risk right now due to their growing popularity. We’re seeing an increase in overbreeding and in people entering the breed without fully understanding the long-term expenses, the need for a reproductive vet, zero knowledge on feline reproduction, or the importance of placing kittens in carefully vetted homes. This is such an important conversation within the breed community right now.
11 Tips for Identifying a Reputable Cattery:
1. Transparency with TICA or CFA Registry
Ensure the breeder is listed with a legitimate registry like TICA or CFA, and that the name you pay matches the one on the registry. If a cattery isn’t listed, simply call and verify their credentials. Note that some breeders may choose not to be listed for various reasons, like the cost or recommendations from their vet (such as my reproductive vet not agreeing with the early spay and neuter policy required to be listed).
2. META Verification
A blue check mark on META (Facebook/Instagram) is a helpful tool for verifying a business, as it requires submitting government ID and tax documents. While the absence of a blue check doesn’t mean someone isn’t legitimate, it can help you confirm their authenticity more quickly.
3. Willingness to FaceTime
A legitimate breeder should be open to FaceTime or video calls, especially if they are not comfortable having strangers visit their private home. This shows their willingness to build trust and transparency. My home is not open to the public for health and safety reasons, as visitors can unintentionally spread viruses and bacteria harmful to cats, like Strep B. My safety is also very important to me.
4. Application Process Before Payment
A responsible breeder will have an online application process. They won’t just accept payment without ensuring the potential adopter is a good fit. Reputable breeders care about where their kittens are going and won’t sell to anyone willing to pay without a proper screening process.
5. Engaging Social Media Presence
A trustworthy breeder has a genuine social media presence—not just constant posts about available kittens. Look for engagement with followers, helpful advice, and transparency. A reputable breeder builds relationships and trust over time, not just a sales pitch.
6. Consistent Payment Details
When making a payment, ensure it’s to the same name listed in communication and on the cat registry. Consistency is key. The person you pay should match the name on the registry, and payments should go through secure and consistent channels. Venmo, PayPal, etc
7. Photos and Videos from One Location
Check that all photos and videos are coming from the same home location. You should recognize familiar backgrounds like the living room, catio, or cat room. Consistency in location helps confirm authenticity.
8. Real Testimonials
Legitimate breeders will have honest testimonials from real people who have purchased kittens. Look for feedback from past customers that reflects the breeder’s quality and care.
9. Visible and Consistent Presence
A reputable breeder is willing to appear on camera in reels. You should see the same person or people interacting with the cats and kittens in videos and photos. I personally share images and videos of myself with the kittens, along with my partner Jeff, so you can connect with us and see the care we give.
10. Proof of Veterinary Care, Exam, and Vaccines.
A reputable Cattery will provide vet paperwork for you to take to your vet at pickup and be happy to provide who their vet is beforehand. Any breeder vaccinating at home, should at least provide an exam by their vet prior to the kitten going home. *I do not vaccinate at home. *I'll also add this, HEALTH TESTING for PKD, SMA, HCM etc.
11. Two-Health Guarantee and Spay and Neuter Clause:
My reproductive vet and standard vet do not recommend early spay and neutering. I have never had a vet who has recommended it. It is the client's responsibility to have the kitten S/N at an appropriate and healthy age. I have heard everything from no sooner than 6 months old all the way to 12/18 months old. For female due to pyometra, I recommend 6 months old, but males can be around 9 to 12 months old. Our kittens are for pet homes only and must be spayed/neutered by 6 to 9 months of age, and I do not send home TICA paperwork until proof that the kitten has been altered. Maine Coons are at risk right now due to their growing popularity. We’re seeing an increase in overbreeding and in people entering the breed without fully understanding the long-term expenses, the need for a reproductive vet, zero knowledge on feline reproduction, or the importance of placing kittens in carefully vetted homes. This is such an important conversation within the breed community right now.