Questions to ask a cat breeder: a checklist
A checklist of what to ask a cat breeder about the parents, health testing, the kitten, the contract and payment — and what good answers sound like.
By PurrTrust Editorial Team · Updated · 3 min read
A first call with a breeder is an interview in both directions. These questions help you find out how the kittens are bred and raised, what is in the contract and how payment works. You do not need to ask every one; pick the ones that matter for your breed and situation, and write the answers down so you can compare breeders later.
A good breeder will be happy to answer, and will usually volunteer much of this before you ask. Vague answers, irritation or pressure to pay quickly are signals in their own right.
About the cattery
- What is your cattery name, and which registry is it registered with (TICA, CFA or another)?
- How long have you bred this breed, and how many litters do you have in a typical year?
- Do the cats live in your home? Can I see where the kittens are raised on a video call or visit?
- Do you show your cats, or belong to a breed club?
- Can you give me references from people who bought a kitten from you?
About the parents and health testing
- What are the registered names of the mother (dam) and father (sire)? Can I see their registration?
- Which health tests have the parents had, and can I see the lab reports or vet reports with dates?
- For heart screening: was the echocardiogram done by a veterinary cardiologist, and how recently?
- Has either parent, or a previous litter, had health problems?
- How old is the mother, and how many litters has she had?
- Can I meet the mother on the video call? (The father may live elsewhere; that is normal.)
The tests that matter differ by breed. A Maine Coon breeder should talk about HCM, SMA and PK-def; a Persian breeder about PKD. Check the breed guide for your breed, and read HCM and PKD: health tests explained to understand the results.
About the kitten
- How old will the kitten be when it goes home? (Around 12 weeks or older is typical for pedigree kittens.)
- Which vaccines and deworming treatments will it have had, and on what dates?
- Is it microchipped? Will it be spayed or neutered before going home?
- Has a vet examined it, and can I have a copy of the records?
- How has it been socialized: children, other pets, household noise, being handled and groomed?
- What food and litter is it used to?
- What is its personality like compared with its littermates?
About the contract and guarantee
- Can I read the contract before I pay a deposit?
- Is the kitten sold as a pet on a spay/neuter contract, or with breeding rights?
- What does the health guarantee cover, for how long, and what do I need to do to keep it valid (for example, a vet check within a set number of days)?
- If a genetic problem appears, is the remedy a refund, a replacement kitten or help with vet bills? Do I have to return the cat?
- Will you take the cat back at any age if I can't keep it?
- When do I receive registration papers?
Our guide to what a kitten contract should include explains each of these clauses.
About the deposit and payment
- How much is the deposit, and is it refundable? Under what circumstances?
- What happens to my deposit if the kitten is not available or not healthy?
- How can I pay? (Avoid gift cards, wire transfers, Zelle and crypto.)
- When is the balance due, and is it due before or at pickup?
- Are there any other fees: shipping, vet, microchip or 'insurance'? (Surprise fees after you pay are a classic scam.)
About pickup and support
- Can I pick the kitten up in person? If not, how will it travel and who pays?
- Will the kitten have a health certificate (CVI) if it is crossing state lines?
- What will come home with the kitten: food, records, a familiar blanket or toy?
- Can I contact you with questions after the kitten comes home?
For travel options, see pickup vs. flight nanny.
What good answers sound like
- Specific: names, dates and documents rather than 'all our cats are healthy'.
- Consistent: the registry, cattery name and location match everywhere.
- Unhurried: no pressure to decide today, and no push to pay outside a protected method.
- Curious about you: questions about your home, schedule and other pets.
If something doesn't add up, it is fine to walk away. Another litter will come along, and our scam checklist lists the warning signs to watch for.