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First of all, why do you want to become a breeder, and what kind of breeder do you want to become--large, medium, or small-scale? Do you want to focus on pets, or on show cats? The first thing you should remember is that you will NOT earn much money as a breeder, as the overhead expenses more or less cancel out the profits. Let's assume that you want to become, not a "backyard breeder," but a responsible, medium- to small-scale breeder. First, you have to decide what breed to specialize in; breeders usually only do one or two breeds. Second, you need to go to cat shows to learn about breed standards and to meet real breeders. Third, you need to start showing cats. Fourth, you need to buy at least a female (you can use stud services until you decide you really want to become a breeder). And you must study a lot about cat husbandry and cat genetics. Finally, depending on the country, you may need a permit or license. Being a breeder is a LOT of hard work.
Leila
answered on 8/11/08.
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The first thing you must ask yourself is why do you want to breed cats. If it's for money than forget about it. Most of the time breeders don't even break even.
Queenie
answered on 8/12/08.
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I would urge you to reconsider, and have your cats spayed/neutered. There are far too many companion animals in this country, and millions are euthanized for lack of homes.
www.hsus.org
All of us were "unwanted" kitties - luckily we found a home with our purrson, but many cats and kittens are not so lucky.
Rumpelmintz
answered on 8/12/08.
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I agree, really think about why you want to become a breeder. Reputable breeders do NOT make any money from breeding cats. One breeder I met said she actually considers it a hobby because she loses money. Reputable breeders breed for the love of their chosen breed. Most reputable breeders also will NOT sell a cat or kitten unless neutered or a neutering agreement. They will only sell intact cats with breeding rights to other reputable breeders with good credentials. Reputable breeders also show their cats - which is expensive too. Your best bet if you still want to be a breeder - talk to some breeders, see if you can buy a neutered cat to get started showing (and see if you like it) then see if they will mentor you and help you if you decide you still want to breed. CFA does have a mentor program. There is a lot to consider and think it over very carefully.
Linus
answered on 8/13/08.
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Short answer: Don't.
Longer answer: Please don't. Not to make any assumptions, but if you need to come on the internet and ask in all caps how to become a "cat breader", you probably shouldn't do it. It's hard. Really freaking hard. If you started today it would probably be years before you'd even breed any cats. You need to show first and hopefully find a current breeder mentor to help you. Breeders do not just sell cats with breeding rights to people who say they want to become a breeder. You would spend thousands of dollars on show quality cats first, most likely alters that would never be able to be bred. You will need thousands of dollars to even start and may never make it back. You may buy a breeding female that never produces kittens and that can be a big financial hit. Just.. don't do it.
Here is a useful article:
www.breedlist.com
Atrus
answered on 8/13/08.
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Where is the bread? I want some!
I would assume that cat breeding, like dog breeding, is a lot of hard work. I don't know a lot about that, so I'm not much help.
Jay
answered on 8/13/08.
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Cats do not enjoy being breaded, whether in regular breadcrumbs or seasoned Panko. In fact, it is inappropriate to treat cats as food. Let's alert the ASPCA to this cruelty!
Guest 045117
answered on 8/22/08.
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