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Being a Registered Breeder?

Got a new, young, furry love in your life? This is the place for you to ask all of your questions - big or small! Just remember that you are receiving advice from other cat owners and lovers... not professionals. If you have a major problem, always seek the advice of a vet or behaviorist! Most important is to remember to have fun with your new fur baby.

  
Penny

1244474
 
 
Purred: Mon Apr 16, '12 2:00am PST 
Hey guys! just wanted to get everyones opinion on this.

Is a SEVERE love (for lack of a better term LOL) for cats a good enough reason?

RIght now, I dont know alot, if not nothing about cats. I do know however, that I love every single one! I love the idea of breeding, Creating a line of beautiful cats, aiming for perfection, temperamentally and phsycially (health).

EVENTUALLY I want to become a registered breeder.

this is my plan in chronological order lol :

Currently in the process of researching cat breeds, to see which I feel im most suited too. Narrowed it down so far to atleast 16 different breeds lol.

Ive planned to attend as many cat shows as possible as a spectatre to really get an appreciation of what goes on at shows, and generally just enjoy looking at the different breeds in person. Trying (if they get time) to talk to breeders about thier breeds and just gather information

Foster kittens from the RSPCA to get a better handle/experience of looking after kittens.

Purchase a desexed show quality cat and show it for a few years to really get to know the breed, and expectations of what I want from my breeding program. Meet people who share my interests, possibly find a future mentor.

Start research into genetics and health, find some courses at tafe/CIT/Uni in regards to animal husbandry and any other relevant courses

Save money..as much as I possibly can, as I'm aware ill definately need money behind me. I'm also aware I probably wont make much if any at all, once I become registered as a breeder. Im prepared for this, and it doesnt worry me at all.

Move to a bigger place.


Keep in mind this plan is spanning over a minimum of 5 years. I dont want to rush into something as serious as this. Am I going about this the right way? I mean at this point I know this is something im definately wanting to do, but again, I might not want to do it in the future, who knows what we really want for ourselves. Point being, This is something that is really important too me, and it means alot.

Any opinion is welcome smile
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Maizy

I may meow to- you if you're- worthy
 
 
Purred: Wed Apr 25, '12 12:29pm PST 
It seems like you have done alot of homework on this issue. I would just keep learning all you can, and don't rush into anything - be sure it is what you want. Perhaps even fostering kittens from a shelter would help too.
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Bumpurr

RESPECT The- Star!
 
 
Purred: Wed Apr 25, '12 3:06pm PST 
I think you have a good plan. Talking to breeders at shows, will teach you alot. Just be aware, most are very willing to talk to you and anser any questions, but if they are getting ready for a class, or waiting on a Final, they will ask you to come back later, don't take offense, they are there to show.

I also think, starting with a Premier, is a great way, to learn about the breed you pick. When you decide on a breed, tell the breeder, you want a show quality kitten, they won't give you the papers, until, the kitty is spayed/neutered, and they will require proof, and they check, especially, especially, if it is a male. They also want to be sure, you are serious, about showing and running that kitten, which can get very very expensive. Ballpark entry fee is $50, cage fee is ballpark $25, then add in your gas, to the show and back, and the hotel. Most of us, travel 6 hrs one way, to a show, some even more. One came up from GA to the Garden State show, 16 hrs.

You also have to be prepared to keep any kitten or kittens, that do not sell, and/or replace a kitten, that has a health issue, and take back the sick kitten.

Vet bills for the care of the Queen, and the kittens, can get very expensive too, you have to take extra special care of the Queen, like a preg lady, and you are required to provide the kittens first shots and first worming.

You make little money off this, and most, have a full time job. The money you make, from selling the kittens, is used up, in the vet care, and show costs, if you want to be sucessful, you have to start showing your whole male, or whole female, in Championship, to promote your kittens, and line.

This is going to be a great discussion.

Bump from the Rainbow Bridge Friday April 13th 2012
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Bodrouex

all you need is- love
 
 
Purred: Thu Apr 26, '12 2:17pm PST 
I agree, sounds like a great plan. Make sure to talk to all the breeders of all cat breeds you like, and spend some time observing those breeds behaviors at the shows as well. That's how Meowma finally decided on us, and she has never regretted it. We have Bombay here too now, but the attitude is about the same. Decide which association you want to start in by attending some shows (CFA< TICA< etc)as they are somewhat different. (We are CFA kitties)
Most times we are trying to get people to do all the things you plan on without rushing into anything, so we say your prognosis is great. Oh, and make sure other breeders of the same breed like and respect the one you hook up with. If not, you will have a hard time getting any cats of your own choosing into your lines. I am happy to say Meowma is very, very lucky to have several really good breeders to work with and get advice from. And Meowma highly reccommends, if you are interested in CFA, join the CFA Newbee group on Yahoo. LOTS of experienced and new people there, so you can get really good advice. And if you happen to be in the area between Virginia and florida, you would be in our region. Feel free to Pm with any other questions and we will give you Meowma's real email smile
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Rory

little red- biscuit head
 
 
Purred: Thu Apr 26, '12 2:26pm PST 
Oh and Cowboy...aaauuuuugh the agony of defeat! Meowma was going to take us to the last show of the season so I would finish top 10 SE, and Bodrouex would have a great shot at being a Regional Top 25 cat. But--biterweet here, Meowma got a new job and the orientation is this weekend, for crying out loud. Who does that type of thing on saturdays???? And by the time we found someone to take us, the show was full. So, I will end up as #11 or 12, and Boody will be about #30. I STILL get to at least mostly retire unless we come to see you guys. And Boody gets to rest a season and might try again when he is 3. 20-20 hindsight says we should have gone to a few extra shows early this season. But Meowma and her co-owner are very proud of both of us. And lookit my new picture!
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Penny

1244474
 
 
Purred: Mon May 14, '12 5:23pm PST 
Hi everyone! Thankyou so much for all your responses smile Sorry it has taken me soo long to respond, I sort of abandoned the site after not reciving responses after a week haha I assumed it wasnt a very high traffic site!

Well I have now narrowed my selection down too about 3 Breeds! I will be going to my first cat show as a spectatre this coming weekend! Very exciting, and I'm sure this weekend will help play a big role in my ultimate desicion. Since my time in forums, I have met a few breeders in Australia here that will be attending this show, and they all were more than happy to arrange to meet with me at the show so I can talk to them and meet thier kitties! Definately looking forward too it!
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Maizy

I may meow to- you if you're- worthy
 
 
Purred: Tue May 15, '12 7:26am PST 
That is excellent. One of these days I want to go & see a cat show. I hadgone to & been in AKC shows many..many.. years ago with my Australian Terrier. What breeds are you thinking of? Just curious! Also, if you don't get an answer right away, you can bump it up to refresh...sometimes it might take a few days! Good Luck & let us know how it went!
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