When it comes to selecting a cat breeder (or any pet breeder) , it is crucial to be cautious and diligent in your research. Unfortunately, some breeders may engage in unethical practices, such as selling animals without pedigrees or selling kittens at the age of 8 weeks, which is too young for them to be separated from their mother. Additionally, some breeders do not neuter kittens before they go to their new homes, perpetuating a harmful cycle that negatively impacts both the animals and the industry as a whole.
Quite often, these unethical breeders copy advertising from reputable breeders to appear legitimate and use unrealistic marketing tactics. They may provide fake documents and certificates to gain more customers. This article aims to shed light on the red flags to watch out for when identifying unethical breeders.
1. Lack of Health Testing:
One of the most significant indicators of an unethical breeder is their failure to conduct proper health testing on their cats. Responsible breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their animals, ensuring they undergo regular veterinary care, genetic testing, and health screenings BEFORE breeding them. It is important to verify the health documents of the breeding parents to ensure that the documents belong to them and not their ancestors. With genetic testing, each sample must be taken by a vet, and the microchip number of the animal must be confirmed by the vet to ensure the sample was taken from the tested animal. If a breeder suddenly offers health warranties for conditions without a history of health testing or provides health documents without the Veterinary Clinic Name or with covered reference numbers, it is essential to approach with caution.
2. Absence of Health Guarantees:
Ethical breeders typically provide 2 years of health guarantees for their kittens, assuring buyers that the kitten is free from genetic disorders or health issues at the time of purchase. Unethical breeders may not offer health warranties at all or may offer unrealistic long health warranties as a marketing ploy to attract customers without actually conducting the necessary health testing. Lack of transparency in providing detailed health guarantees should raise concerns.
3. Inconsistencies in Advertising:
Watch for inconsistencies in the breeder's advertising. If they suddenly start using marketing tactics that seem out of character for them, such as offering unrealisting long
warranties for health conditions they previously didn't prioritize, it could be a red flag. Ethical breeders maintain consistent and transparent practices, ensuring the health and well-being of their cats are always a top priority.
4. Lack of Transparency:
Unethical breeders may lack transparency when it comes to providing information about their breeding program. They may be reluctant to disclose the lineage and pedigrees of their cats or avoid answering specific questions about their breeding practices. Ethical breeders, on the other hand, are open and willing to share information, allowing potential buyers to make informed decisions.
5. Check if the Cattery is Registered with the Right Governing Bodies and Authorities:
In addition to the previous points mentioned, it is crucial to investigate whether the cattery is registered with the appropriate governing bodies and authorities. This ensures that the breeder adheres to certain standards and regulations. Here are some key aspects to consider:
a) Registration with GCCF and TICA:
The GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy) and TICA (The International Cat Association) are two well-known and respected organizations that register and regulate cat breeders. A legitimate breeder who aims to produce healthy and well-socialized kittens will often be registered with one or both of these organizations. Registration with GCCF or TICA ensures that the breeder follows ethical breeding practices and meets certain standards set by these organizations.
b) Local Authority Licensing:
In many regions, including Scotland, breeders are required to obtain a breeding license from the local authority if they have three litters or more each year. This license ensures that the breeder complies with local regulations and guidelines regarding animal welfare, health, and breeding practices. It is essential to verify if the breeder holds a valid breeding license and if they have undergone inspections by the local authority.
c) Tax Compliance:
An ethical breeder will operate as a legitimate business and fulfill their tax obligations. Check if the breeder has registered their business and pays taxes on their gains. A breeder who avoids paying taxes or operates under the table may indicate a lack of professionalism and commitment to ethical practices. It is advisable to verify the breeder's tax compliance status.
d) Location of Breeding Cats:
Consider the physical location of the breeding cats. A legitimate and ethical breeder will typically house all their breeding cats at the same address, within a designated cattery facility. This ensures proper supervision, care, and optimal living conditions for the cats. If a breeder has cats located in separate households or in unsuitable conditions, it may be a red flag indicating a backyard breeder or an illegitimate cattery, who is trying to avoid health inspection from local authorities.
When assessing a breeder's legitimacy and ethical practices, it is important to consider if they are registered with reputable organizations such as GCCF and TICA, hold the necessary local authority breeding license, comply with tax regulations, and maintain a proper cattery setup. These factors contribute to ensuring that the breeder follows ethical breeding practices, prioritizes the health and well-being of their cats, and operates as a responsible and legitimate business. Conducting thorough research and due diligence in these areas will help potential buyers make informed decisions and support ethical breeders.
By being vigilant, conducting thorough research, and paying attention to red flags such as lack of health testing, absence of health guarantees, inconsistencies in advertising, and lack of transparency, potential buyers can make informed decisions and avoid supporting unethical breeders.
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