is an annoying contagious problem with infected felines carrying the parasite responsible for the condition within their systems. It took months with several additional outbreaks before this problem was properly addressed.
Approximately eight weeks later with a great deal of care my three cats were finally cured of ringworm. However the male suffered through three additional outbreaks as he became known as a “carrier”. Such a feline carries the dreaded ringworm infection within their system despite the appearance of being cured. The ringworm infection lies dormant only to reappear. Three years later I was still battling this annoying infection and watching my beloved male depressed by weeks of medication and isolation.
I truly lived to regret my decision. Coming from a family of canine breeders my father had always insisted in only purchasing healthy breeding stock for our family kennel. As a cat breeder I wish to further stress the importance of only purchasing the best quality breeding felines you are able to afford. Ensure that you are conducting business with a reputable breeder and purchase felines with strong compatible bloodlines. You may spend more with your initial purchase but will save many years of breeding and expense to perfect your own bloodline. This holds especially true for your stud male as he is the ‘Cornerstone of Your Cattery’. There are few bargains in the Cat Fancy World. As the saying goes, “If it appears to be too good to be true it probably is.”
2) Do you trust your mentor’s actions and agree that their methods are ethical?
It is best to be of like minds with your mentor. I have known relationships that came to an abrupt end when breeders have tried working together. The same can be said of accepting a mentor’s advice in the management of your cattery. If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of your mentor’s participation within your breeding program it is best to politely listen but follow your own counsel.
3) Does your mentor raise the same breed of kitten as you and are you purchasing from their cattery?
Unless your mentor resides in an area far removed from your cattery problems often arise when this scenario comes into play. It is unwise to purchase from a cattery too close to your home. It is also unwise to sign any contracts which may limit your use or permit your mentor use of any stud male purchased from your mentor or in partnership with your mentor. Therefore, it may be better to purchase slowly and ask many questions from the cattery where you intend to complete feline purchases.
It is far easier to use cat shows, the internet and web sites such as Jasmine’s Confessions of a Cat Breeder for unbiased information. If you read or are given the same advice from several unrelated sources and are comfortable with that information chances are it will be right for your cattery.
4) Do you feel used or taken advantage of by your mentor due to contracts and purchases that appear to work more in their favor?
If you are feeling uncomfortable with your mentor then listen but limit your contact with them. Visit their cattery but restrict their access to your own. Do not sign any documents and do not commit to any purchases. When you are in their cattery you will still learn by observing. By not permitting them access to your cattery they will soon lose interest in your breeding program. If you always trust your instincts you will seldom go wrong.
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Jasmine had the unfortunate experience of having an unscrupulous, want-to-be mentor interested in her cattery. At one time this breeder attempted to get Jasmine’s best stud male into her own breeding program. She did this by sending someone masquerading as a buyer to make an offer. On yet another occasion she asked Jasmine to tell a couple that the Top Show Quality kitten they were buying had died so that she could use him in her own breeding program. Needless to say this breeder never became Jasmine’s mentor.
In the following pages you will find the support and encouragement you need without incurring costly errors and paying the price. You will learn proven methods to attract kitten sales and always maintain your integrity.
Jasmine’s Confession of Finding Her Mentor
As with many other breeders I contemplated starting a cattery for several years before I actually began one. Until then in my never ending quest for guidance all I encountered were closed doors. I was hungry for information and a place to begin understanding the complex world of cat breeding.
Attending an annual cat show appeared to be the perfect opportunity to meet breeders and receive the guidance required to start my own breeding program. The large hall was filled with breeders from all over North America proudly showing their beautiful felines. I approached several breeders in an attempt to question them. However their attention was totally focused on the show and they appeared annoyed with my interruptions. Others were overly anxious and willing to promise anything in an attempt to make a sale. I was afraid a breeder would simply sell me any kitten, grab my money and run.
I was intimidated by their breeder jargon and many of the exhibitors did not appear to be interested in responding to my inquiries. My ‘buyer beware’ instincts were on constant alert while questioning them. I felt terribly shy and was completely out of place totally overwhelmed by the excitement of the cat show environment.
In utter frustration knowing I had accomplished very little I left the show floor. Just prior to exiting the hall I discovered several cat breeding magazines which I quickly purchased. Finally I’d found some information in plain language that I could understand and use to educate myself. After devouring the material in the magazines I began reading the ‘Breeder’s Advertisements’. During the next several weeks I wrote to over one hundred catteries in search of information and hopefully some reasonably priced breeding cats.
In my initial contacts I stressed that I was starting and was therefore naïve to cat breeding. However many breeders did not take my situation into consideration. I received many written replies. Some were professionally presented while others were far too informal considering the prices they were requesting for their cats. I was forwarded complex correspondence with detailed cat pedigrees written in endless breeder jargon. The information was confusing and impossible for a novice breeder to interpret.
Today with internet access the situation is far different. If books such as the one you are presently reading had been available to me then I would have saved thousands of dollars. To this end, I have also written Volume 2 in the Felines by Design series entitled the Insider’s Guide to Buying Purebred Kittens. This is an excellent resource for both breeders and buyers. For example, you will discover how to:
• Question the breeder in your initial telephone contact.
• When visiting the cattery know the essential questions many breeders • prefer not to answer when you are viewing their litters.
• Know how to present yourself in the cattery without the breeder realizing the extent of your knowledge.
• Be able to identify a correctly priced kitten protected by a sound Ownership Contract.
• Recognize a responsible breeder operating a good cattery.
• Know the correct sequence of questions to ask when speaking with different breeders. As a buyer you will also understand how to interpret the breeder’s responses prior to completing your purchase.
• Know your rights in order to protect your kitten investment.
• Learn the principles of Kittens by Design and be able to identify the traits
