Finding a Persian Cat Breeder

Finding a Persian cat breeder isn't necessarily hard. The hard part is finding a good Persian cat breeder. Not all Persian cat breeders are good breeders, and it is important to be able to identify a good one. Good breeders are known for producing show quality and pet quality healthy kittens, while breeders who are just in it for the money may produce healthy kittens of high quality – but the kittens are not very well socialized.

Start at your veterinarian’s office. Ask about Persian breeders and catteries in your area. The veterinarian should be able to make a recommendation or two. If the veterinarian cannot make a recommendation, ask if he knows another veterinarian that deals with Persians, and visit or contact that veterinarian.

Your next step is to visit cat shows. Here, you can talk to the judges and exhibitors, and they will most likely give you the name of a good breeder in your area. In fact, you will most likely meet the breeders in your area, and most will have their business cards with them as well.

You can also locate breeders online, through the CFA, or opt to locate Persian rescue organizations in your area. When you've identified a few breeders, make an appointment to visit each one. You should arrive with a list of questions – and the breeder should have plenty of questions of their own. It is good when a breeder shows concern about the potential homes for their kittens.

The best breeders do not cage their cats and kittens. Instead, the kittens are kept in the home with the breeder’s family. This is a great thing, because the kittens are usually well-adjusted and socialized... and of course they have been raised in cleaner surroundings. Ask to see the mother and father of the litter.

Find out if the breeder offers a written health guarantee, if the kittens have seen the veterinarian, if they have been tested for Feline Leukemia and FIV, and if there are any genetic problems in the bloodlines of these kittens. Ask the breeder if you will be able to contact them at a later time – after you have brought your kitten home – if you have questions or concerns about the kitten.

Ask to see the kitten’s vaccination certificate, pedigree, and registration papers. If the breeder has not yet registered the kittens, they should provide you with the forms to do so, as well as the necessary documentation for registering the kitten.

There are many good Persian breeders out there – but again, they are not necessarily easy to find. Take your time, ask questions, get references, and make visits – and you will eventually find an excellent breeder, and the perfect Persian kitten for you and your family.