How to Choose a Cat Cattery
Bengal cats are fascinating and unique thanks to their exotic coat and playful nature. If you’re considering getting a Bengal cat, it’s essential to choose a reputable cattery that cares for its animals with love and responsibility. Unfortunately, there are also brokers on the market who focus solely on profit and do not guarantee good living conditions for the cats. So, how do you properly choose the right cattery and spot a broker?
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1. Verify Registration and Licensing
Serious Bengal cat breeders are registered with international feline organizations such as FIFe (Fédération Internationale Féline), TICA (The International Cat Association), or CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association). These organizations ensure ethical breeding practices and regularly inspect breeders to confirm they meet strict standards. Check if the cattery has official certifications and permits to breed Bengal cats.
2. Visit the Cattery in Person
A reputable breeder will always allow you to visit their cattery. During your visit, observe the conditions in which the cats are kept. Bengal cats are typically raised in a family environment with plenty of space for playing and interaction. The cats should be clean, well-fed, and socialized. If the breeder refuses visits or makes excuses, it could be a red flag.
3. Find Out the Cats’ Origins
A responsible breeder will provide a full history of the cat’s parents and ancestors. Knowing the pedigree is important for Bengals, as this breed can be prone to certain genetic conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or allergies. A good breeder will show you the health tests that parents and possibly grandparents have undergone, along with results for genetic diseases. Be cautious if the breeder won’t let you see the pedigree or health records.
4. Check the Cats’ Health
Bengal cats should be healthy, vaccinated, and dewormed. Health certificates, vaccination records, and tests for common diseases are standard with reputable breeders. A quality breeder will provide all health documents for both the parents and the kittens. If a breeder is reluctant to show health records or dodges the topic, consider looking elsewhere.
5. The Breeder Cares About the Cats After Sale
A serious Bengal breeder will be interested in how the cat adapts to your home. They should be willing to offer advice and answer your questions even after the purchase. Brokers typically lose interest after the sale. Good breeders stay in touch with owners to ensure their cats live long, healthy lives.
6. Know the Difference Between a Breeder and a Broker
Brokers often focus on quick profit, sometimes at the expense of the cat’s health or socialization. Kittens from brokers may be sold too early, without necessary health testing or pedigree, or raised in unhealthy conditions. Quality breeders sell kittens at 12–16 weeks, fully socialized and ready for their new home. Brokers usually won’t share information about the parents, health, or origins. A good breeder will provide all the needed info and guarantee the cat’s good condition.
7. Don’t Trust Prices That Are Too Low
Bengal cats can be quite expensive due to their unique genetics, beauty, and breeding complexity. If the price is too low compared to market rates, it may indicate the cat comes from uncontrolled breeding or that ethical standards aren’t being met. Brokers often sell Bengals at a lower price but without guarantees of health or pedigree.
8. Ask About Socialization and Living Conditions
Bengal cats are known for their playfulness and intelligence. A good breeder ensures kittens grow up in an environment that supports their natural behavior and socialization. Kittens should be accustomed to contact with people, children, and other pets (if possible). Responsible breeders spend time with the kittens, teach basic habits, and prepare them for life in a home.
9. If You Encounter Kittens in Poor Conditions, Don’t Try to Rescue Them Alone
If you find kittens or other animals living in unacceptable conditions, it’s not advisable to rescue them on your own. Although it’s natural to feel compassion, such actions can unintentionally support illegal breeders, allowing them to evade legal responsibility and continue harmful practices. Illegal breeders are motivated solely by profit and often neglect proper health care and socialization.
If you discover animals in poor conditions, the best course of action is to contact the appropriate authorities. You can reach out to the police if it’s a serious case of animal abuse, the local municipal office responsible for animal welfare, or veterinary authorities who conduct inspections and can impose sanctions. These bodies have the authority to handle the situation professionally and legally, ensuring animals get proper care and helping to punish illegal breeders.
Conclusion
Choosing a good Bengal cattery is essential to ensure the health, happiness, and long life of your new cat. Be thorough in your selection, communicate openly with the breeder, and ask to see all necessary documents and information. Following these guidelines will help you bring home a beautiful, healthy Bengal companion who will bring you joy for many years.
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