The comparison
genetic testing
We do genetic testing to ensure our breeding cats don't have any genetic defects. And annual heart scans. We do spay and neuter to save our parents that cost and ensure the breed stays solid. As a result, we are members of the Siberian Cat Health Association. A lot of people SAY they do this testing but the SCHA verifies this annually, so even if you don't get a kitten from me - I would recommend only getting one from one of the SCHA members.
THe comparison
Click on the comparison to the left and look at it closely.
This is something I've started sending my perspective parents. Even if you don't get a cat from me, please don't buy one from someone like this. I am on a crusade to rid the world of Siberian breeders that are mass breeding and are unethical.
want a kitten right now?
We understand that you would like to have your special furbaby immediately and that our wait-list right now is roughly 10-12 months. Most of us that do this testing and are not "mass breeding", carry a pretty significant wait-list. I would seriously be wary of anyone that has a bunch of kittens sitting around. We have 3 (soon to be 4) active queens and 1 active male. And our cats are our pets first and foremost. So they roam free thru our house and aren't crated. I know some breeders that keep their breeding cats in cages (and have 30/40 of them in a small space). We will just never be that cattery.
Mass breeding
Mass breeding is terrible for the queens because they are being bred back to back. It's terrible that these breeders are sending kittens home prior to 12 weeks (promotes biting and pica), and it's terrible that they keep their cats in cages. I hate it.
even if you don't get a cat from me....
The reason I say that about "even if you don't get a cat from me" is because another breeder once accused me of using it as a sales tactic. So I've started making it clear that I don't mind if you don't get a cat from me....I just don't want you to get a cat from THEM and hopefully that makes sense. I have enough of a waitlist that it will take me a very long time to fill it, so I have no reason to lie to anyone.
So you think you're saving a kitten
At the end of the day, you may believe that you are saving a kitten from a breeder. But by purchasing a kitten from an unethical breeder, you are sentencing more kittens to those same conditions. The only way to prevent this type of behavior - is to force these breeders out of business by not purchasing their cats. It is a hard thing to do, but it is the right thing to do.