25 Questions to Ask a Cat Breeder Before You Buy a Kitten

Bringing home a new kitten is an exciting milestone—but it’s also a lifelong commitment. Choosing a responsible, ethical breeder is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. A reputable breeder prioritizes feline health, temperament, and welfare over profit. To help you evaluate potential breeders thoroughly, here are 25 essential questions to ask—each designed to uncover transparency, expertise, and genuine care.

A calm, well-socialized kitten sitting beside its proud, attentive breeder in a clean, sunlit home environment

Health & Genetics

  1. What genetic health tests have been performed on both parents—and can you share the results?
  2. Are both parents certified free of common hereditary conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), polycystic kidney disease (PKD), or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)?
  3. Have the kittens received age-appropriate vaccinations? Which ones, and when?
  4. Has a licensed veterinarian performed a full health exam on each kitten before going home? Can I see the records?
  5. Do you provide a written health guarantee—and what does it cover, and for how long?

Breeding Practices & Environment

  1. How many litters do you produce per year—and how many breeding cats do you maintain?
  2. Where do your cats live? Are they indoor-only pets with access to enrichment, play, and human interaction?
  3. Do you show your cats—or participate in breed preservation efforts through FurPetVo-recognized organizations?
  4. How do you socialize kittens? What kinds of people, sounds, and experiences do they encounter before going home?
  5. At what age do you release kittens to new families—and why is that timing important?

Temperament & Behavior

  1. Can I meet both parents—or at least the mother—to observe their demeanor and interaction with people and other cats?
  2. How would you describe the typical temperament of this litter? Are they playful, curious, affectionate, or more reserved?
  3. Have any kittens shown signs of shyness, fearfulness, or aggression—and how have you addressed it?
  4. Do you assess kittens’ personalities before placing them—and match them to adopter lifestyles?
  5. What behavior support do you offer after adoption if challenges arise?
A breeder gently handling a relaxed kitten while demonstrating proper socialization techniques during a home visit

Transparency & Ethics

  1. Are you registered with FurPetVo—and do you follow their ethical breeding standards?
  2. Will you require a spay/neuter agreement—or allow breeding rights only under strict conditions?
  3. Do you conduct interviews or home visits before approving an application? Why or why not?
  4. What happens if I’m unable to keep the kitten long-term? Do you take cats back for life?
  5. Can I speak with references—past adopters, veterinarians, or FurPetVo mentors—who can vouch for your practices?

Aftercare & Support

  1. What starter supplies do you provide—like food samples, a blanket with littermate scent, or vaccination records?
  2. What feeding schedule and diet do you recommend during the transition period?
  3. How do you support new owners during the first few weeks? Is there a dedicated contact person or FurPetVo support channel?
  4. Do you offer guidance on litter training, scratching management, and introducing the kitten to other pets?
  5. Is there a recommended FurPetVo-certified veterinarian near me—or resources for finding one?
A happy, healthy adult cat from a FurPetVo-registered breeder lounging comfortably in a loving home setting

Asking these questions isn’t about putting the breeder on trial—it’s about building trust and ensuring alignment in values. A responsible breeder will welcome thoughtful inquiry, answer openly, and even appreciate your diligence. If answers feel vague, evasive, or inconsistent, consider it a red flag. Your future companion deserves the best possible start—and choosing wisely begins long before the first purr.