Kitten viewing at Avalon
So, you've decided on a Siamese or Oriental kitten, or maybe two!
The first thing you need to do is to arrange a kitten viewing. This will help you to assess the kittens and for the breeder to assess you. Not everybody is suited to life with an Oriental or Siamese, and not every kitten will suit you and your family. And a kitten may be with you for up to 20 years, so it is important to find the right one.
It is very exciting coming to view kittens, and it is easy to let your heart rule your head, so at Avalon we give you a cooling off period. This way you (and we) can decide when you are back at home. Children are very welcome to come with you for a viewing, but we do ask that you make it clear to them that you will not be going home with a kitten that day and that you may be looking at other litters too.
Here’s a useful list of things to look out for on your kitten viewing (this is useful whatever breeders you visit):
Here’s a list of the things a good breeder will be looking for from you:
The first thing you need to do is to arrange a kitten viewing. This will help you to assess the kittens and for the breeder to assess you. Not everybody is suited to life with an Oriental or Siamese, and not every kitten will suit you and your family. And a kitten may be with you for up to 20 years, so it is important to find the right one.
It is very exciting coming to view kittens, and it is easy to let your heart rule your head, so at Avalon we give you a cooling off period. This way you (and we) can decide when you are back at home. Children are very welcome to come with you for a viewing, but we do ask that you make it clear to them that you will not be going home with a kitten that day and that you may be looking at other litters too.
Here’s a useful list of things to look out for on your kitten viewing (this is useful whatever breeders you visit):
- Is the breeder registered with a reputable organisation such as the GCCF, TICA or FIFe? If they are not, you won’t be able to show the kitten. All breeders with these organisations commit to standards of welfare and breeding , which can result in a ban if they don’t meet those commitments.
- Can you see the mother with the kittens? The mother should be friendly and healthy looking.
- Do all the kittens look healthy? No runny eyes/noses, no sneezing, shiny fur and nice clean bottoms?
- Are the kittens friendly and playful?
- Are their litter trays and food and water bowls clean?
- What does the breeder feed the kitten? Siamese and Orientals can get upset tummies if their food is switched too quickly, and some have allergies to some of the additives in commercial petfoods. Your breeder will know best.
- What aftercare does the breeder offer?
- Remember you don’t have to choose a kitten if you are not happy with anything. Do ask lots of questions – there may be a genuine explanation.
Here’s a list of the things a good breeder will be looking for from you:
- Have you had Siamese/Orientals before? Tonkinese, Burmese, Asian and Bengal cats have similar personalities and needs.
- If not, what are you expecting from the kitten?
- Will the kitten be joining another cat or kitten? They get very lonely on their own.
- Will the kitten have safe outside access or not? Some breeders prefer this, others prefer their kittens to go to indoors homes. Here at Avalon we prefer homes with safe outside access.
- Will you want to show your kitten? Some kittens are very outgoing and enjoy showing, others are more stay-at-home characters. Some kittens are more show type – the breeder will advise you. Of course, this doesn’t guarantee any prizes, just a nice day out!
- Will you want to breed from your kitten? Many breeders (including Cats of Avalon) don’t sell kittens on breeding terms.
- Remember that the kittens do belong to the breeder and they do have the right to politely refuse to let you have one!
