Questions to Ask a Cat Breeder
By Lise Madson · September 29, 2026 · 8 min read
Questions about health
Ask what health screening the breeder does on the parents and what conditions are common in the breed. For Maine Coons, ask about heart screening and hips. Ask whether the kitten has been examined by a vet, what vaccinations it has had and whether you can see the records.
Ask what the health guarantee covers, how long it lasts and what you need to do to keep it valid. Every Finest Feline kitten comes with a written five-year health guarantee.
Questions about the parents and the kitten
Ask to meet the mother or see her photo, and ask about the father. Ask about their size, temperament and age. Ask how the kitten has been socialized, whether it is used to children, other pets and household noises, and what it is eating.
Ask about the kitten's personality. Some kittens are bold, some are calm and some are shy. The breeder should know each kitten well enough to recommend one that suits your home.
Questions about the contract and payment
Ask to read the contract before you pay. Check the terms about spaying or neutering, breeding rights, returns and health claims. Ask what happens if you can no longer keep the cat.
Ask which payment methods are accepted, whether a deposit is refundable and how the balance is paid. Be cautious of any breeder who asks for gift cards or pressures you to pay quickly.
Questions about pickup and delivery
Ask where you can pick up your kitten, and whether delivery is available. We offer meetings in Hawaii and by video call, and deliver nationwide in person.
Ask what to bring, how the kitten will travel and what documents you will receive.
Questions about support
Ask whether the breeder answers questions after the sale. A good breeder offers advice about food, behavior and health for the life of the cat. Ask for references from families who have adopted from them.
Ask how to reach them and how quickly they reply. At Finest Feline you can call or text Lise on 561-545-3069, and we are open daily.
Questions a good breeder will ask you
Expect questions about your home, your other pets, who is home during the day and whether you have owned a cat. This is a good sign. It shows the breeder wants a perfect match.
When you are ready, start your application, read our FAQ or contact us. We are glad to answer every question on this list.
Questions about the kitten's daily routine
Ask what the kitten eats and when, how much it sleeps, how it uses the litter box and how it reacts to handling. Ask what the kitten's temperament is like and how it plays with littermates. These details help you continue the kitten's routine at home so the move feels smooth.
Ask whether the kitten has met visitors, children or other animals. A well-socialized kitten adapts faster and grows into a confident cat.
Questions about your rights and responsibilities
Read carefully what the contract requires from you, such as spaying or neutering, vet visits and returning the cat if you cannot keep it. Ask what you may expect from the breeder in return, including advice, support and how to make a health claim.
Keep copies of every document and every payment receipt. A clear paper trail protects both sides.
Questions about timing
Ask when the kitten will be ready to go home, whether there is a waiting list and how offers are made. Our waiting list is $50 to join, and each available kitten is offered to people on the list in order. You may accept or pass on each kitten.
Questions about your future together
Ask how the breeder likes to stay in touch. Some send updates, some invite photos and some offer video check-ins. Ask whether they will take the cat back if life changes, and how they would help you find a new home if necessary. A caring breeder wants the best for the cat for life.
Ask about the other cats and kittens too. How many litters does the breeder have each year? How many breeding cats live in the home? How are they cared for? Honest answers show a small, careful program rather than a high-volume operation.
Finally, ask yourself how you feel after each conversation. A good breeder makes you feel informed and respected. If you feel confused or pressured, take a step back and keep looking.
A short list to save on your phone
Health screening and records. The parents and their sizes. Contract terms. Payment methods. Pickup or delivery. Support after the sale. References. Waiting list and timing. If you can get clear answers to each of these, you can decide with confidence.
One more tip: do not be shy about asking follow-up questions. A good breeder expects them and welcomes them. If an answer is vague, ask again in a different way, or ask to see it in writing. Clear, confident answers are a strong sign that you are speaking with someone you can trust, and that your kitten will be cared for from birth until it joins your family.
Keep notes and compare
Write down the answers from each breeder and compare them side by side. Look for openness, patience and consistency, and for clear answers to hard questions. The right breeder makes you feel informed and unhurried, not pushed.