Adopting a Kitten: The Process
Every breeder’s process is slightly different. I am constantly trying to perfect my adoption process so that it is smooth and easy for the buyers, the kittens, and the business.
For you, the buyer
Step 1
The first step is to fill out the kitten application on my website. This helps me determine if it is a good fit or if I can help you find a more suitable cattery to work with. It also gives me an idea of the best personality for your home, and the travel requirements for the kitten (I do not ship kittens and there are hefty fees if you are taking it to Canada). I review this information later to help you pick the best kitten.
Step 2
Once I receive your application I will review it and then contact you. In this message, I will answer any questions you had on the application, ask any questions I may have, and give you payment information if you decide to secure your spot on the waitlist with a deposit.
Step 3
You send the $300 deposit to secure your spot. As soon as I receive the deposit I let you know your spot on the waitlist. Your spot determines when you are eligible to pick out a kitten from a litter. The group of buyers that get a kitten from the litter choose in the order they are on the waitlist. I reserve the right to not sell a kitten to someone that I do not think is a good fit (due to the energy of the kitten, experience with cats, etc). I help pick kittens based on the personality of the kittens and your answers on the application.
Step 4
Waiting for the litter to be born is the hardest part. Up until that point you have given money to me with the thought and hope of a kitten. That can be scary. But then… Once they are born, it becomes real. Once the kittens are born I will email those on the list eligible for that litter to give them the good news. And you get to be bombarded by kitten pictures on my Instagram! I post pictures weekly of each kitten. If I have multiple litters born within a month, the eligible buyers can pick from either litter. Pick-up dates may differ, however.
Step 5
At 4-5 weeks old I will send out invitations to meet the available kittens over a video call so that you can see them in action and pick your kitten. If you already know who you want from pictures and our correspondence, you can just let me know and we can skip this call.
Step 6
At 6-8 weeks old you get to meet kittens over video, as described above. I do it at this age because their personalities are developed enough that I can help pick the right personality for your family if you want help. I will have reviewed your application and your prior top picks. I will discuss with you your thoughts and let you know which kittens I think would be the best for you.
Step 7
At 8 weeks I will let everyone know which kitten goes home with them! During this time kittens have their first vet appointment, vaccines begin, and depending on the vet’s recommendations, weaning starts. This is a busy time for me and a stressful time for the kittens.
Step 8
I try to assess the stress and readiness of the kittens to go to their new homes at 12 weeks old. I like them to weigh 2.5-3.5 lbs and be eating normal food with no distress from weaning before they leave. I will try to give you an accurate time for pick up so you can schedule the vet appointment (I ask that you do this 3-5 days after receiving your kitten) and travel. I will send you a “kitten wishlist” of all the things your kitten will need (and want). I try to send the pick-up dates out at 8-9 weeks, but I determine this based on the kittens.
Step 9
I will email sales agreements to be e-signed at 9-10 weeks old. Please review and sign in a timely fashion.
Step 10
Pick up your kitten! We will have scheduled this time for you to pick up your kitten. I will send you home with a small bag of their food (in case you are switching) and health records. The remaining balance of the kitten is due at pick-up in cash. Pedigree papers will also be sent home with you. I am located near Bend, OR. I sometimes will commute to Portland for an additional travel fee.
Step 11
You now are home with your kitten! The transition period can take some time depending on your household and your kitten’s temperament. I recommend keeping your kitten in a small room (such as a bathroom) for 2 weeks. This lets the kitten get used to this new space and you/your family. After the initial 2 weeks, I recommend introducing the kitten to other pets gradually over 2-4 weeks depending on how it’s going. I like to start by introducing smells (with blankets), then seeing each other through a barrier (carrier, baby-gate, screen), then let them meet face-to-face. Keep these interactions supervised until you are sure they are comfortable with each other. At 6-7.5 months (or vet’s recommendations) spay/neuter your kitten. Once I receive proof of alteration, I will send the pedigree information.
For me, the breeder
Step 1
I plan the breeding. I assess my queens when they go into heat to see if they are ready or need a break. I also think about the timing. If it is the right time, the queen will go visit another cattery (usually Daisley Siberians) to visit a male/stud.
Step 2
Mama comes back home. The gestation period for cats is about 64 days (so around 2 months). Sometimes the pregnancy does not “take” (as with people). I will find out at about 4-6 weeks into “gestation” when they surprisingly go back into heat. They will pay another visit to their stud.
Step 3
Two weeks prior to the due date I prepare a nursery area for mama and her kittens. I give her a birthing box with newspapers and isolate her from the other cats and animals so she feels safe. Usually, up to a couple of days before labor, mama will “nest”, moving bedding or newspapers around to prepare the space.
Step 4
Kittens are born! This is my favorite day! Often kittens are born in the wee hours of the night but when I am able, I love to be there, and my mamas seem to want me there. I sex (check the gender of) the kittens as they are born. Usually, I can tell pretty easily right away, sometimes it can take a little while to be obvious. I like to “theme” my litters. Naming them with a theme helps me have a timeline in my head of when kittens were born if buyers come back but also it is really fun. Usually, I name them after something I am interested in, a fun theme idea, or something related to the timing. One of Mo’s litters was born on my 30th birthday so I named them cake flavors (Cheese, Fruit, Vanilla, etc).
Step 5
Kittens are born with their eyes closed and they start to open at 2 weeks old. At about 4 weeks old the kittens are moving around more and become more interested in food. Once they have an interest in food, the many litterboxes come out and potty training begins. They usually pick it up fairly quickly and potty training is done by 6 weeks old. I’ll also be weighing them every couple of days to make sure everyone is healthy and gaining at a nice rate.
Step 6
Weekly photos are being done and at about 6 weeks I am seeing some personalities starting to develop. This is my other favorite part. I will start to think about what environment/home their personality traits would thrive in. At 6-8 weeks kitten visits happen and I help buyers decide on the perfect kitten based on personality and desires.
Step 7
At 8 weeks old the kittens see the vet for the first time and we assess their health. I will start the FVRCP vaccine at this point which has three boosters, the first at 8 weeks old and all consecutive boosters around 4 weeks apart. I will also start their dewormer and flea treatment after consulting with my vet. Weaning will start after the vet appointment if the vet deems it a safe time. Also, at about 8 weeks old mama will go back into heat and start to naturally pull away from her kittens.
Step 8
I set dates with owners about a week after weaning has begun to plan to get their kitten and until that time I enjoy being terrorized by 4+ crazy kittens. Before they go home I give them nail trims as well as baths. I love to check in and hear updates from buyers after the kittens go home. I am heartbroken until the next litter comes around and distracts me.
