SOME FELINE FACTS

BENGAL BREEDING

THE BREEDING PROCESS

Your favourite feline may be a beautiful pedigree cat, but only a few have the right genetic qualities for breeding.

These are known as 'show quality/breed quality' which are rare and expensive; pedigree cats not suitable for further breeding are known as 'pet quality'.

CAN I BE A BREEDER?

If you are considering breeding a pedigree cat, there are many factors to take into account and you should think very seriously before starting out.

Talk to established breeders and get plenty of advice so you know exactly what you are doing. Here are a few points to consider:

• The cat must be a healthy female with no faults, be typical of the breed and have a good temerament.
• You will need to find a suitable male stud to mate with, which may involve travelling long distances with no guarantee of success.
• Your cat will need specialist feeding before, during and after pregnancy to produce good quality kittens.
• You need to be available 24 hours a day around the pregnancy due date in case of complications.
• Once the kittens are born your day will revolve around feeding, changing and providing litter and clean bedding.
• You must take into account all the expenses the breeding process involves too - extra bedding, washing, heating to keep the kittens warm, stud fees, travel, special food, vet bills, registration fees etc.