Decide what is important to you by using this chart to make an informed decision.
The Fair Price of a Kitten
What is a fair price for a Cornish Rex kitten?
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STATEMENTS
Professional & Ethical Breeder
Price: $1800 and more
Amateur breeder
Price: Variable
Backyard Breeder /
Kitten mill
Price: Variable according to supply and demand
Purebred kitten registered with pedigree
A purebred kitten must be registered. If it is not, it is not considered purebred.
A kitten that is not registered is a household pet or a mixed breed.
Yes
To Be Determined
The parents AND the kittens must be registered in order to be recognized as a purebred cat.
If the cats do not have a pedigree, they have unknown origins.
No
Kittens of unknown origins are considered to be a mixed breed.
Kittens and parents are not registered and therefore cannot be sold as purebred Cornish Rex.
The breeder is a member of a recognized feline association (CCA-AFC, CCC, TICA, CFA, ACFA) and/or a breed club (CRCC)
Yes
To Be Determined
No
Selection of the breeding cats in accordance with the written standard of the breed (in order to maintain the quality of the breed)
Yes
No
No
Cats undergo health tests for viral, bacterial, parasitic and fatal diseases
PCR test for respiratory bacteria and viruses. PCR test for digestive tract viruses, bacteria and parasites. Screening test for Feline leukemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) [Feline aids]
Yes
Ask to see the test results and have the breeder explain them in order to demonstrate their knowledge
To Be Determined
Ask to see the test results and have the breeder explain them in order to demonstrate their knowledge
No
Cats are tested for genetic diseases associated with the breed: late-onset blindness (PRA -Rdac-CEP290) and polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
Yes
Ask to see the test results and have the breeder explain them in order to demonstrate their knowledge
To Be Determined
Ask to see the test results and have the breeder explain them in order to demonstrate their knowledge
No
Screening tests for cardiac diseases (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy amongst others) by cardiac ultrasound or blood tests (Cardiopet -pro -BNP)
To Be Confirmed
No
No
Kittens must be vaccinated a MINIMUM of 2 times before they leave the breeders. The kitten should come with a vaccination booklet with signatures from a veterinarian
Yes
To Be Determined
Usually the kitten has only received one vaccine. The new owner will have to cover the costs of the vaccine boosters themselves. Make yourself aware of the prices for this.
To Be Determined
Usually the kitten has only received one vaccine. The new owner will have to cover the costs of the vaccine boosters themselves. Make yourself aware of the prices for this.
Kittens need to be sterilized between 12 and 16 weeks of age
Sterilization allows a breeder to protect the existing lines. It also helps to prevent the current feline overpopulation. Sterilization before 12 weeks of age is not recommended, especially since Cornish Rex kittens are very small.
Yes
To Be Determined
Usually the kitten is not sterilized. The new owner will have to cover the costs of the sterilization themselves. Make yourself aware of the prices for this.
No
Usually the kitten is not sterilized. The new owner will have to cover the costs of the sterilization themselves. Make yourself aware of the prices for this.
Many different breeds and an overpopulation of cats are present in the environment
No
To Be Determined
Yes
Availability of kittens
Selection according to the family’s requirements and the temperament of the individual kitten, when kittens are available
There are frequently kittens available
The decision to home a cat is done quickly and without consideration for the kitten’s temperament.
Always kittens available quickly
Animal welfare is a priority
Yes
Some breeders in the province of Quebec will have been certified Anima Québec
To Be Determined
No
Complete health guarantee for viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases
Minimum of 10 to 14 days. Must confirm the terms of the guarantee (If the kitten gets sick, who pays for the medical bills?)
Yes
To Be Determined
Ask questions to ascertain the competency of the breeder.
No
Minimal guarantee
Health guarantee for hereditary and congenital diseases
Minimally for 1 year, ideally for 2 or more years. Confirm the terms of the guarantee (If the kitten gets sick, who pays for the medical bills? Owner, breeder or shared?)
Yes
To Be Determined
Ask questions to ascertain the competency of the breeder
No
Adequate socialization of the kittens with humans, and family in a stimulating and varied environment
Yes
To Be Determined
No
Kittens leave the breeder’s after 12 weeks and ideally after 14 weeks or more
Yes
To Be Determined
No
The kittens must leave quickly in order to make room for the next ones
The adult breeding cats are considered a part of the family and live with the family
Yes
Yes
No
There is an opportunity to visit the cattery and observe the living environment of the cats
Yes
Yes
No
A kitten nursery exists (if you are not allowed to visit, you should be able to see pictures or visit virtually)
Yes
Yes
No
There is an opportunity to meet the parents (and they are well socialized, have a good temperament and are healthy)
Yes
Yes
To Be Determined
Adults are in cages or overpopulated enclosures that are not suitably maintained for the wellbeing of the cat
No
To Be Determined
Yes
Professional follow-up after the adoption
The breeder is available to answer your questions and offer support in case of disease or behaviour issues.
Yes
To Be Determined
How knowledgeable is the breeder?
No
Breeder pressures you to make the adoption decision as quickly as possible indicating that others are interested in the kitten
No
To Be Determined
Yes
All the cats are fed a quality diet
Yes
To Be Determined
No
The breeder declares their revenue, has a registration number of Quebec (NEQ) if located in the province of Quebec and provides you with a receipt. Certain breeders charge TPS/TVQ
Yes
To Be Determined
To Be Determined
Will propose that you pay cash, with no receipt.
BE AWARE!
A family environment does not guarantee the quality and health of the cats, and even less the knowledge and abilities of the breeder.
A family environment simply means that the breeding is done in a private home. This does not mean that the environment is hygienic, enriched or suitably maintained adequately for the cats.
The breeder insists to convince you that registration documents are not worth anything. If the breeder was able to provide you with the papers, they would be happy and proud to do so. If they cannot, then they are not breeding purebred cats and are not respecting the Law on Canadian Genealogy.
You should be aware that the cost to register a kitten with a reputable feline association should generally not be more than $50.
Ask yourself if you want to adopt a kitten from a breeder who can only offer you a low price and nothing else.
Do not adopt from a pet store. These cats come from backyard breeders and kitten mills, not reputable breeders. Reputable breeders will select the kitten that will be most compatible with its new family.
Ask yourself questions and re-read the statements in the comparison table above if you are paying the same price for a kitten from an amateur breeder, back yard breeder or kitten mill as you would from an ethical and professional breeder.
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