Overview of Cat Breeding
Breeding cats can be a rewarding endeavor both personally and financially. According to the American Pet Products Association, there are over 94 million pet cats in the United States as of 2022. With so many cat lovers looking for specific breeds, producing kittens can be a stable business opportunity.
Some of the benefits of cat breeding include satisfying cat enthusiasts, preserving pedigree bloodlines, producing healthy and socialized cats, and generating income from kitten sales. Quality breeders also provide mentorship for new cat owners.
However, cat breeding requires significant investments of time, money, and care. Breeding cats and raising litters is demanding. There are risks like birthing complications, illnesses, unsold kittens, and potential conflicts with animal welfare advocates. Responsible breeding practices are essential.
There are several types of cat breeding businesses. Small hobby breeders focus on one or two breeds they are passionate about. Larger scale breeders can manage multiple breeds with many breeding females. Some may run kittening operations like “catteries.” Others provide breeding services for pet owners. Specialty options include exotic hybrid breeds like Bengals.
Choosing a Cat Breed to Focus On
When starting a cat breeding business, one of the most important decisions is choosing which cat breed(s) to focus on. There are many popular breeds that are in high demand, but less common breeds can also attract buyers looking for something unique.
Some of the most popular cat breeds sought after by potential buyers include:
- Bengal – Prized for their exotic coats and playful personalities. Bengal cats have a wild appearance but are affectionate and intelligent. (Source)
- Maine Coon – One of the largest domesticated breeds, known for their loving personalities and luxurious coats. Maine Coon cats make great family pets. (Source)
- Ragdoll – A laidback breed appreciated for their floppy, dog-like temperament. Ragdolls are gentle, quiet cats that enjoy being held. (Source)
Less common breeds can also be good choices for breeding businesses looking to fill a niche demand:
- Russian Blue – An elegant breed with a distinctive blue-grey coat and reserved personality.
- Burmese – Known for their outgoing, extroverted personalities in a compact package.
- Sphynx – Striking hairless cats that crave human affection and get along well with other pets.
When selecting cat breeds, it’s important to understand their traits and temperaments. Breeds like the Siamese are vocal and demanding, while Persians tend to be laidback and docile. Doing research on health conditions common in certain breeds is also crucial. Focusing on healthy, family-friendly cats can help attract buyers and ensure happy kittens.
Acquiring Breeding Cats
There are a few options for acquiring breeding cats to start your cattery. The most reputable way is to purchase cats directly from an established breeder. Reputable breeders focus on health, temperament, and genetics so you can ensure your breeding cats are healthy and have good pedigrees. Expect to pay $1,000-$3,000 or more per cat from a reputable breeder. According to https://catbreedersensei.com/what-are-the-expenses-to-run-a-cattery/, this will likely be your biggest upfront expense when starting a breeding business.
Before purchasing cats, be sure to ask about any health and genetic testing the breeder has performed. Responsible breeders test their cats for genetic diseases common in the breed and provide veterinary records. You’ll also want to see pedigree paperwork showing the lineage of the cats. It’s best to start with cats that come from champion bloodlines if possible.
A cheaper option is to acquire cats from shelters, rescues or free online ads. However, these sources are less reputable and you likely won’t have health/genetic background on the cats. You also would not be able to register any kittens with a pedigree cat association without documented pedigrees. Only consider this route once you have experience and a relationship with a reputable breeder.
Facilities and Equipment Needed
Proper housing is essential for a cat breeding business. Cats must be provided with enough space to exhibit natural behaviors. According to the USDA, cats must be housed in structurally sound, well-maintained enclosures that meet minimum space requirements (https://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/rpt/2013-R-0309.htm).
For optimal health and comfort, provide cats with individual housing instead of group housing. Each adult cat will need a separate enclosure with a minimum of 3 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet of space. Kittens under 12 weeks can be housed together but will need a minimum of 3 feet by 2 feet of floorspace. Be sure to use smooth, easy to sanitize surfaces for enclosures.
Cats should have constant access to clean, fresh water. Food dishes should also be sanitized regularly. Provide high-quality cat food appropriate for the breed and age of your cats. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for diet.
In addition to housing enclosures, you will need dedicated birthing areas for queens about to give birth. Birthing enclosures should have enough space for a litter box, food/water station, and area for birthing and nursing kittens.
Breeding and Birthing Process
Preparing for mating is an important part of the breeding process. Before mating, the queen should be examined by a veterinarian to ensure she is healthy and ready for breeding. Her vaccinations should be up to date as well. Once the queen is ready, begin introducing her to potential stud cats and look for signs that she is in heat, such as behavioral changes, increased vocalization, and lordosis (raising of the hindquarters).
There are a few different mating techniques cat breeders can utilize. The most common is pen mating, where the stud cat and queen are placed together in a pen or cage during the queen’s heat cycle, allowing natural mating to occur. Hand mating involves restraining the queen and placing her with the stud until copulation occurs. Artificial insemination can also be performed by a vet, which involves collecting semen from the stud cat and manually implanting it into the queen’s reproductive tract.
Care during pregnancy is crucial. The pregnant queen should be kept quiet, comfortable, and stress-free. Make sure she is eating a high-quality diet to support the developing kittens. Regular veterinary check-ups are important to monitor the pregnancy and watch for potential complications. Prepare a nesting area for the queen to give birth in—a warm, private space filled with soft bedding.
When delivering her kittens, the queen should be monitored but not disturbed. Most cats give birth without needing human assistance. Look for signs of strong contractions and straining. Kittens are usually born within an hour of each other. The queen will sever the umbilical cord and lick the kitten clean herself. After birth, monitor the kittens to ensure they are nursing and the queen is caring for them properly.
Sources:
https://www.dutch.com/blogs/cats/how-many-is-litter-of-kittens
https://wagwalking.com/wellness/how-many-kittens-is-normal-for-a-first-litter
Caring for Kittens
Proper care of newborn kittens, known as neonates, is crucial for their health and survival. Neonatal kittens are completely dependent on their mother’s milk and warmth in the first few weeks of life. Mortality rates are highest in the first 2 weeks, with Persian cats having some of the highest kitten mortality rates. To ensure the health of newborn kittens, make sure the mother is feeding them regularly, weighing them daily to track weight gain, and keeping them warm in a clean nesting box.
Socialization should begin around 2-3 weeks of age once the kittens’ eyes open. Slowly introduce them to new sights, sounds, smells, people and handling. A lack of socialization can lead to behavior problems later on. Kittens should stay with their mother and littermates for proper social development until at least 8 weeks of age.
Weaning kittens off their mother’s milk can begin around 3-4 weeks old. Offer small amounts of wet kitten food mixed with KMR milk replacer initially. Gradually decrease the KMR while increasing amounts of wet and dry kitten food. Kittens should be fully weaned by 8 weeks old.
Vaccinations and veterinary care are also important in raising healthy kittens. Kittens should get a series of vaccines for feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia starting around 6-8 weeks old. Newborn kittens are susceptible to infections so proper sanitation and hygiene are essential. Partner with an experienced veterinarian for guidance and regular checkups.
Finding Homes for Kittens
One of the most important parts of breeding cats responsibly is finding good homes for the kittens. Here are some tips on screening potential owners, creating contracts, and pricing/selling the kittens:
Thoroughly screen potential owners to ensure the kittens are going to responsible homes. Require potential adopters to fill out a detailed application asking about their lifestyle, previous pet experience, vet references, etc. Also conduct in-person meetings at your home to evaluate how the person interacts with the kitten. Avoid adopting out kittens on impulse without this screening process.
Have potential owners sign an adoption contract specifying their responsibilities for caring for the kitten. The contract should cover things like spaying/neutering requirements, regular vet visits, returning the cat if they can no longer care for it, etc. Make sure to stipulate the cat must be returned to you if the owner can no longer keep it so you can find it a new home. See https://brownsburganimalclinic.com/most-and-least-expensive-cat-breeds/ for sample adoption contract language.
Price kittens fairly based on breed, pedigree, color/markings, etc. Purebred kittens often range from $500-$1500 depending on rarity of the breed. Make sure to factor in costs of care when pricing. Provide detailed records of vaccinations, deworming, registration papers if applicable. Collect non-refundable deposit when reserving kitten. Only accept payment in full once kitten is ready to go to its new home.
Business Structure and Finances
When starting a cat breeding business, one of the first decisions is choosing a business structure. The most common options for small businesses are sole proprietorship, partnership, and limited liability company (LLC). Sole proprietorships are simple and have minimal legal requirements, but the owner is personally liable for all debts and obligations of the business. Partnerships split ownership between partners, but partners also share personal liability. Forming an LLC provides personal liability protection while allowing pass-through taxation. An LLC may be the best choice for cat breeders who want liability protection without the increased paperwork of a corporation.
The initial startup costs for a cat breeding business can vary widely based on the size and scope of operations. Some of the main startup expenses include the costs of breeding cats, supplies and equipment for kitten care, facilities like a cattery or converted space, licensing and permits, veterinary care, cat food, cat litter, marketing costs, and business filing fees if establishing a formal business entity. Many sources recommend budgeting a minimum of $10,000-$15,000 to start a small breeding business, with more capital needed for larger operations.
Ongoing expenses will also depend on the size of the breeding business. Regular costs can include food, litter, vaccines, veterinary care, grooming and supplies, utilities, facility maintenance and repairs, advertising, licensing renewals, registration fees for new litters, and miscellaneous supplies. To be profitable, cat breeders need to carefully track expenses and aim to keep costs lower than revenue from kitten sales.
The profit potential of a cat breeding business can vary substantially based on factors like the breed, reputation, quality of cats, number of litters, pricing, demand, and efficiency of operations. Many cat breeders view breeding more as a passion than a highly profitable business. However, an efficiently run breeding business can potentially yield respectable profits, especially if focusing on popular purebred cats like Ragdolls, Bengals, or Siamese. Still, maintaining quality and an ethical operation should take priority over maximizing profits.[1]
Laws, Licensing, and Regulations
There are various laws and regulations surrounding cat breeding that breeders need to be aware of. These include:
Local business requirements – Many municipalities require cat breeders to obtain a breeder’s license and/or permit to legally operate. For example, in Los Angeles, a breeder’s permit is required for anyone with more than 3 female cats used for breeding purposes (State Statutes Regulating Pet Breeding – The Animal Council). Be sure to check your local ordinances.
USDA licensing – Cat breeders with 5 or more breeding females and who sell the offspring as pets are required by the USDA to obtain a federal license and comply with their regulations. This involves meeting specified standards for housing, sanitation, nutrition, vet care, and more. Detailed recordkeeping is also required (RESPONSIBLE CAT BREEDING GUIDELINES).
Recordkeeping rules – In addition to federal licensing requirements, many states have laws regarding the records a cat breeder must keep. This usually includes details on breeding cats, births, health, sales, and more. For example, in Connecticut licensed cat breeders must keep individual records for each animal that include birth date, health information, and disposition (STANDARDS OF CARE FOR DOG AND CAT BREEDERS).
Key Factors for Success
When starting and running a cat breeding business, there are a few key factors that will determine your success:
Reputation and Relationships
Having a strong reputation and healthy relationships in the cat breeding community is essential. Focus on breeding healthy, socialized cats and be open about your breeding practices. Build relationships with reputable breeders, veterinarians, and potential kitten buyers. Your reputation will spread by word-of-mouth. As one breeder notes, “In the cat fancy, reputation is everything” (https://catbreedersensei.com/is-breeding-cats-a-hobby-or-a-business/).
Quality Cat Care
Providing excellent care for your breeding cats and kittens is crucial. Have proper housing, nutrition, socialization, vet care, and knowledge about cat health and behavior. Healthy, well-socialized kittens from reputable breeders are highly sought after. Cutting corners on care risks your cats’ wellbeing and breeding business.
Business Management
Running the business side effectively is also vital. Have sufficient startup funds, track finances, comply with regulations, market strategically, screen potential buyers, and keep good records. As with any business, organization and professionalism are key. Seek guidance from successful breeders and educate yourself on cat breeding best practices.