© T. Atkinson, 2018. Practical Feline Behaviour (T. Atkinson) 119

8 Advice for Breeders

Producing adorable kittens that can be sold for profit can seem like a very attractive

prospect but in reality breeding is not always easy or profitable. Pregnancy and lac-

tation can be a physically stressful time for a female cat and significant knowledge,

time and financial input is required to ensure that a queen and her kittens remain

healthy. Even then, complications can arise requiring additional veterinary care, pos-

sible loss of the kittens, and significant negative impact on the queen’s physical health

and welfare.

The reader is also referred to Chapter 5, Kitten to Cat, for information relevant

to this chapter. Anyone considering breeding from their cat is best advised to research

well beforehand by asking for advice from experienced and reputable breeders and

from their veterinary surgeon or nurse/technician. Advice can also be obtained online

from reputable organizations such as the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy

(GCCF) (https://www.gccfcats.org/Breeding-Information) and International Cat Care

(https://icatcare.org/advice/breeders).

The Responsibility of the Breeder in the Prevention of Behaviour Problems

Much of what shapes the behaviour of a cat can be linked to events and experi-

ences it had as a very young kitten, and to influences on its development before

birth. A large part of the responsibility for producing kittens that grow up to be

physically and behaviourally healthy cats therefore lies with the breeder. This

responsibility should be the same regardless of whether the kittens are pedigree or

non-pedigree.

Selection of Queen and Stud

● Aspects of behaviour such as innate levels of confidence or timidity can be inher-

ent (Turner et al., 1986; McCune, 1995). Therefore, it is important that stud

males and breeding queens are both of good temperament, confident, friendly and

well socialized.

● The breeding queen should not have any undesirable behavioural issues. Kittens

learn by observation of their mother’s behaviour and are likely to exhibit the same

behaviours. For example, kittens born to mothers that have house-soiling issues

and do not, or rarely, use a litter tray are less likely to learn how to use a litter tray

themselves, and may continue to have house-training issues even as adults.