Buying a kitten: how to find a healthy cat with papers
What you want the cat for
The class of the kitten depends on it. “Pet class” is a companion for the home, often with small departures from the breed standard, and costs less. “Breeding class” is meant for breeding, and “show class” for shows. If you only plan to be friends with your cat, there is no sense in overpaying for show class.
Think about the breed and temperament. The British Shorthair is calm and independent, the Maine Coon is large and sociable, the Bengal is very active. Long-haired breeds need brushing every day.
When you can take the kitten home
A kitten is usually handed over at 12–13 weeks at the earliest, when it eats on its own, is used to the litter tray and has had its first vaccinations. Moving too early means stress and a risk of health problems. Ask about vaccination, deworming, the vet passport, a microchip and the registration certificate.
Care and costs after the purchase
The price of the kitten is only the start. Plan for a litter tray and litter, bowls, a carrier, a scratching post, good food and visits to the vet. Neutering of a pet cat is usually done later, on the vet's advice. If you already have animals at home, introduce the kitten gradually and give it a separate room for the first few days. In hot weather, make sure it always has shade and fresh water.
What to put in your request
- breed or “no breed”;
- age — for example, a kitten of 2–3 months;
- sex and colour;
- papers — registration certificate, pedigree (WCF, FIFe), vet passport;
- purpose — pet, breeding, shows;
- vaccinations — microchip, parasite treatment;
- city for pick-up or delivery;
- budget.
Example: “I am looking for a British Shorthair kitten, female, blue, 2–3 months old, with a WCF certificate, vaccinated and with a vet passport. Auckland, pick-up. Budget up to $530.”
How to compare offers
Look at the whole package, not just the price: registration certificate, vaccinations, vet passport, microchip, terms of the agreement. A well-kept mother cat, clean conditions at the cattery and lively, round kittens are good signs. Ask for photos and videos of the parents. Warning signs are pus in the eyes, diarrhoea, apathy, a dirty tray, and a refusal to show the mother or give the papers.
Beware of “elite breed” offers at an unrealistically low price and of paying in advance without meeting the animal. It is better to visit the breeder in person or at least hold a video call.
How BlaBlaPrice works here
You describe who you are looking for once on BlaBlaPrice, and catteries and owners reply in the chat with offers: the kitten, price, papers, terms. The platform shows the best-fitting offer first, with reviews next to it. Your phone number stays hidden until you choose a seller. Read more in how it works.
If you are ready to take an animal for free, there is a section “Pets free to a good home”. For food and accessories, see pet supplies.
