When a cat is "registered" you can be sure she is a genuine member of her breed. That means several things can be relied upon:
~ The cat's physical characteristics will be in conformance with the breed standard. In other words, a Manx will be tailess, a Siamese will be sleek and shorthaired, and a Bengal will resemble a small tiger.
~ A purebred cat is likely to be representative of it's breed's characteristics. A Balinese may be vocal or demonstrative while a Ragdoll is very mild mannered and relaxed. So if you have a busy family you may consider a breed that is easygoing and child friendly like a Scottish Fold or American Shorthair. Oriental breeds such as a Siamese or Tonkinese provide lots of interaction and play. For professional people who spend long hours away from home, a cat that craves lots of attention may be a poor choice. Or, if you like the look of a longhaired cat but do not have time for lots of grooming, the amiable, gentle natured, family oriented Maine Coon would be a good choice.
~ A reputable breeder will guarantee the kitten's health and that vaccinations are up to date. Also, you will have a knowledgeable person available for questions, suggestions, and help on kitten care.
~ A purebred kitten will have learned many important social skills simply because she has had the opportunity of spend time observing her mother and littermates and interacting with them for a longer periperiod of time. Mother provides lessons on where to eliminate, what type of behavior is acceptable and where to explore and learn. Baby will learn that playing rough is not okay, and that people are not scary. Also, your kitten has been handled and loved so that when she comes to you it will be easy for her to relate closely to people and will enjoy being stroked and held. Even though a kitten may be capable of existing without her mother at a very young age, the stress of early separation may cause her to grow up with many problems such as biting, timidity, wool sucking, and finicky eating. For these reasons, the breeder may not want to let the kitten go before around 12 weeks of age.A purebred cat is a wise investment and with a little research you are likely to find yourself with a happily contented new family member who will easily fit into your particular lifestyle.
