1. Never purchase "pure-bred anything" from a pet store. Frequently they are mis-marked and only sub-par pet quality. Mis-markings are a sign of in and line-breeding. Pet stores will frequently charge $500, plus want another $600 for giving breeding rights to these poor felines that can pass on their genetic anomalies. For instance, PKD, FIP, hip dysplasia, etc, etc. and falsely indicated parentage.

2. What does "quality" mean? Breeders of pure-bred felines must judge early on, whether or not the kitten has the overall conformation to all of the Cat Fanciers' Association requirements for the kitten/cat to be entered into the show ring. Quality in this sense, has only to do with being able to show. It doesn't apply to temperament or health. In order to take a feline to show, it must have the very high bridge or break of the nose, very small ears, stunning eye color, perfect coat and points. Additionally, even some show quality kittens do not have the personality for the show hall. It's very noisy, and the feline must have the temperament that allows for every part of its' body to be touched. It's very stressful. The word "quality" pertains to showing ability, and/or breeding ability (we do not breed anything unless the pair is show to top show quality and unrelated).

3. Breeder-quality means; good for breeding with a higher quality feline of the opposite sex. Not eligible for the CFA show ring.

4. Pet-quality, means the feline cannot be entered into a CFA show ring, however is if from Miettecats, not line, nor-in-bred (we just won’t do it) and very healthy, beautiful and loving. Not all of the kits/cats on our Stars page are show quality!

5. What does doll-faced mean? Pet quality or traditional. Miettecats has had one true doll-faced queen. In the informed feline world, doll-faced means high cheek bones! Miettecats follows the high standards of the CFA. So... before you consider other catteries, go to www.cfainc.org and observe what is show quality for the breed you seek. And most importantly go to; www.cfainc.org and investigate catteries that are on the "citations" list.

6. A reputable/ethical breeder does not want the poor qualities of their kittens to make more of the same. Only high breeders and above are given breeding rights at Miettecats. Breeding rights should be included in the price and you should not be charged extra for them. If a kitten/cat has the right qualities to breed, they 'have it' or they don't. Miettecats does not have ‘anything against line, nor in-breeding, however, there are laws that dictate there must be (something like 6 generations) between humans before a marriage can be legalized. We do believe in obtaining PKD negative, top show quality kits/cats from the best of breeders, however, they are un-related to our breeding stock. Please understand, some line and in-breeding has been responsibly done to eradicate eye drainage, PKD, kinked tails, improve coat, face and eye color, etc. However, there’s a dark side to it also. We breed for temperament first.

7. When you review a catterys' web site, check to determine when it was last updated. If the pedigrees are not posted, there may be a reason why. If the breeder does not provide you with a current picture of the kitten/cat and a pedigree, ask yourself "Why?".

8. When you email a breeder, are they registered with the CFA? What are their breeding policies? Do they line or in-breed? Don't expect to view the cattery. Breeders have mating going on frequently, and anyone new in the cattery may bring disease in, and/or stop the mating. Expect if you see the queen of the litter to be shaved down. This is done so the kittens can get to the milk!

9. Determine what kind of support, if any, the breeder offers after purchase. You may have questions that the breeder can help you with, and save you a vet bill. Vets are trained on caught feral cats, not pure-bred cats, there are differences.

10. Be intelligent and fair: Those of us who will do anything for our beloved ones, need in your emails these informational items: your full name and address, telephone number, number and ages of children, other pets, who will take care of the new kit/cat? If you purchase a show quality kitten/cat, and the breeder restricts you by contract that only they may approve what shows you may attend. Don't go for it. You paid for the kitten/cat, why should you be restricted in any way? (This does not apply to a "protected litter". Frequently, breeders will purchase a pregnant queen who was sired by an outstanding cat and is bound by contract not to allow at least the first litter to be sold with any breeding rights). Even if you are seeking a pet quality kitten, review the pedigrees of both the sire and queen. Look for Champions, Grand Champions, Regional and National winners.

11. Any reputable breeder who does business with you, after you provide enough information to indicate to the breeder you will provide a good home for those they have spent a lot of love, time, energy and money on should be willing within reason to respond to your questions. If they "don't work with contracts", then if your kitten/cat is found to have a genetic fault, how will you re-coup your money or have a kitten/cat of like quality sent to you when one becomes available as a replacement?

12. If a purebred pet quality, Persian or Himalayan is advertised on a site as available for less than $500, ask why? The breeder may be downsizing a line in order to make room for a new line, just need to downsize, or the kitten/cat may be a retiree that has been spayed/neutered. Or, the feline may be in-bred.

13. We get emails from people who only want a "pet" and immediately ask "how much?". Even if you want a pet quality kitten/cat, obtain one that comes from quality lines. Temperament is everything. With the proper care and love, Miettecats are an addition to your family. We don't know the temperament of your existing animals, and cannot predict their acceptance of a kitten.

14. Please understand that BYB's = backyard breeders, have brought down the good name of reputable breeders. No, this doesn't mean they breed in their 'back-yards'. It means they are not reputable or ethical, and do not have good breeding stock. It is very typical for a top show quality breeding pair to cost a good breeder upwards of $5000.00. Any breeder who advertises "ringworm free cattery" is questionable. Ringworm can be caused by going to a different environment (home), stress, or many other different reasons. All breeders Miettecats networks with have to deal with it at one time or another. It's a fungus and very treatable.

15. Expect that if you purchase a show or other quality kitten at say 12-weeks of age, their facial conformation frequently changes over time, and then after the adolescent period will go back to the original conformation observed at birth. Reputable breeders will state in their contracts that they are not responsible for the outcome of judging of the feline. Typically, with Miettecats the males’ faces change the most. What we see at birth, is just about what the cat will result in (in so far as "quality").

16. Most reputable breeders will require a non-refundable reservation fee for the kitten of your choice. Expect that this will be non-refundable. After all the breeder has taken the kitten/cat off the market for you when and, if you should change your mind, the feline could have gone to some other adoptive parent. The breeder has to spend the money all over again to re-market the kitten/cat. Any reputable breeder has to pay a web-mistress/web-master. This protects both you and the breeder. Obtain a picture of your chosen kitten, ask for updated pictures as the kitten matures to the point the breeder will allow it to be adopted. This will ensure there are no switches made.

17. Miettecats has been through ‘everything’ ….back in 1995 we were one of the first catteries to publish our pedigrees. We had nothing to hide so we didn’t give a second thought. The line and in-breeding catteries were so upset they flooded our guest-book, so we had to close it. There’s a horse-breeder that still owes us over $1500! Now…we are a lot smarter, and not intimated. We still ship WW, still provide 24/7 email support, train our new adoptive parents on how to groom, provide a list of ‘special ingriedients’, send out warnings about contaminated foods, train parents on how to clip nails, and will continue to do our best to serve. They are our beloved ones, and want so much for ours to be appreciated by you.

Please Note: The opinions on this page are of Miettecats only, and arrived at from experience.