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We always hear about the breeders etiquette. But not to forget the buyers also have to follow certain etiquette in dealing with the breeders, so that the communication and transaction can conclude in harmonious way.
Merely as a guideline to the buyers - here are some of the etiquette to be considered :
DO’S
1. Read the material on the breeder’s website carefully
Often, the website includes a sample contract, adoption application and purchase policy in addition to most information that may answer your question. If you’re not willing to abide by the policy, don’t waste your and the breeder’s time.
2. Be patient
Don’t expect an immediate response when you email. Most breeders have jobs and family to take care of or even could be at a show or out of town for the weekends.
3. Fill out the pertinent inquiry form or respond to all the breeder’s question
Most breeders are very cautious when placing kittens in homes, especially as breeders. If you won’t furnish the necessary information when asked, then don’t be surprised when breeders don’t get back to you. Quite honestly, if you’re too lazy to fill out a simple form or to respond to their question – then breeders have every right to question whether you will take the kitty’s best interest at heart if the need arises.
4. Note what colors the breeder gets on his/her website
Breeders get really annoyed when people email them asking for colors they don’t have and most sites say specifically what they get. For example, AAA Persians Cattery doesn’t offer whites, Himalayan or shaded silvers/goldens. So don’t bother that breeder by asking her about a blue eyed white, because she’s not going to get back to you
5. Make sure this is the cat you want before you put a deposit.
Deposits are non-refundable for most breeders. Don’t try to manipulate around a breeder’s deposit policy.
6. Realize breeders are not under any obligation to sell you a cat.
You are not doing them a favor by buying one. They are doing you a favor by entrusting you with one of their furry children. Just because you inquire, show up at their home or even put a deposit on a kitty (without being asked), doesn’t obligate them in any way to complete the transaction.
DON’T :
1. Bother the breeder with only “how much”
Bother emailing the breeder just wanting to know ‘how much’ without providing much information about yourself. This tells the breeder that your only interest is the price not the kitty. If you’re looking for a ‘cheap’ kitty, there are local rescue agencies (SPCA). Furthermore if any enquiry sends without any introduction about yourself (your real name, your interest, your experience with cats, etc…) it could be considered as ‘rude enquiry’ – since you’re asking them to entrust you one of their family members. And don’t blame the breeder if they don’t bother to reply your enquiry.
2. Expect a breeder to refer you to other breeder
It’s not their obligation to try to find you another breeder. It is a courtesy if they wish to do so. Your best bet is to do a search on your own.
3. Pester the breeder unnecessarily
Don’t contact the breeder repeatedly about a kitten. Be patient and wait for the breeder to get back to you.
4. Go cattery hopping
Don’t shopping around just to know the price. Do know that breeders do communicate with each other and know when a buyer is playing one breeder against another.
5. Try to barter the price down
You’re adding a member to your family not purchasing a used car. Most breeders get extremely insulted when you treat them as such. Except if you have a very valid reason in doing so.
6. Insult their kitties.
As earlier explained, most breeders think of their kitties as their furry children. Just because you don’t like a certain color doesn’t make it ugly. Just because a cat may snort doesn’t make it sickly. How would you like it if someone commented on how ugly your 4-year old daughter is? That is just plain rude.
Merely as a guideline to the buyers - here are some of the etiquette to be considered :
DO’S
1. Read the material on the breeder’s website carefully
Often, the website includes a sample contract, adoption application and purchase policy in addition to most information that may answer your question. If you’re not willing to abide by the policy, don’t waste your and the breeder’s time.
2. Be patient
Don’t expect an immediate response when you email. Most breeders have jobs and family to take care of or even could be at a show or out of town for the weekends.
3. Fill out the pertinent inquiry form or respond to all the breeder’s question
Most breeders are very cautious when placing kittens in homes, especially as breeders. If you won’t furnish the necessary information when asked, then don’t be surprised when breeders don’t get back to you. Quite honestly, if you’re too lazy to fill out a simple form or to respond to their question – then breeders have every right to question whether you will take the kitty’s best interest at heart if the need arises.
4. Note what colors the breeder gets on his/her website
Breeders get really annoyed when people email them asking for colors they don’t have and most sites say specifically what they get. For example, AAA Persians Cattery doesn’t offer whites, Himalayan or shaded silvers/goldens. So don’t bother that breeder by asking her about a blue eyed white, because she’s not going to get back to you
5. Make sure this is the cat you want before you put a deposit.
Deposits are non-refundable for most breeders. Don’t try to manipulate around a breeder’s deposit policy.
6. Realize breeders are not under any obligation to sell you a cat.
You are not doing them a favor by buying one. They are doing you a favor by entrusting you with one of their furry children. Just because you inquire, show up at their home or even put a deposit on a kitty (without being asked), doesn’t obligate them in any way to complete the transaction.
DON’T :
1. Bother the breeder with only “how much”
Bother emailing the breeder just wanting to know ‘how much’ without providing much information about yourself. This tells the breeder that your only interest is the price not the kitty. If you’re looking for a ‘cheap’ kitty, there are local rescue agencies (SPCA). Furthermore if any enquiry sends without any introduction about yourself (your real name, your interest, your experience with cats, etc…) it could be considered as ‘rude enquiry’ – since you’re asking them to entrust you one of their family members. And don’t blame the breeder if they don’t bother to reply your enquiry.
2. Expect a breeder to refer you to other breeder
It’s not their obligation to try to find you another breeder. It is a courtesy if they wish to do so. Your best bet is to do a search on your own.
3. Pester the breeder unnecessarily
Don’t contact the breeder repeatedly about a kitten. Be patient and wait for the breeder to get back to you.
4. Go cattery hopping
Don’t shopping around just to know the price. Do know that breeders do communicate with each other and know when a buyer is playing one breeder against another.
5. Try to barter the price down
You’re adding a member to your family not purchasing a used car. Most breeders get extremely insulted when you treat them as such. Except if you have a very valid reason in doing so.
6. Insult their kitties.
As earlier explained, most breeders think of their kitties as their furry children. Just because you don’t like a certain color doesn’t make it ugly. Just because a cat may snort doesn’t make it sickly. How would you like it if someone commented on how ugly your 4-year old daughter is? That is just plain rude.
