Frequently Asked Questions
Please browse the most frequently asked questions about our Oriental Shorthair cats and kittens and you may easily find the answer to your question.
In this section, we try to answer any questions that you may have about our Cattery. Thank you!
BASIC
What Breeds do you work with?
CataristocratWe specialize in solid Modern Shorthair Orientals. We also breed Siameses.
Do you have a special education for breeding?
CataristocratYes! I have a diploma of felinologist. And I do a lot of continuing education in this field. And of course, experience is my main teacher. I have been breeding since 2010.
How often do you have (or expect to have) new litters of kittens?
CataristocratTypically, we have 6-9 litters per year. Each queen is limited to 1-2 litters per year to protect their health. It is important to me to keep it low, so that I may get to know, love and kiss each baby daily, before they are ready to go to their forever homes.
Why do you have a Contract?
CataristocratA contract is designed to protect both parties, by having expectations in writing for both the buyer and the seller. It makes it easier to do business when you both have the same understanding.
Do you offer a health guarantee?
CataristocratYes. Kittens come with a written health guarantee against serious hereditary and congenital defects. We guarantee our kittens do not have fleas, ear mites, and ringworm.
I am opposite to vaccinations. Do you vaccinate all of your kittens?
CataristocratI will not vaccinate your kitten if you are against vaccinations, but you must let me know as soon as possible. They get their first vaccination around the age of 8 weeks.
If I reserve a kitten can I name them?
CataristocratIf the kitten’s name has not been registered at the time of viewing, I have no problem letting the new owners choose a name for their kitten.
Do you sell kittens with breeding rights?
CataristocratWe do not sell our kittens with breeding rights at the moment.
Do you offer Stud Service?
CataristocratWe are a closed cattery and do not offer Stud service.
PURCHASING
How much do your kittens cost?
CataristocratThere is no set price on our kittens. Because each kitten is unique, we price on an individual basis while considering coat color, coat appeal, body structure etc. Generally speaking, our prices range from $2800 to $5000 for kittens as pets.
Do you ship your kittens?
CataristocratYes. We ship kittens via any Airlines where animals are kept in a climate controlled environment at all times. Kittens are scheduled to arrive on the same day of shipping. We usually ship kittens on Friday mornings. Kittens arrive the same day by early afternoon to late evening. We will provide you with a schedule. Your kitten will arrive in a carrier, so you will not need to bring one with you. At the time of pickup from the airline, you are required to show identification. Shipping does not imply that we deliver kittens to your door. Shipping costs an additional $450 within the U.S. and includes a travel crate, vaccination against Rabies and veterinarian’s health travel certificate (CVI).
How do I reserve a kitten?
CataristocratA non-refundable deposit/holding fee will secure a specific kitten. A non-refundable deposit of $300 for non-breeding kittens reserves the kitten of your choice. The deposits are non -refundable if you decide that you don`t want a kitten. However, if the kitten isn’t available for some reason on my part, I will transfer the deposit to another kitten. I reserve the right to have a change of mind and keep a kitten for my program that has a deposit on it, in this case, you can either wait for another kitten or have your deposit refunded.
CataristocratWe prefer to use PayPal (Debit or Credit cards are accepted), but you can also pay by cash or wire transfer.
How do I reserve a kitten from a future litter?
CataristocratWe maintain an email list of potential clients that wish to be notified when kittens are born. We also have a paid reservation list with clients that have placed deposits on unborn kittens. Most of our kitten sales are made via the clients on the reservation list. We occasionally get to the email notification list if we have kittens available, but our kittens go quickly. If you wish to be added to our waiting list for a kitten, please fill this
form.
Why do you prefer email contact versus chatting over the phone?
CataristocratI prefer email contact so that all communication has a written record of what is said and agreed upon. It eliminates any confusion about the Buyer/Seller expectations and responsibilities.
How soon after making a holding deposit am I required to pay for the remaining balance on a kitten?
CataristocratAll kittens must be paid for in full, a minimum of 1 week before scheduled shipping date, or you can pay in cash at time of pickup/delivery in person.
When do you allow your kittens to leave the cattery?
CataristocratWe allow our kittens to leave the cattery at a developmentally appropriate 12 to 16 weeks of age. Kittens who leave their mothers too soon are not properly socialized and can demonstrate a variety of negative behaviors from skittishness, inappropriate elimination (going outside of the box), blanket and ear sucking, and aggression. This is why you should never bring home a kitten before 12 weeks of age.
Do the kittens see a veterinarian before going to their new permanent homes?
CataristocratYes, all kittens are given a full physical evaluation, first FVRCP booster shots, wormed, and health papers by our local licensed veterinarian. The kittens visit the licensed veterinarian at least three times.
Are your kittens registered?
CataristocratYes. All of our kittens are registered. Our cattery is registered with TICA (The International Cat Association) . You will receive your registration paper.
Do your kittens come with shots?
CataristocratYes. And so much more! Kittens are vet checked before leaving. During the exam kittens are blood and stool tested negative for feline diseases and parasites. Kittens receive age appropriate vaccinations. Kittens arrive with a state-approved, vet signed health certificate showing all test results and vaccinations information.
Do your offer for adoption your retired adult cats?
CataristocratYes. Any cats offered for resettling or our retired adult cats will be fully vaccinated and healthy, best trained and finding the right home for a small contribution to partially cover costs.
CARE
What do you feed your Cats and Kittens?
CataristocratHere at Cataristocrat cattery we feed a primary diet of Acana and GO!. Did you know that cats will not drink dirty water? Always keep the water fresh, a fresh filtered water fountain is the best.
What type of litter do you use?
CataristocratWe use the Natural Pine Pellet Cat Litter.
Do you support De-clawing?
CataristocratABSOLUTELY NOT! Declawing is a cruel and unnecessary amputation of the final digit and can lead to lifelong phantom pain. Declawing is expressly forbidden per our contract.
Do you deworm your kittens?
CataristocratYes. We deworm our cats and kittens regularly with Drontal and Baycox.
I’m hesitant to buy a male kitten because I’ve heard they are prone to spray.
CataristocratA male kitten that is bought as a pet and neutered between 3 and 6 months of age should not spray.
What about my furniture, will it get scratched up?
CataristocratIt should not, as long as you provide appropriate places for them to scratch. We recommend a tower with sisal poles for scratching. All cats like to be high, the higher the better, just make sure it is sturdy and the perches are big enough to sleep on and not just a decoration.
How do I deal with the clawing issue?
CataristocratWe train our kittens at an early age to use appropriate scratching surfaces such as a scratching post with sisal rope. Cats love it! I recommend that you trim your cat’s claws every 2 weeks.
OTHERS
How friendly are your cats?
CataristocratOur kittens are socialized from birth with daily human contact. Our cats are very friendly and affable.
How do your kittens get along with children?
CataristocratThey get along perfectly with children and find common language with other pets. But it is important that you supervise young children with your new kitten, also that you teach them how to correctly handle the kitten and that the kitten gets time out away from the children to sleep.
What is the difference between males and females?
CataristocratMales are considered the “lap cats” they love everybody, and are a great family cat. They are the first to greet you and anyone else who is new, at the door, look at you as if asking “Can we play now? What are you doing?” They want to be involved with everything.
Females are more independent and usually adopt only one or two people. For singles and couples without children they are the best choice. When children or people come by who they do not know they are under the bed, or very reserved. Not all females are this way, and this cattery breeds for more friendly female behavior. However, if you want to be owned by a cat the female is the best choice. Be prepared to sleep with her on your pillow.
My partner & I work full time should I consider having 2 kittens?
CataristocratYes, it is really nice for the kitten to have company. We have sold many kittens in pairs.
Can I have a kitten on a trial basis?
CataristocratDefinitely not. Our kittens are not toys, they are living creatures that we have brought into the world, raised, cared for and loved. We are looking for secure, permanent, loving homes to ensure our kittens have the happiest lives possible.
When and how often you take photos of your kittens?
CataristocratWe take the first photos of the kittens at 10-12 days old, after all kittens in the litter have opened their eyes. The next photos are taken at 3-4 weeks old and again at 9 weeks and 11-12 weeks.
What if I have questions other than those listed here?
CataristocratPlease feel free to send us any other questions through the form on our
Contact page.
- If you are seriously interested in one of our kittens, please fill this contact form to tell us exactly the name, color and sex of this kitten. To ensure our kittens go to the best of homes we would appreciate if you could provide some information about you.
If you wish to be notified when the next litter is born, please fill this form.