Breeds Overview & Buyers Guide

Longhaired or shorthaired, black or white or many shades in between, athletic, noisy and demanding, or quiet, unassuming and a rug rat, there are many different breeds of cat available in New Zealand should you wish to add one as a member of your family. The NZCF grants prefixes to breeders in New Zealand, and registers the progeny of matings, so Namrib Golden Chief would be the pedigree name of a cat from the Namrib Cattery or prefix who has been given the name of Golden Chief. In return, each breeder agrees to comply with the "code of ethics" which the NZCF expects to be upheld. For example, the code mandates that a kitten shall not go to a new home before the age of 10 weeks, and that it shall be in good health at the time it goes to its new home, having received at least one set of vaccinations.

Tips for Buying a Pedigree Kitten

We recommend that you buy your kitten directly from a registered breeder. Lists of registered breeders, by breed, can be found in the Breeders Index section shown at the top of this page. Also worth checking out is the KITTENS FOR SALE noticeboard. This can also be found in the Breeders Index section. What to Expect The kitten must be at least 10 weeks old.

1. The kitten should have received at least one and preferably two vaccinations to protect it against common diseases.
2. The breeder MUST give you a vaccination certificate at the time of sale.
3. The kitten should be lively, friendly and in good health – clear eyes & no cold or flu like symptoms. No skin lesions should be present as these may suggest ringworm.
4. A diet sheet should be provided. Sudden changes in diet can upset a kitten’s tummy.
5. The mother and maybe the father should be present for you to meet. This gives you some idea what the kitten will grow to look like.
6. The breeder should answer your questions about diet, routines, toileting and generally settling in a new kitten.
7. You will be asked to sign a De-sexing Contract. This will require you to have the kitten de-sexed by an appropriate age. This must be signed by your Vet and returned to the breeder as proof of de-sexing. At this time the kitten will be transferred into your ownership. Some breeders have the kittens de-sexed prior to sale.

When you go to collect your kitten you will need

1. A travelling cage to take your new kitten home. A kitten may panic in a strange vehicle with strange new people. You and your kitten will be safer if it is secure in a cage.
2. Kitty Litter and a toilet tray. Preferably the same type of litter that the kitten has been used to.
3. Kitten food – as recommended by the breeder. Today is no time to change the diet!
4. A box or bed with warm bedding. If you take the kitten into your bed on the first night, expect it to be there every night. Make sure this is what you want before you start it.
5. Toys, patience and lots of love.

Problems

ALWAYS consult the breeder FIRST if you have any concerns. In the event of a dispute the NZCF has a policy and process for resolving disputes, and full information on this process can be found by clicking here. NZCF breeders are expected to uphold the NZCF Breeders Code of Ethics, which can be found here.

Please note that … this directory of breeders from around New Zealand is published as a service to those looking for a breeder of a specific breed of cat. The NZCF can accept no responsibility for any purchasing decision made as a result of contact established via this web site, or by use of the information contained within it. Inclusion of a breeder on this list does not imply a "good housekeeping" seal of approval from the NZCF. It is entirely the responsibility of the buyer should they choose to enter into a contract with any of the breeders listed on this website or the associated message board for the purchase of one or more cats.