FAQ
Essential Cat Care Tips and FAQ | Ultimate Guide
Caring for your cat requires a deep understanding of their unique needs and behaviors. In this Cat Care Tips and FAQ guide, we provide all the essential information to ensure your cat remains happy and healthy. From choosing the right food and grooming techniques to understanding their behavior and creating a stress-free environment, we cover everything you need to know. We’re here to help you navigate common challenges and provide expert advice on various aspects of cat care, making sure you feel confident in caring for your feline friend.
This FAQ section answers the most frequently asked questions, such as how to introduce a new kitten to your home, the best practices for litter training, and how to keep your cat engaged and active. We also offer insights on how to recognize signs of health issues early and when to consult a vet. Our goal is to guide you through every step of your cat care journey, ensuring your pet feels safe, loved, and comfortable as they grow and thrive in your home.
Common Questions
We currently breed British Shorthair and Longhair cats with shaded coat and medium size of body. Most common colors are: black silver shaded (green eyes), black golden shaded (green eyes), blue golden shaded (green eyes), seal silver shaded point (blue eyes), seal golden shaded point (blue eyes), lilac golden shaded (green eyes), chocolate golden shaded (green or golden green eyes).
Majority of younger kittens have baby blue eyes . Pigmentation process takes a while until permanent eye color is set when cats are fully matured.
Adult male British Shorthairs typically weigh between 12 and 18 pounds, while females tend to be slightly smaller. However, size can vary depending on the family line, with some being smaller or larger. This breed matures slowly, with both males and females continuing to grow and gain muscle mass until around 4 years of age.
British Shorthairs and Longhairs have charming, laid-back personalities. They are typically calm, quiet, and not overly energetic, making them ideal companions for a relaxed and comfortable home environment.
All cats with fur shed, as it’s part of their natural process of losing dead or damaged hair. The amount of shedding can vary depending on factors like the season. Interestingly, British Shorthairs tend to shed more than Longhairs, despite having shorter fur. This is because shorthair cats often have denser, thicker coats. In contrast, longhair cats have longer but less dense fur. Regular daily brushing can greatly reduce the amount of fur shed around the home.
Yes, all of our breeding cats undergo regular testing for FIV, PKD, FeLV, as well as external and internal parasites, including heartworm. We submit both blood and molecular samples to the lab for testing. Only cats with consistently negative results are part of our breeding program, ensuring that kittens cannot inherit these conditions when both parents are negative.
Both males and females have distinct personality traits. Male British Shorthairs are generally more easygoing and are open to receiving attention from a variety of people. Females, on the other hand, tend to be more loyal and form stronger bonds with a smaller group of people, often displaying a more serious demeanor. Ultimately, it depends on the type of companion you’re looking for.
Yes, kittens have weaker immune systems compared to adult cats since they are still developing. Over time, as they are exposed to their environment, their immunity strengthens. In some cases, kittens may build immunity by experiencing mild viral illnesses, similar to how human babies and toddlers are more prone to colds.
Absolutely not. Our cats are free to move around the house. The only time we restrict their movements is if they are ill or when a female is nursing her kittens for their safety and well-being.
Starting at around four weeks old, our kittens are regularly held, petted, and played with to ensure they are well-socialized and comfortable with human contact. For the first two months, they stay with their mother, who teaches them essential skills like litter box use and grooming. Raised in a free-roaming environment, our kittens interact with each other in a special kitten kindergarten, learning how to play gently and handle surprises calmly, which helps them adjust to future encounters with other pets. Daily interactions with our family, including playtime and feeding, help familiarize them with human sights, smells, and touch, making them comfortable with companionship. We also regularly trim their nails to accustom them to being handled, ensuring they grow into friendly, well-adjusted, and confident companions ready for their new homes.
Yes, our cats are registered with TICA (The International Cat Association) and CCA (The Canadian Cat Association) as purebred British Shorthairs and British Longhairs. Each of our cats comes with registration certificates and pedigrees. Additionally, our males are champions recognized by the WCF (World Cat Federation).
About Adoption
Due to our breeding schedule throughout the year and for safety purposes, we are not open for in-person visits at the moment. Our cattery is of a “closed type,” meaning we prioritize the health and safety of our cats by minimizing outside visitors. We only allow visits for picking up your kitten. However, we provide detailed photos of every available kitten under their profiles, and we are more than happy to schedule a video call so you can see their personalities and how they interact with people, giving you the chance to observe them before making your decision.
Unfortunately, visits are only allowed for picking up the kittens. Due to past experiences, we no longer allow public visits. Inviting people into our home disturbed the mothers and their nursing process. After a visit, mothers may not recognize their kittens due to changes in scent, which can lead them to reject or stop breastfeeding their kittens. The process now functions similarly to online purchasing, but payment is made in person. We appreciate your understanding.
Please refer to this page for details.
Our adoption fee is based on several factors, including the quality of the kitten, how closely they meet breed standards, and other considerations. The fee may vary at our discretion. Factors such as the kitten’s appearance, coat quality, eye color, personality, and disposition all influence the price. Our British Shorthair kittens typically range from $1,800 to $2,600. We also give preference to families adopting two kittens. Additionally, sometimes older or teenage kittens are available at a discounted rate.
We understand that it’s important for you to have the perfect kitten, and we want to make the process as smooth as possible for you. If you’re able to pick up the kitten within 1-2 days, there’s no need for a deposit. You can make the payment when you pick up the kitten unless someone else has already reserved it. However, if you’d like to reserve a specific kitten, we do ask for a non-refundable $250 deposit via e-transfer to [email protected].. This deposit ensures that the kitten will not be sold to anyone else, and it will be deducted from the final payment.
We conduct thorough research into the lineage of each cat and match traits to ensure that our kittens have healthy and beautiful genetics. Our focus is on the well-being of every kitten, both mentally and physically, before they go to their new homes. We take pride in our feline family and strive for perfection when it comes to providing for our customers. Each kitten is raised to be friendly and well-socialized, making it easy for them to adapt to their new homes and families, including other cats and people. Our kittens are raised in a loving, family-oriented environment, which ensures that they are affectionate, well-socialized, and confident. They inherit the same characteristics from their parents, being like teddy bears, playful, cuddly, cute, and enjoying being around people.
According to The International Cat Association (TICA), the earliest age a kitten can go to their new home is 12 weeks. However, determining the optimal age involves several factors, such as the kitten’s size, maturity, and whether or not shipping is involved. Additionally, the kitten’s independence from its mother and learned social skills play a significant role in deciding when they’re ready to leave.
Most of our kittens go to their new homes on the earlier side of this spectrum, but here are the general guidelines:
10-12 weeks: If the family lives locally, no shipping is involved, the household includes older children or adults (especially if someone works from home), or the family is adopting two kittens together. If the kittens are of average size, they are typically ready to go to their new homes between 10-12 weeks.
12-16 weeks: If the kitten will be shipped, is very small, or if the new owner is a single person who works long hours, the timeframe is closer to 12-16 weeks.
Ultimately, the decision depends on the kitten’s development and readiness to thrive in a new environment.
Yes, signing a purchase agreement is required when buying a kitten. This legal document protects both the buyer and the seller. For kittens sold as pets, the agreement includes a spay/neuter clause. The kitten must be spayed/neutered by the age of 8 months, and once you provide veterinary proof of this procedure, we will forward the TICA registration documents for your kitten.
We recommend that all adoptive families pick up their kittens in person, as it is the safest and most comfortable option for the kitten. It also gives us the opportunity to meet the new owners face-to-face. However, if you live in another province, we can ship our kittens once they are 12 weeks old. A shipping fee of $400 will be applied, which includes an airline-approved pet carrier with a metal door, all required documentation, bedding, a water/food tray, and a food supply. Please note that due to rising travel expenses and increasing airline cargo rates, this fee may be subject to adjustments.
Yes, we provide a one-year health guarantee for our kittens against genetic defects or congenital diseases.
Our decisions are made in consultation with our experienced veterinarian, who specializes in feline care. While some catteries spay or neuter kittens at a very young age, this can be risky, especially for females, as it is a major surgery, and sadly, some kittens do not survive. Some breeders choose to do this to ensure the buyer does not breed the cat illegally. However, we trust our adoptive families to abide by the terms of our CONTRACT, which clearly states that the kitten must be spayed or neutered by the age of 8 months. Once you provide veterinary proof of this procedure, we will then forward your kitten’s TICA registration documents.
- TICA Registration:
Each kitten is registered with The International Cat Association (TICA), ensuring purebred status. - Vaccinations Up to Date:
Your kitten will be up to date on its FVRCP vaccinations (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia). - Dewormed:
Regular deworming procedures are completed for all kittens to ensure they are parasite-free. - 1-Year Genetic Health Guarantee:
We offer a one-year guarantee against any genetic defects, giving you peace of mind. - Health Insurance:
You’ll receive 30 days of coverage from Trupanion Health Insurance and 6 weeks of PetSecure Health Insurance. - Contract & Health Guarantee:
A contract is provided along with a health guarantee to protect both the buyer and the seller. - Vet Checked:
Every kitten is thoroughly examined by a licensed veterinarian before going to their new home. - Health Certificate:
A health certificate is included, confirming your kitten’s good health. - Litter Trained:
Our kittens are fully litter trained by the time they leave the cattery. - Starter Kit:
We include a starter kit with a one-week supply of food, toys, and other essentials to help your kitten adjust to its new home.
Yes, your kitten will already be trained to use a litter box. During their time with their mother, they learn essential skills like eating, cleaning themselves, using the litter box, and scratching on a post.
After Arriving Home
Shyness and Hiding: Initially, kittens may be shy, nervous, or hide in unfamiliar spaces as they adjust to their new environment. This is completely normal, and it’s important to give them the time and space they need to explore at their own pace.
Curiosity and Exploration: After a day or two, most kittens will start to explore their new surroundings. Owners should closely supervise their movements and ensure the environment is kitten-proofed by removing small objects, harmful plants, and blocking off any dangerous spaces.
Adjustment Time: Every kitten adjusts differently. While some may feel comfortable in just a few days, others may take a week or more to fully settle into their new home. Patience is key during this transition.
If there are other pets in the household, introductions should be done slowly and carefully to ensure a smooth transition.
Litter: I recommend using Arm & Hammer Litter Clump & Seal Slide Clumping Clay Cat Litter with open litter boxes. It helps with easy cleanup and minimizes odors.
Cat Tree: British Shorthairs can grow quite sturdy, so make sure the cat tree is stable. Avoid placing small houses at floor level, as your kitten might confuse them for a litter box.
Bowls and Toys: You’ll need a couple of durable bowls and washable toys. Kittens especially enjoy feather toys and small balls. A laser toy is also a fun way for you to interact with your kitten, particularly after a long day.
Grooming: Even though British Shorthairs have manageable fur, regular combing is important. Our kittens are already accustomed to being combed.
Rest: Provide a few cozy cat beds where your kitten can curl up and feel safe. These will help your kitten relax and feel secure in their new home.
To keep your kitten healthy and strong, here’s a recommended feeding routine:
Dry Food: Keep high-quality dry food available 24/7. I recommend using top brands like Royal Canin, which are available at PetSmart or Pet Valu. Avoid supermarket brands to ensure your kitten gets the best nutrition.
Canned Food: Feed your kitten canned food twice a day, using top-quality brands like Royal Canin. Canned food provides essential moisture and nutrients. Make sure to serve it at room temperature and promptly remove any uneaten food to keep it fresh.
Raw Meat (Optional): You can occasionally offer raw meat for extra protein and nutrients. This is optional and based on your preference.
Important Tips:
- Avoid giving your kitten milk or pork.
- Always ensure fresh water is available at all times.
- Stick to the food your kitten is used to from the breeder, and introduce any dietary changes gradually to prevent stomach upset.
Yes, kittens have lower immunity compared to adult cats since they are still developing. Over time, as they are exposed to their environment, their immune system becomes stronger. In some cases, this immunity is built through mild viral illnesses, similar to how human babies and toddlers are more susceptible to colds.
Initially, your kitten will need a vet visit within two days of arriving home. After that, follow the vet’s advice for routine check-ups, vaccinations, and health monitoring.
Monitor for any signs of stress, such as loss of appetite or digestive issues, and consult your vet if needed.