Behind the Scenes in The Life of a Pedigreed Cat Breeder
Being a cat breeder is a lot of work. People often think it’s just cuddling cute kittens all day, but that’s only a small part of it. Most of the time, I’m cleaning, feeding, playing, or taking care for the cats in other important ways. Let me tell you what a typical month looks like in my cattery.
Cleaning Is a Big Job
Cleaning is one of the most important - and the biggest - parts of my day-to-day, especially when there are kittens in the house! They make messes fast and leave little disasters everywhere they go. But keeping things clean protects them from getting sick. Young kittens have weak immune systems, so a clean space helps them stay healthy and ready to play and learn.
Here’s what I clean and how often:
Water Dishes: Once a week
Food Bowls: After every meal
Feeders: Every two weeks
Blankets and Beds: Every two weeks
Cat Trees: Once a month
Floors and Windows: Once a month
Brushes, towels, toys: As needed
Cats themselves: Baths once a month, nail trims every one or two weeks, and brushing every day.
It’s easy to see how it adds up fast!
Playtime Is Just as Important
Cats need love and attention - not just kittens, but grown-up cats too. I spend time every day playing with the adults. I change up the toys, try new treats, and give lots of cuddles, especially to my boy cats who don’t get to play with the others.
Kittens have tons of energy. Like, a lot. I play with them for hours every day to help them use that energy in a fun and safe way. If I do it tight, they play hard, then fall asleep hard - and I can take a breath!
Social Time for Kittens
Kittens also need to learn about the world. That means I follow a socialization plan. Without a plan, kittens might get scared of everyday things like vacuum cleaners, car rides, or new people. I take time to gently show them new sounds, smells, and experiences so they grow up brave and friendly. This can take hours a day, depending on what we’re working on that week.
Pregnant Cats Need Extra Love
When one of my queens (that’s what we call a female breeding cat) is pregnant, she usually wants lots of attention. Many of them follow me everywhere and want me close by - even pretend they’re going into labor just to get snuggles! I often lose sleep waiting for the big moment. But when those tiny babies finally arrive, it’s all worth it.
The Office Work No One Sees
There’s also a lot of behind-the-scenes work that no one really talks about. I have to:
Book vet visits
Talk to future kitten families
Match kittens to the right homes
Answer questions before and after adoption
Order food and supplies
Register litters and keep health records
It’s not he fun part, but it matters just as much as cuddling kittens.
The Best and Hardest Parts
Breeding cats is full of ups and downs. Seeing a kitten born is the best feeling in the world. It makes my heart feel so full. But it’s not always easy. There are emergencies, hard choices, and sad days, too. It’s a big emotional job, and it can be exhausting.
But the little moments are what keep me going. Like seeing a shy kitten come out of her shell. Or when a mama cat brings me her babies, like she’s saying, “Look! Look what I did!” Or when a pregnant cat looks at me with eyes that say, “I trust you.” That’s when I know I’m doing something special.
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