One of the most exciting times in the future cat breeder’s life is when they first start looking for their foundation stock to start their cat breeding and showing career. It is a time when all things are possible and when dreams of beautiful kittens and big wins in the show ring dance in the Newbie‘s head.
“Newbie” is the affectionate term that refers to a newcomer to the cat fancy.
The Introductory Email
It is not unusual for the average Newbie to look at a lot of websites and then email a bunch of different breeders looking for a “top show” kitten. Often, the email is not even personalized with the name of the breeder to whom they are writing. Many breeders don’t even answer the Newbie email that starts,” Do you have a top show kitten” and “What is the price?”. The frustrated Newbie then complains that breeders don’t have the good manners to even answer their emails.
In contrast, there is the Newbie who sends out a thoughtful email that shows that they have done their homework. This Newbie is targeting only a few breeders because they are looking for a specific bloodline or characteristic. They have done their research and already know the general cost of the kind of cat they are looking to add to their new breeding/show program. This is the type of email that will get a breeder’s attention.
While the term “Newbie” indicates a lack of experience, it does not have to mean lack of knowledge.The smart Newbie educates themselves BEFORE jumping into the breeding and showing of cats.
Approaching The Breeder
If you are serious about breeding, be serious enough to learn how to best approach a reputable breeder. Research the specific lines you are interested so you can discuss intelligently with the breeder about upcoming litters and the advantages and disadvantages of the specific bloodlines behind each breeding.
Newbie Expectations
A smart Newbie has expectations that are reasonable:
The well-known breeder of winning show quality cats receives many more requests for top show kittens than they have available. Most breeders will keep a “Top Show” kitten for themselves, but IF such a high quality kitten is available, it is NOT generally going to be offered to a Newbie. Why? The breeder is going to want to be sure the kitten is shown to its maximum potential. With no track record of showing, a Newbie is simply too unknown a quantity to be entrusted with such a special kitten. If a Newbie asks for, or expects to be sold a top show kitten, it marks them as someone who has NOT done their homework; their expectations are neither realistic nor reasonable under the circumstances.
Price is the last thing to mention in a first email. Instead of asking the price, mention that you know that the price for a grandable kitten/cat runs from around “this to that” price. Write that you have set aside that sum plus extra to cover the initial purchase, plus the cost of showing plus an emergency fund for contingencies.
If you have already made a kitten purchase from another breeder, that may help as a “recommendation”.
Next, Make A Phone Call
Remember your goal; you are trying to be “chosen” by the breeder to be the recipient of a show kitten, either one she has for sale currently or you want to be placed on a waiting list. Once you have introduced yourself via email, the next thing to do is arrange to call the breeder.
- Email and ask if you can call and chat and what would be the best day and time.
- Explain exactly why you like their cats and bloodlines.
- Ask to come to their next show and shadow them for the whole day, doing grooming, helping the breeder, and learning all that you can.
- Be on time to help with set-up of the breeder’s show cages, carrying in stuff from the car, etc.
- Stay to the end of the day and help them tear down and load up their car.
- Thank them for their time in teaching you all that they can.
The more the Newbie knows, and the more the Newbie is willing to help and learn, the more impressed the Breeder will be.
The more impressed the Breeder, the more likely she will offer the Newbie a better kitten.
Follow-Up
Stay in touch. Email or call at least once or twice a month. Ask intelligent questions, and show that you have done a lot to educate yourself before coming to them. This will mark you as the serious Newbie who will make a established breeder proud to place a special kitten with you.
A Final Warning
If you are a Newbie, and a seller offers you a top show kitten when you first contact them, you should be at least slightly suspicious whether the kitten is as special as the seller says. There are many stories of Newbies buying kittens that were not as good as advertised, but the Newbie didn’t know better because they had failed to educate themselves ahead of time.
Related Articles
- Best Age For Kittens To Leave For A New Home
- Buyer Beware
- Choosing A Cattery From Which To Buy A Kitten
- Deal-Breakers
- Finding Your First Show Cat
- How To Write A Kitten Inquiry Email
- Questions To Ask Regarding Paperwork Before Buying The Cat
- Questions To Ask The Cat Breeder
- Red Flags, Buyer Beware
- What is a Newbie In The Cat Fancy?
