Hotchoclate

Mating your cat is not something to lightly undertake. One important thing to remember is that the GCCF registration does not guarantee that the cat has been well-bred by a caring, conscientious breeder who has strived mightily to ensure that her cats are as free as possible from genetic disorders and conforms to the breed standard.

That piece of paper does not mean that every cat should be bred. Indeed, only a small fraction of cats should ever be bred. Any person who cannot breed to the standard of points and only to better the breed is not deserving of the name of breeder. Those who cannot manage to breed the right way (which means the betterment of the breed in its entirety and not just one characteristic should try raising snails instead.

Design-a-catteries and kitten-raisers do just as much harm as backyard breeders. In some cases, the damage is even greater because these people can talk well, but just can’t meet the exacting criteria of someone who has dedicated themselves to the task of safe guarding and improving the cats that they love.

Some breeders lose the distinction of breeder and join the ranks of backyard breeders and kitten farmers (by intensifying on one or several traits rather than the overall standard) when they lose track of the objective of breeding which should be solely and entirely the betterment of the breed. These are often wonderful people who at one time and held the greatest respect through their ability to breed with the future in mind, having a plan and a goal. Having worked hard to get the respect and become true breeders, these breeders gave up somewhere along the line, believing that everything they produced was the best without clearly looking at where they were going. Many of these people now simply put cat A with cat B because they own them or they are top winning cats and they don't bother to look beyond.

Breeders cannot afford to sit upon their fences, nor can they simply start looking at each litter as a way to pick up a bit of money and start compromising their integrity and reputation by cutting corners.

It's a tough life that we, as breeders, have, but it is one that we have chosen and to do less than our very best each time is not only neglectful to our cats, but is dishonest to the breed and cat world in general, as well as those who trust that we live up to our reputation.

Find a good mentor and take what you have read into consideration. if you are serious about breeding and are dedicated contact me and I will gladly help.

cats leave footprints on the heart forever

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this link is further reading and will be very valuable information for any new and old breeder http://www.dr-addie.com/Blood%20groups.htm