Cat shows are one of the best places to meet and talk to breeders. Breeders should encourage your questions and should patiently answer all of the questions you have.

You may also find breeders in cat magazines, in a newspaper ads or even on the Internet, however, regardless of where you find them, there is no guarantee of the breeder's ethics or the health of their cats. Ask questions and if at all possible go to the cattery to see it for yourself.

There is no way of knowing your breeder without asking questions and having your questions answered to your satisfaction, so you know what kind of environment your kitten was raised.

It is a good sign if the breeder asks you a lot of questions. This indicates they care very much about their kittens. However, you shouldn't feel interrogated. It is very important that you choose to buy a kitten from someone that you are comfortable with.

Some things to stay away from: kittens raised in cages, overcrowding, poor record keeping, poor housekeeping, dirty litter trays, dirty food and water bowls.

About catteries: Some people disagree on the need to keep stud cats confined, but it is often a necessary part of a clean, healthy, and controlled cattery environment. There are the very rare occasions where a male cat has been raised 'under foot' himself and does not take on all the traits of a typical stud cat (agressiveness, spraying and calling). With the exception of these rare 'in house' males, all other breeding males should be housed in a caged environment cattery. If a caged environment is applicable, then these cages should be spacious, well furnished, clean, providing shelter from the elements as well as offering plenty of fresh air and sunshine.

You want a kitten that is accustomed to being cuddled and held every day. Kittens should be raised in the home, not outside in the cattery. The overly quoted phrase "raised underfoot" means that they are allowed free roam of the house. Breeders ALWAYS claim this but it is not always the case, thus the importance of visiting the cattery and seeing all for yourself. Of course, you are looking for friendly, outgoing kittens, but you should also evaluate the temperament of the adults, are they friendly, healthy and clean? Also, look at litter trays for cleanliness - use your eyes and your nose when you are visiting.

Responsible breeders don't allow kittens to go to their new homes until they are at least 10 weeks old. There are many reasons for this, but proper socialisation, having a fully functioning immune system and commencement of a vaccination protocol are three good ones.

Even if you are only interested in a kitten as a pet, you are well advised to find a breeder who is also a successful exhibitor. Ask what association the breeder belongs to and registers and shows their cats with. If the breeder is a successful exhibitor, you will know:

1. Their cats conform to the breed standard. Backyard breeders and operators of "kitten factories" don't care about this sort of thing at all.

2. Their cats are healthy, top quality animals and the breeders tend to be more responsible because of this.

3. These people are not in it for the money. Operators of "kitten factories" or the backyard breeder consider showing an unnecessary expense. Breeders who exhibit at cat shows regularly, rarely if ever break even.