Hi

I have 2 cats at the moment, both neutered. I am really keen to get another pedigree cat to breed and show. I am looking into a couple of breeds I'm interested in at the moment and cat breeding in general as I want to do it responsibly. I work part time 4 days a week so am out for 6 hours most days. However I could make sure I was around all the time before a cat kittened and for 2 weeks or so after the birth. My question is, if from your experience it is possible to work and breed cats or should I only do it if I can be home all the time? How much of the time do you realistically have to be at home for with kittens?

In my limited experience - it sort of depends whether anything goes wrong - if it doesn't then you will be sat around most of the time catching up with paperwork or housework. If it goes wrong then you will need to be there 24hours a day for around 4 weeks. If mum dies in labour or has no milk or rejects them, then hand feeding is intensive - every 2 hours 24 hours a day for 2 weeks and then gradually longer gaps until they BEGIN weaning at four weeks, but will still need some feeds. However, I know breeders who work fulltime and those who don't.

What breeds are you looking at?

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please look at my website - www.finesthourcats.webs.com - for gorgeous GCCF registered RagaMuffins and Selkirk Rex

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"Love a lot, trust just a few and always paddle your own canoe"
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I worked full time for the first six years of breeding, it wasn't a problem. There were occasions when I took a weak kitten into work with me though.

Liz

I work and breed - I book my annual leave around the time of due dates. My workmates are used to it now and refer to it as "caternity leave"
It helps if you work for an organisation who don't mind you leaving booking holiday time until you know a girl has pinked up.

Yes, this is what I did and plan to do so again. Kitternity Leave my workmates call it. I can pop home at lunchtimes which is good and also have family closeby should I need them.

Hi

I'm reassured by what you've all said. I do get about 6 weeks of annual leave and there's a possiblity I may cut my hours to term time only in the next year anyway as my little boy starts school in September. So guess I could tiem the kittens around shcool holidays.

I have an 8 year old classic (old style) type siamese girl at the moment who is neutured. She has a lovely perosnality but is not a brilliant example of the breed in some ways so i never bred from her. I also have a Balinese boy who is neutured too and full of mischief.

Breeding wise, I'm looking at Tonkinese or possibly Snowshoes. I saw some Snowshoes at the Supreme and thought they were gorgeous and I also quite look the idea of getting involved with a breed thats still working towards GCCF status. At the moment, I'm just focusing on researching breeding and the breeds a bit. I'm not likely to be in a position to start breeding for a year or so as we live in a rented house at the moment.

What breeds do you all have?

Hi, I have a Ragdoll. I have yet to have a litter with her. I did however have another litter earlier in the year.

Another thing I would advise is not to think too big, when you have work, children, cats, kittens, etc if things get too hectic something will slip.

Just plan your litters well. I won't get any more than 1 other female (possibly) until the boys are a little older (I think) as I couldn't have X amount of litters at the same time.

Good luck.

Hi, I have a Ragdoll, actually I have 2 but one who I will use for breeding as she the other is not registered. I have yet to have a litter with her. It will probably be sometimes next year.

I did however have another litter earlier in the year.

I would advise is not to think too big, when you have work, children, cats, kittens, etc if things get too hectic something will slip.

Just plan your litters well. I won't get any more than 1 other female (possibly) until the boys are a little older (I think) as I couldn't have X amount of litters at the same time.

Good luck.

I have one Birman breeding queen - she's had two litters (first 2 kittens, this one just the one kitten) - I don't think I am ever going to break even cost wise - especially if she only ever has small litters. Having said that, the fun the kittens provide is fantastic. Hopefully I shall get another breeding queen next year, but that will be it for a long while. Like Mellowma says, keep it small to begin with.

__________________
please look at my website - www.finesthourcats.webs.com - for gorgeous GCCF registered RagaMuffins and Selkirk Rex