Thanks for the advice everyone. I'll have to be patient and wait for the right cat!

I think you've made the right decision I am also a 'small hobby breeder' only one queen, still no reason not to do things properly. I wouldn't dream of selling unregistered kittens with no vaccinations in a million years. Being 'small' shouldn't stop you from putting the kittens interests first, and that means two sets of vaccinations, at least two vet checks, given proper flea and worm treatment and 6 weeks insurance for the new owner and keeping them until at least 13 weeks old and selling them only when they are fully ready to leave their Mum.
Most if not all cat breeders who have a registered prefix are hobby breeders, the myth of a professional breeder is just something put about by people trying to make the most money they can by ignoring the guidelines for ethical breeding.
Those guidelines are there to protect the kitten firstly, and then you as a kitten buyer.
Go online, find the BSH breed clubs and start looking at their own breeder and kitten lists. Yes, you might have to wait, but it's worth it when you think this kitten will be your friend for hopefully the next 15-20 yrs. Get one that has had the best possible start in life.

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Hi - you are doing the right thing walking away. I don't know how that person can charge full price when the kitten isn't registered or vaccinated.

Why not contact the kitten list holder of the British Shorthair Cat Club for advice.
British Shorthair Cat Club or
British Shorthair Kittens

Have you considered perhaps taking on a rehome?
British Shorthair Kittens

Hope you find what you are looking for.

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Kaz

For kittens, joy is for the asking and smiles are for the giving

I thought about re-homing but I already have an 8 year old moggie who probably might not cope with an older cat. I'm hoping that a kitten will be able to fit in around him so he wont have his nose put too much out of joint

Is the breeder in Worcestershire by any chance?

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Owned By:

1 British Blue Kittens: Lola
1 working cocker spaniel: Bodie (Bo)

Winston the British Blue: 23/09/2008 - 26/12/2010 xx

No, I'm in the south-east (but will travel for the right kitten!!)

thats okay then. I have had MAJOR problems with a bsh breeder in worcestershire and have just noticed she'd posted some new kitten adverts on pets4homes.co.uk so wouln't want anyone to have the same problems I have (was a bit worried you might have been in discussions with her)
x

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Owned By:

1 British Blue Kittens: Lola
1 working cocker spaniel: Bodie (Bo)

Winston the British Blue: 23/09/2008 - 26/12/2010 xx

The pedigree kitten finding is a mine-field! I've had cats and kittens all my life but only much loved moggies from RSPCA and rescue centres.

This is a whole new brave world for me! So thanks everyone for the advice and help

There is no reason why a pet-quality kitten (i.e. one that is not sold to show or breed from) needs a pink slip, and it is perfectly normal for breeders not to supply them. It certainly doesn't mean there is anything 'dodgy' about the breeder or the kittens. However, of course a disreputable breeder definitely won't register kittens, so you can't use this as an indication either way.
As former breeders and now involved with rescuing pedigree cats, what we find more disturbing is that many breeders are now refusing to supply a pedigree certificate with kittens. Our advice is to avoid these, as without a pink slip the pedigree certificate is the nearest thing to proof of the kitten's status, and costs only pennies to produce.
If you are concerned about the lack of a pink slip, you could either make a fuss about the small cost of it compared to the price being asked, or even offer to pay the cost - there's no reason apart from the cost and effort to stop a breeder registering the kitten (they would register it as non-active so no progeny could be registered anyway).
For more information on pedigree paperwork, see Pedigree Cat Rescue - Advice