Tips for Finding a Reputable Russian Blue Breeder

With their vibrant green eyes, silver-blue coat and pleasing body style, the Russian blue is a stunningly beautiful breed. The Russian blue comes in only one color and pattern- solid blue, which really looks like a grey color to the human eye. Although this is a rare breed, an increasing number of cat lovers are showing interest in the Russian Blue. Pet quality Russian blue kittens range around $400 to $700, depending upon the breeder and area. Champion lines for show and breeding purposes are even more expensive, ranging anywhere from $800-$3000 per kitten. Most of the time you will find that reputable breeders maintain waiting lists since there is a relatively small numbers of breeders working with this breed. It’s far more important to find a good breeder than to find the first available Russian Blue Kitten and here are a few tips to help you find a reputable Russian Blue breeder:

Understand the Importance of Certification

Certain breeds of cats are often at risk for genetic conditions or diseases that are inherited from parent to kitten. Many breeders will have their cats evaluated and tested for any diseases or genetic conditions and have them “certified” by a veterinary specialist to be disease-free. Choose a breeder who has performed the health certifications necessary to screen out genetic health problems to the best extent possible.

Check Out Websites

Lots of reputable breeders have websites, and it can be hard to tell who’s good and who’s not? There are a few red flags that distinguish a reputable breeder from a disreputable breeder. Some of the red flags include constant availability of kittens, multiple litters on the premises, giving the owner any choices of kitten, and allowing the accessibility to pay online via credit card. While some of these things may seem convenient and a standard protocol for breeders, reputable breeders are almost never associated with these options.

Is There a Guarantee?

Disreputable breeders and unhealthy catteries can be hard to distinguish from reliable, reputable breeders and organizations. While there is no 100% guaranteed way to make sure you’ll never purchase a sick kitten, you can ask specific questions to reduce your chances of heading into a unfortunate situation. It may be a difficult topic to bring up with the breeder, but it’s important to ask them what guarantee they give to the kittens, and also what will they do if the kitten is found to have a severe illness?

How Have They Socialized the Kittens?

Proper socialization is critical in kittens 6 to 16 weeks old, especially Russian Blue kittens. Due to their shy nature, Russian Blues are usually reserved around strangers. This shyness is not an indication that a kitten won’t make a great companion, but early handling is vital if the kittens are to grow up to be well-socialized cats. Before choosing a Russian Blue kitten, watch to see how the kittens interact with the breeder and family to get an idea of their personalities and to determine the amount of handling the kittens have received.

Patience is a Must

Since the breed is so rare, Russian Blue breeders can be difficult to find, they may not be in your immediate area, and you may have to wait six months or more for the right kitten to become available. It’s important to be patient and understand that many breeders won’t release kittens to new homes until they are between 12 and 16 weeks of age. So plan ahead and give yourself ample time to find your beloved feline companion.