Kitten Farming

Kitten farming is thought to be a growing a problem in Australia, so follow these steps to make sure your next cat comes from a reputable source

‘Puppy farming’ has received a lot of media attention and we all know about the horrific conditions some unscrupulous breeders inflict on their animals… and now there is new evidence that this kind of thing is happening with cats as well.

On April 22nd, Perth Now newspaper published an article about a litter of Persian kittens dumped at the Cat Haven shelter in Perth. The kittens were in an ‘appalling condition’, according to staff, with many experiencing breathing difficulties and suffering from severe cat flu and mite-infestations.

The article reported that this is the third case in 12 months of Persian kittens being dumped at shelters in Perth, and staff are fearful that this indicates the presence of a kitten farm or backyard breeder who is engaging in neglectful and irresponsible breeding practices.

Appalling conditions
Kitten farms, like puppy farms, keep their animals continually pregnant and living in crates. The cats are often diseased, mistreated and, if the kittens are unwanted, killed. With so many cats without a home already, it’s nothing short of barbaric to bring a kitten into that world of neglect and abuse.

Cat Haven in Perth is fighting to save the lives of these Persian kittens, who will then go into foster care until they can be adopted into ‘forever homes’. The staff of Cat Haven are vehemently against kitten farming and gave Cat Diaries some tips to pass on to anyone considering buying a kitten or who wants advice on how to spot a kitten farm:
•    Always buy from a registered breeder;
•    Don’t arrange to meet the breeder at a location other than their premises, look at the conditions in which the parents and the kittens are kept. If refused access, DON’T proceed with the purchase of the kitten if you can’t see the premises;
•    Pedigree cats from registered breeders should always come with papers – if the breeder cannot supply papers, do not proceed with the purchase.

Images by Roeselien Raimond …