Soon-to-be Cat Momma with a Question on Breeders!

Hi all, 

I have been itching to get another cat since my cat I grew up with, Misty (pictured with little me in my profile picture!) went to the Rainbow Bridge in 2010. I will finally in a position to be able to get one this coming August, when my cat-hating lease runs up.

I have been doing a ton of research, and I have decided I want a Cornish Rex. I believe I have even picked out a breeder, but unfortunately she is a six hour drive from me. I have resigned myself to making the trip there twice - with once obviously being to pick up my new family member. So I have a question - would it be better to make that first trip NOW, before I put a deposit down, to ensure that I really like the breeder, or should I wait until the kittens are born (but before they're ready to go home) so I can meet them and make my pick in person?

I know this may be better asked somewhere else, but I don't have permission to post in other forums for thirty days and if I do visit before putting a deposit down it will have to be this coming weekend so it can't wait!

I would visit BEFORE you have to put any deposit down, unless that deposit is refundable. This way, if the breeder is not what you are expecting, you can back out without financial loss.

There have been a handful of others on this site that didn't do all the proper research on a breeder before making a deposits and have lost their money or have been disappointed by the lack of transparency from the breeder (breeder failed to do genetic testing, would not provide paperwork, etc...)

Make sure to do your homework and ask the breeder these important questions.

Welcome to TCS!   I moved your thread to the right forum and gave you posting permissions here  

Another way to check out is meeting the breeder at a cat show if possible. When I first got started in pedigree cats, I did not personally meet the breeder I bought my Lily from until I picked Lily up. We did talk on the phone several times and emailed frequently. That was 13 years ago and we are best friends now. I was lucky. Maybe arrange a visit after the kittens are born, but before any money exchanges hands. That way you can see the kittens and also check out the breeder. Just remember the kittens are going to be tugging at your heart so if it is a bad fit for you and the breeder do not let the kittens get to you. Continue your search elsewhere.