The passion for cats can be overwhelming at times.

But before we talk about overwhelming passion, we’d like to clear up a common and frequent misunderstanding: you never make any money from breeding cats. NEVER.

It may be hard to believe, but before embarking on a project of this kind, it is always wise to get properly informed in order to avoid unpleasant complications along the way.

We are speaking to those who want to breed purely out of passion, whatever it takes. Whether you are thinking of just the occasional litter or a full-fledged breeding program, a few points apply to everyone, above all the first one: you have to know what you are doing.

Bringing creatures into the world is a responsibility. Shelters are full of kittens in need, so if we decide to bring more into the world, we must truly give them the best possible start in life. This means making a sizeable initial investment, first of time and then of money. Of time, because you need to know what to expect and which “schools of thought” to follow (in other words: learn, learn, learn). Of money, because you have to purchase your breeding cats, and you must allow for the fact that a bit of luck is also needed: on many things you can have guarantees if you deal with honest people, but on others nobody can guarantee anything.

If you know breeders you can trust, you may also be able to arrange a spin-off agreement: you buy your queens from them, and for outside matings you rely on their experience and expertise while you learn and work toward your own project.

One thing not to underestimate is the contractual side. You need at least a good contract for outside matings or for purchased breeding queens, and an excellent contract for the sale of kittens. We strongly advise against skipping the contract for any reason. The worry that the Guardia di Finanza (the Italian financial police) might show up and demand taxes on your income is easily overcome (as long as you are a small breeder with few cats): by keeping all receipts and all veterinary invoices, you can easily show that the kitten’s “price” is nothing more than a reimbursement of expenses. We recommend taking the contract you signed when purchasing your breeding cats and having it customized by a lawyer you trust.

Always keep in mind that all cats without a pedigree are not purebred cats.

The pedigree is a certificate of quality that costs between €10 and €20. It requires a certain accuracy in your communications with the cat association you choose, readiness for the inspections they will carry out, and willingness to answer for your responsibilities. Nothing you aren’t already doing out of love for your cats.

It is important to decide where you want to end up:

a) A couple of litters a year of kittens for families? Excellent! Then focus on study and work a great deal on socialization. The kittens will go to live with families, where they will find other two-legged or four-legged companions, even reptiles, small rodents or birds. The new home must never be a source of trauma, and the kitten should be able to enjoy its new family, bond with them, and be cuddled and spoiled.

b) Going to some cat shows and perhaps bringing home a few rosettes? Before buying breeding cats, it is best to start attending cat shows and exhibitions, look at the breeders you like best overall (beautiful cats and good rapport), and try asking who might sell breeding stock. [Editor’s note] This is difficult with big names, but easier with small catteries. Only then do you make the investment. Only from healthy parents that conform to the breed standard, with a good pedigree and no genetic defects or hereditary diseases, can cats worthy of the show ring be born.

c) Breeding cats to sell to other breeders as well, without showing them personally? As above, you must first get to know the scene and move in it indirectly, understand what exhibitors are looking for, and obtain desirable lines. This too can bring great satisfaction.

In conclusion: whatever goal you want to reach, the right recipe is to study, get informed and learn, then create your own project and work on it.