Selecting a pedigree kitten
How to choose a pedigree kitten and a responsible breeder, what a healthy kitten looks like, the right age to bring them home, and the paperwork, vaccination and microchip records you should get.
This guidance applies in England. Rules elsewhere in the UK may differ.
The short answer
Choose a breeder registered with a recognised registry such as the GCCF, the UK's largest. GCCF-registered pedigree kittens should be at least 13 weeks old, fully vaccinated, weaned and litter trained before they leave the breeder. You should get a signed pedigree and registration document, a vaccination certificate, and microchip details transferred to you. In England, cats must be microchipped and registered by 20 weeks old.
Key considerations
- 01GCCF-registered pedigree kittens should be at least 13 weeks old before they leave the breeder.
- 02Research any inherited health problems your chosen breed is prone to.
- 03Ask in writing whether a deposit is refundable, and get a receipt.
- 04In England, cats must be microchipped and registered on an approved database by 20 weeks old.
A pedigree cat is bred to a breed standard for looks and character. Pedigree cats can be bred from and shown, but most become much-loved household pets. Before you choose one, find out about the breed's care needs and any inherited health problems it may be prone to.
What makes a kitten a pedigree?
A pedigree cat is registered with a recognised registry such as the GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy), the UK's largest. A registered pedigree kitten should already be registered, or in the process of being registered, when you buy them.
If a breeder has mated two different breeds, the kittens may not be pedigrees of either breed. Ask to see the parents' pedigree details.
Finding the right breeder
Research which breed suits you and your household, then talk to breeders. A good breeder will know the history of the kitten and their parents, and will happily answer your questions about the kitten's future health.
A responsible breeder will also ask about you: whether you want a pet, plan to show, or might breed. If the breeder is unhelpful, or anything makes you uneasy, walk away.
In England, Lucy's Law means kittens under six months old can only be sold by the person who bred them or by a rehoming centre.
Some breeders ask for a deposit. Ask in writing whether it is refundable and get a receipt.
Checking the kittens' health
Kittens should be playful and interested in you during your visit. Look out for signs of ill health, such as dirty or sore ears, diarrhoea or fleas. A healthy kitten has bright, clean eyes with no discharge. The breeder should introduce you to the litter and show you how to hold and handle the kittens.
If kittens seem unwell or kept in poor conditions, walk away and report concerns to the local council or RSPCA. However hard it is, don't take an unwell kitten home out of sympathy.
When can a kitten come home?
No kitten should leave their mother before 8 weeks old. GCCF-registered pedigree kittens should be at least 13 weeks old, fully vaccinated, weaned and litter trained before they leave the breeder.
Paperwork to collect
When you collect your kitten, you should receive:
- the kitten's pedigree and registration document, signed by the breeder
- a vaccination certificate showing the kitten has completed their first course against cat flu and feline infectious enteritis (FIE)
- microchip details, so you can update them with your own contact details
- a diet sheet showing what the kitten has been eating and what to feed them at home
- any insurance details, if the breeder has arranged cover
In England, cats must be microchipped and registered on an approved database by 20 weeks old. Make sure the microchip details are transferred to you.
Ask whether the breeder provides a few weeks of free insurance cover, and arrange your own policy before it ends.
The breeder may ask you to sign a document confirming everything was explained and the paperwork was handed over. Both of you should sign it and keep a copy.
After you take your kitten home
A dedicated breeder will usually keep in touch to see how the kitten is settling in. If you have any problems, let the breeder know straight away.
Before you decide
- Have you researched the breed and its health and care needs?
- Have you thought about whether an adult cat or a non-pedigree cat might suit you just as well?
- Have you arranged your own insurance for when any breeder cover ends?
Questions readers ask
How old should a pedigree kitten be when it leaves the breeder?
GCCF-registered pedigree kittens should be at least 13 weeks old, fully vaccinated, weaned and litter trained. No kitten should leave their mother before 8 weeks old.
Sources: Choosing a kitten, The Kitten Checklist
What paperwork comes with a pedigree kitten?
A signed pedigree and registration document, a vaccination certificate, microchip details and a diet sheet. Make sure the microchip details are transferred into your name.
Sources: Choosing a kitten, Buying a cat or dog
Does my kitten need to be microchipped?
In England, cats must be microchipped and registered on an approved database by 20 weeks old. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Sources: Cat microchipping now mandatory
Sources and further reading
- Choosing a kitten, The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. Accessed
- Code of Ethics, The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. Accessed
- Cat microchipping now mandatory, GOV.UK (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) (). Accessed
- Buying a cat or dog, GOV.UK (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) (). Accessed
- Ban of third-party sales of puppies and kittens known as Lucy's Law confirmed, GOV.UK (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) (). Accessed
- The Kitten Checklist, Cats Protection, GCCF, International Cat Care, Mayhew, PDSA, RSPCA and Wood Green. Accessed
- Buying a kitten, Cats Protection. Accessed
- Buying a kitten: what to think about, RSPCA. Accessed
About this article
- Written by Mypetzilla Editorial Team
- Published
- Updated
This article is general pet advice, not veterinary or legal advice. If your pet is unwell, speak to a vet.
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