If you want to save money when choosing a kitten, make health your priority

By choosing health first, you invest in many years of joy and peace of mind with your pet.

The most serious risk when buying a kitten is viral infection, such as feline herpesvirus or calicivirus.

Most other conditions can be treated.

These viruses cannot be cured.

Once a cat is infected, the virus remains for life.

A kitten with these conditions can live a long life and will, of course, be loved.

But it will require ongoing medical care — and in reality, the only ones who truly benefit financially are veterinary clinics.

The reality many buyers are not told

There are many catteries where viral infections constantly circulate.

Once a virus enters a cattery, all cats and kittens become exposed.

I personally know breeders who continuously treat their breeding cats and kittens.

Many consider this “normal.”

They manage symptoms, sell kittens, and move on.

Most buyers discover the truth only after the kitten is already home.

Unfortunately, this has become a serious and growing problem.

That is why I am now building a community of health-focused catteries, where breeders can work safely and responsibly.

Transparency matters

In my Facebook group, clients are free to post updates about their cats — even years later.

Try to find another cattery with such an open group — you won’t.

Why?

Because transparency only works when there is nothing to hide.

Many families return to me for a second, third, fourth, and even fifth kitten over time.

That is the true indicator of health.

No one would come back if even one kitten had chronic health issues.

About pricing

Recently, someone wrote to me:

“I know he is a desirable color, but the price is too high for me.”

Our pricing is not based on color, although yes — our kittens are beautiful.

Our price reflects our health standards.

We recently studied the market by surveying many TICA- and CFA-registered catteries.

Our price is slightly below the current average.

While our expenses have increased significantly, our price has risen only minimally.

I fully respect every budget.

There is nothing wrong with searching for something exotic or affordable — I do the same.

But health should always come first.

Choosing health means long-term savings on veterinary bills — and, most importantly, a joyful life with your pet.

That is exactly what our cattery name represents:

Joie de Vivre — “The Joy of Life.”