I'm looking to buy an MC kitten. We've had MCs and they are GREAT cats (and this coming from a life-long "dog person"). I'd like my 8 yr old step-daughter (who just LOVES cats) to have a chance to raise a kitten and perhaps even show a little at local shows (if there is such a thing). I'm thinking it would be nice to even have one litter before the cat is neutered . . . is that against the rules? MCs seem to be quite expensive in New England (I live in NH). I don't mind paying the price, but want to make sure I know how to get my money's worth. Can someone be my cat-mentor?

-- Anonymous, February 03, 2001

Answers

Your best bet would be to attend a cat show and meet some reputable breeders. Then your step-daughter can learn what is involved in showing a cat (it's a lot of work). Plan on getting your cat neutered/spayed when it is 5 or 6 months old. If you find a breeder nearby, you might be able to get him/her to invite you to a kitten birth. This is much easier than having them yourself as there is a lot of time, money, and worry involved with breeding kittens and placing them. You can still show your neutered/spayed cat in Premiership if you really want to and the cat has the correct personality. Also, you can show a non-purebred in the Household Pet category (still a lot of work and purrsonality counts even more).

-- Anonymous, February 03, 2001