Are you interested in becoming a bengal cat breeder? There are so many things to consider. Breeding is much, much, more than putting two cats together to make babies. Breeding becomes a way of life. I would like to point out of the responsibilities of a good breeder. On this page is some very good info for anyone who is considering becoming a bengal breeder.

 Please be sure to read the entire page and follow any additional links. If you have any additional questions, feel free to ask them. After you are finished doing your research on becoming a good breeder, please fill out the questionnaire on this page. I will only sell breeder cats to people who have sufficient knowledge of the breed and good breeder practices.

Determining A Breeder's Reputability

by Brigitte McMinn, copyright 1999

Reprinted from The Bengal Bulletin, Summer 1999

The defining difference between that of a Reputable Breeder and a "kitten producer" is the concern and the responsibility the person shows towards his/her breed, breeding program, fellow breeders, and his/her individual charges; cats/kittens and purchasers thereof.

• The Reputable Breeder spends large amounts of time and money on that which he/she believes to be for the best interest of the breed, the cats and those directly and indirectly affected by his/her actions.
  
  
• The Reputable Breeder sees his/her breeding program as an unfinished work, a creative masterpiece that drives him/her towards excellence and perfection. Whereas, the "kitten producer" is motivated by profit. While the "kitten producer" is happy to sell quantity to whomever; dealers, brokers, ... the reputable breeder insists on individual contact with each prospective owner and will only place a kitten after careful and thorough screening. Direct contact is necessary in order to insure a mutual compatibility between the would be purchaser, the cat/kitten and him/herself. Because of this great concern on the part of the reputable breeder, he/she will help the novice purchaser select the cat/kitten that is compatible with their lifestyle, personality and expectations, even if it means talking them out of a cat/kitten. Screening is necessary to ensure a successful placement and this is foremost with the reputable breeder.
  
  
• The Reputable Breeder is concerned with pedigrees and the breed standard is of utmost importance to his goal for excellence and the betterment of the breed. Because of the goal of betterment in mind, NEVER would this breeder think to breed without knowing the pedigree or without holding the papers qualifying the dam and the sire as breeder quality. A reputable breeder will own the right to breed, the papers proving such, and will have the pedigree of his/her cats as well. This breeder is willing and able to educate and be educated, has a willingness to answer questions correctly and cares about the concerns of the potential new owner. He/she will allow visits to see the mother and if available, the father, and kittens in their environment when it is feasibly safe to do so. The "kitten producer" may offer seemingly good reasons to meet in places with available kittens other then the raised environment.
  
  
• The Reputable Breeder insists on contracts and requires that the cat/kitten be returned to him/her if for any reason the purchaser is unable to keep the pet. It is this breeder who shows responsibility to the breed, and the cats/kittens they have "created" for the lifetime of this pet. Health records, pedigrees and care information are a source of great pride to the breeder that is reputable as well as a sanitary, clean, healthy and happy environment.
  
  
• The Reputable Breeder is excited at the prospect of furthering his/her education through breed clubs, cat shows, seminars and will take advantage of available resources. This reputable breeder tends to live around their cats/kittens. Every opportunity to participate in activities with other reputable breeders ensuring them that their breeding program compares to others within their breed group is looked upon favorably by this reputable breeder.
  
  
• The Reputable Breeder realistically understands that sometimes things go wrong but, he/she maintains a responsibility to the situation, if it is within his/her power, they do what is needed to rectify a problem fairly. The reputable breeder does not abandon a situation.

Please follow the links below for more information on this subject:

What To Consider If You Think You'd Like To Become A Breeder (this info is a little outdated but still good info.)

How Do I Become A Breeder?

Resource Links For Breeders

TIBCS 

TIBCS stands for The International Bengal Cat Society.

TICA

TICA stands for The International Cat Association. It is the main registry used for the bengal breed. Here you can find all the forms nessecery to register your cats and register litters. You can also get your cattery registered here.

Bengal Breed Standard

Here is a copy of the bengal breed standard. Every bengal breeder should strive to breed cats as closely to this standard as possible.

Below is the New Breeder Questionnaire. If you are looking to buy a bengal from me for breeding purposes I will need for you to fill this out first. I realize there are a lot of questions. Don't be intimidated by the questions, this is not a test. It is useful in helping me to get to know more about you and your breeding goals, and also helping me to determine what areas you need help on in your new venture. I want for your breeding program to be successful for the sake of you and the cats in your care.
I am willing to mentor anyone that I sell breeding cats to, so long as you are willing to learn and to ask questions.