Sobriquet Birmans
NSW CFA REGISTERED CATTERY
Email Michelle.
Why does a Sobriquet kitten cost $600?
The cost of raising a kitten for Sobriquet Birmans is more than $550. The reason is that most of the vet work is already done. Unfortunately, not living in a large city has meant that I do not have access to the excellent less expensive vets that city breeders do. I also feed premium quality dry foods along with additive free mince, kitten specific wet and these products are quite expensive but are far better for the cats. They have far less fillers and less salt. When I calculate the cost of feeding the mother throughout the pregnancy and while she is feeding her babies as well as the food the babies consume it contributes a couple of hundred dollars to the price of each kitten, this is without considering the costs of housing a stud cat, keeping the mothers when they are not producing their litter or showing my breeding cats to keep my breeding on track. Sure I could cut corners but that would not be best for mum or babies.
For your money you get a kitten that has been twice vaccinated (many breeders only vaccinate once), twice vet checked, wormed, microchipped and desexed, also included is a kitten pack with all kittens picked up in person from the cattery. This includes information, foods the kitten is used to, sample litter the kitten is used to, a couple of toys, a litter scoop and small scratcher. A health guarantee is also included along with future assistance if required. The kittens grow up in my home which also means that I go through a lot of litter as they are cleaned out very often.
Because I believe I have to give my kittens the very best start in life possible for their longevity and health. Pet kittens are a bi-product of my breeding program. I do not breed to supply the pet market and NO BREEDER SHOULD. I breed to improve the breed, I am currently developing my own lines by using natural selection for the qualities I want to see in my cats. I am in the very fortunate position of having enough cats to do this successfully. This is my hobby and my main interest. I read books on Genetics, kitten health, cat psychology, the birman breed throughout the world, I am organising to import a cat next season. This means I am adding to my knowledge and expertise continuously to help me to raise healthier, happier kittens that adjust to their new homes even better than the new owners expect.
Sobriquet Birmans is a small home based cattery on the Far South Coast of NSW. My cats have fresh country air and often home grown organic produce as we raise our own beef, goats, chickens and ducks. I also have enough space to allow me to build a large outdoor run but I am still working on that.
Why are Sobriquet Babies Raised "Underfoot?"
I believe the single most important thing in raising kittens is to be careful about their confidence. This means exposing them to many different experiences like the "ever horrid vacuum" which most cats run a mile from, unless they have experienced the vacuum and it hasn't hurt them and gradually over time they are so used to it you have to lift them up to vacuum under them or give them a nudge to get them to move. This kind of exposure to different sounds, people, things, other animals, noise happens easiest in a home with lots of activity. Humans are very large in comparison to cats and we can be pretty scary to kittens, if every time they see a human it bends down and picks them up, gives them a little pat and pops them back down again they soon learn humans are not scary at all and will come looking for hugs and pats, purring quickly when they get the idea. Of course the old argument of nature versus nurture comes into play and that is why I breed with outgoing friendly cats to look after the genetic nature side of it, raising them carefully to look after the nurture and to date I have not had a timid kitten.
What about litter training?
The main problem I encounter are the little accidents when they are first beginning litter training. The majority of kittens use the litter instinctively but I have had a couple go just near the litter and so now as a matter of course each litter at around the 5-6 week mark is contained in dog crates for just after their meal times. It is a philosophy along the lines of crate training for dogs except I provide the litter tray in the cage, they have room to sleep, eat, toilet properly yet not much else. Every time I have done this for around a week it has worked to get the kittens right on track, they use the litter and I don't have to worry about little accidents.
Why do Sobriquet babies leave between 11 and 13 weeks of age?
My registering body has the rule that kittens are to remain with their mothers until a certain age, I go beyond that for 3 reasons. 1. Socialisation, it is my belief that bite inhibition is established with their siblings and aggressive behaviour is minimised if they learn rules from their mother and siblings. 2. Veterinary work cannot be done until the kittens are older, my very best vet who is wonderful with the kittens doesn't like to early desex until they are 12 weeks old. 3. Health of the kitten. A kitten belongs with it's mother until at least 10 weeks of age, she is the one who teaches it so many things in so many ways as well as offering her own immunity and all the other benefits of mothers milk.
Why do I early desex?
There are two main reasons I early desex. The first is that I want my kittens to remain in the homes that I so carefully find for them. When cats sexually mature they are not that nice to be around. A calling female can spray, a male almost certainly will, they can become aggressive and the girls overly hormonal and very noisy. Understandably people are annoyed by these behaviours and not knowing the reason, the cat might get put outside, where it can then mate freely and then contribute to the unwanted moggie cat population. This is the second that I early desex. Every time I hear the statistics on how many cats are put to sleep each year I am devastated by human stupidity. I could not breed with the thought that one of my kittens was contributing to this and I will not sell breeding cats to registered breeders who do not early desex.
Would I sell a kitten to a pet shop?
Why do I breed?
To improve the Birman breed and because I love kittens and cats. I also love to play with the kittens and they are generally very good at catching a feather stick, sitting on laps etc. The challenge of getting a show quality birman is very rewarding when it happens.
If you would like to contact Sobriquet Birmans use the details below
Phone Michelle on 02 6492 6490 or 0429191953
The physical address if you would like to visit the cattery is south west of Bega, call for directions
Email Michelle for further information
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