How does buying a kitten from a cattery work?
If you have never bought a kitten from a breeder before, the process can feel unfamiliar. It is different from buying from a pet shop, and it usually involves some waiting.
Here is how it works at LaziBlues, a small home cattery in Westchester County. Other breeders may differ in the details, but the steps are similar.
Step one: reach out
The process starts with a message or a call. Tell us a little about your family, your home and the kind of companion you hope for. This helps us understand what you are looking for.
You are welcome to ask questions about our cats, the breed and what to expect. We reply personally to every message.
Step two: join the waitlist
Kittens are not always available when you first make contact, and the best breeders do not breed constantly. Joining the waitlist holds your place for an upcoming litter.
A deposit reserves your place. We explain the details when you contact us, and the deposit is part of the signed contract.
Step three: wait and watch them grow
While you wait, we share photos and videos as the kittens develop. It is a lovely way to follow the litter’s progress and to learn the kittens’ personalities.
Waiting can be hard, but it is a normal part of working with a careful breeder, and it means the kittens are raised without being rushed.
Step four: the match
We match kittens to families by personality rather than first-come, first-served. Some kittens are bold and playful, others gentle and quiet, and the right fit depends on your household.
If you have a color preference, whether blue, seal point or lilac, tell us. We will take it into account and let you know when that coat is expected.
Step five: the contract and paperwork
Every kitten goes home with a written contract and a veterinary health certificate. Read the contract carefully and ask about anything that is not clear.
Your kitten will be vaccinated and dewormed for its age before it leaves.
Step six: going home
Kittens usually go home at around twelve to sixteen weeks, once they are ready. Plan a calm pickup day with a secure carrier and a quiet room at home.
We visit and hand over by appointment, as we are a home cattery. Contact us to arrange a time.
After your kitten comes home
Our relationship does not end at pickup. We are always a message away for questions about feeding, litter habits or health, for the life of your cat.
If life changes and you cannot keep your cat, we ask that it return to us.
Ready to start?
If you would like to join our waitlist or ask about an upcoming litter, contact us by phone or email. We welcome families from Westchester County and New York City.
The more you tell us about your home and what you are hoping for, the better we can match you with the right kitten.
Questions to ask before you commit
Before you put down a deposit, ask about the parents and their health, how the kittens are raised, what the contract covers and what happens if you can no longer keep the cat. Ask when kittens go home and what is included, such as vaccinations and a health certificate.
It is also reasonable to ask about the breeder’s experience, registration and references. A good breeder will not mind.
We welcome these questions at LaziBlues, and we are glad to talk through anything on the phone or by email.
Why waiting is worth it
Waiting for a kitten can feel slow in a world of instant everything, but it is often a sign that the breeder is doing things properly. Planned litters, healthy mothers and kittens that stay with their family until ready all take time.
You also gain a chance to prepare your home and to get to know the breeder. Many families find the weeks before pickup some of the most enjoyable, as photos and updates arrive.
If you would like to start the conversation, get in touch. We would be glad to hear from you.
Talk to LaziBlues
LaziBlues is a home cattery in Westchester County, New York. See the coats we raise on our kittens page, read more frequently asked questions, or contact us to ask about an upcoming litter. You can also call 914-421-0505.