Reputable vs Backyard Breeder: Key Differences

Why Buying a Scottish Fold Kitten Outside a Registered Cattery Can Be Risky

The Scottish Fold is a charming and well-loved breed, famous for its unique folded ears and affectionate nature. However, this breed carries a special gene that must be handled with care and expertise. Responsible breeding is essential.

Sadly, online platforms are flooded with low-priced “Scottish kittens” that are often bred irresponsibly. But what are the real risks of buying from an unregistered source? Let’s explore.

Who Is a Responsible Breeder?

A responsible breeder is registered with a recognized cat association such as TICA, CFA, or WCF, and is committed to the health and wellbeing of every kitten.

At BestOfTheBest Cattery, we have over 6 years of experience breeding Scottish Fold and Straight kittens. We focus on health, temperament, and breed standard. Our kittens are raised in a loving, family environment — with children, dogs, and plenty of care.

A reputable breeder will:

Be officially registered with a feline organization
Use purebred, titled cats with pedigrees
Conduct genetic testing (Fold gene, HCM, PKD)
Only breed Fold × Straight to avoid health problems
Raise kittens in a clean, home-based, cage-free environment
Vaccinate, deworm, and microchip all kittens
We vaccinate and deworm kittens, then let them go to their new homes no earlier than 12 weeks.
Neuter or spay kittens before they go to their new home
Provide a purchase contract and health guarantee
Offer lifetime support and guidance

What Is a Backyard Breeder?

By contrast, backyard breeders produce kittens without proper knowledge, registration, or health care. Their main goal is profit — not the kitten’s wellbeing.

Common red flags:

No registration or official cattery name
Kittens available too early (6–8 weeks), unvaccinated
No pedigree, contract, or health guarantee
Kittens may be kept in cages or unsanitary conditions
Fold × Fold pairings, which lead to serious deformities
No genetic or veterinary testing
No socialization — kittens may be fearful or aggressive

⚠️ Important: Fold × Fold breeding is unethical. It causes lifelong joint pain, stiffness, and mobility issues due to osteochondrodysplasia.

Why It’s Risky to Buy a Kitten Outside a Cattery

Scottish Folds carry a genetic mutation (Fd gene) that affects cartilage and bone structure. When both parents have folded ears, the risk of deformities is extremely high.

What can go wrong?

Osteochondrodysplasia (painful bone and cartilage disorders)
Limb deformities, arthritis, stiff joints
Heart and kidney diseases (HCM, PKD)
Viral infections due to lack of vaccinations
Weak immunity, stunted growth
Poor temperament due to lack of handling
Expensive veterinary bills, emotional stress — or worse

Why Choose BestOfTheBest Cattery?

At BestOfTheBest, we don’t just raise kittens — we raise companions for life. Our cats live in our home and grow up socialized, confident, and deeply loved.

When you adopt from us, you receive:

A purebred Scottish Fold or Straight kitten with pedigree
Vaccinated, dewormed, and microchipped
Neutered/spayed before going home
A signed purchase contract and health guarantee
A full veterinary passport
Personalized guidance on feeding, behavior, and litter training
Weekly photo and video updates while you wait
A kitten raised in a family, not in a cage

We help you choose the right match for your family and provide lifelong support, even after adoption.

How to Recognize a Trustworthy Breeder

Ask these important questions:

Are they registered with TICA, CFA, or WCF?
Do they perform genetic and health testing?
Are kittens raised at home with proper socialization?
Do they use safe Fold × Straight pairings only?
Are kittens vaccinated, fixed, and microchipped?
Do they provide contracts and pedigree documents?
Is there an active social media presence with real updates?

In Conclusion

Bringing home a Scottish Fold kitten is a lifelong commitment — and choosing the right breeder makes all the difference.

With BestOfTheBest Cattery, you’ll get a healthy, beautiful, and well-socialized kitten — along with peace of mind.

We don’t just breed cats.
We help build families.

📩 Contact us today to reserve your kitten or ask questions.
📸 Follow us on social media to see our kittens grow!