Being a Breeder takes a LOT of dedication, patience & love as well as heartache & isn't for everyone - as anyone who has done this awhile can tell you. There are a lot of tears & heartache involved, but it can be very rewarding too if you're willing to put in the work, money & time.  

I realize that MY way of doing things isn't the way that all"breeders" do things, but it works for me.  I highly reommend that ANYONE looking for a kitten does thier homework first.  Folds & Cornish, especailly well bred ones, aren't always easy to find, especially if you are particular about things like ears, coat, color, etc. You may very well have to get on a waiting list for a kitten but the wait is well worth it.  TALK to the breeder, don't just get taken in by a cute picture.  Find out if they offer health guarantees, how the kittens are raised, do they show (a REPUTABLE breeder will... if not chances are you have a Back yard "breeder" just out to make a quick buck).  Check out the site.  Do the cats look healthy?  Do they have TONS of litters (meaning socializing will be difficult) or do they ALWAYS have multiple litters but only show a FEW breeding cats (why would they be hiding what they actually have or are they just continually breeding their cats?) AVOID at all costs, those "breeders" who want money for litter not even born- just to get put on a wait list and those who don't need to screen you - just having a "PAYPAL" button for a deposit  Do you REALLY want a baby from someone who doesn't care where their babies go as long as the money clears???  Find someone you are comfortable with!  Everyone hopes that things "go well" but occassionally issues can arise (unforeseen illness of you or the cat, moving, etc) & it's important to have someone you can work with in these cases.  Don't be afraid to ask for references & remember a GOOD breeder will be screening you too as they want the best home for their kitten not just the $$$.

I usually only breed 2 girls at once. This gives me a "backup mom", in case one should have problems or too many kittens, while still allowing me to spend the time socializing & spoiling the babies the way I want to. I have a kitten room, where they are born & stay until they've had several vaccines, away from the cats that are going to shows & could possibly bring home something nasty.  Kittens are caged until they're 6 weeks or so, which means they've had their first vaccine & have learned how to use the litterpan a bit.  Kittens then have the run of the kitten room to play in

  There are plenty of scratching post & toys to play with, a big window to watch the birds & squirrels out of as well as beds & carriers to sleep in.  This helps them get used to them so they're not scary & they'll travel well. Once they get a bit bigger they have the run of the house, learning some manners, how to mooch for food (believe me, they learn THAT one really really well), about dogs & visitors.

Once kittens are 9 weeks or so I will let people come over to visit & maybe pick out a kitten. I prescreen all my homes & this is NOT a "have money, get kitten" situation.  I get to know my prospective families, asking for information on what they are looking for in a new baby, what the home environment will be, other pets, where the kitten will stay, how long it will be alone during the day, etc.  I also may ask for references. 

NOT everyone is approved & I reserve the right to refuse to sell to anyone I feel isn't a good fit.  I encourage people to come by if at all possible. A lot of people change their minds about what they want when some little kitten climbs onto their lap & says "I'm yours!".  You'ld be amazed at how many people think they want a shorthaired folded ear & end up with a little longhaired straight because that is the kitten they bond with or end up taking 2 because they're that addicting.

I understand that not everyone is able to come & pick out their baby in person.  Because I know my kittens so well, I can offer advice on personalities & help families pick a kitten that will best fit into their lifestyle.  I take a lot of pictures of the babies & send frequent updates so that the families get to see them "grow up" until the day they're able to take them home.  I do my best to ensure that kittens & families are a good match for a lifetime of happiness & love for all involved.  I must do a good job as I'm very proud of the fact that the majority of families come back for a second, third or more & refer me to friends & family.

Kittens are kept until they are 15-16 weeks.  Yes, your kitten will still be "little" when you get it, but it will have the health and social skills to make a move easier on everyone and YES the baby will still bond with you.  Kittens are not pups and younger is NOT better where they are concerned.  "Breeders" that rush their kittens out the door at 8, 10, 12 weeks are not doing what is best for the baby and are ONLY in it for the money... No reputable breeder will EVER let a baby go so young! There are several reasons for this, the best one being that it's important to their health & social development! kittens are slow to mature. My kittens nurse until they are 12-13 weeks (although I've seen a few 4 month olds try & tackle mom for a free meal). During the ages of 8-12 weeks kitten are learning important social skills, helping to make them better pets & establishing good litterpan behavior.  

Just as important, a majority of my kittens go into homes that already have other cats & I want to make sure they have the best immunity possible. A kitten's body can not maintain immunity until they reach 4 months of age.  I hold on to them until I know that they've had all their vaccines & are as protected as possible. I also make sure that they are altered before leaving home as it is less traumatic to the kittens, helps them heal faster & prevents territorial behavior.   I do not sell breeding cats, except to established breeders, someone who comes highly recommended or someone who's showing & I'm willing to mentor.

I do not allow declawing of my kittens.  The kitten room has plenty of scratching posts to play on & to develop good scratching behavior with.  Kittens get their nails trimmed weekly, from the time they're 6 weeks, so that they are used to all that by the time they go to their new homes. I am a groomer, owning my own grooming business - All Around Town Mobile Pet Spa, so I make sure that I groom the kittens regularly so that they get used to it & come to relish the attention. 

Before baby goes home, I give families a care sheet with pertinant information. This includes instructions on everything from feeding & litter to grooming instructions & making the first few days home easier on everyone.  There are guides to introducing kitty to other pets in the house & ways to make the kitten feel more comfortable. There's a list of things you'll need, including  the right kind of food, litter, proper grooming tools (I have these for sale) toys, etc.  You'll want to have all of this ready for the new baby upon his/her arrival.