The 3 Grades of Purebreed Cats
By HollywoodPet.net |
Fri, 29 Dec 2006
Purebreed cats are measured by a Standard of Perfection that is set. A cat registry sets the standards and prices a breeder can obtain for a purebreed kitten. Breeders usually classify purebreed kittens into 3 categories. A higher category can fetch more money for the breeder. Here are the three grades given to purebreed kittens.
Show quality.
This is the high-end of purebreed cats and kittens. Each breed has its own standards and the closer the kitten comes to the standard, the more closely they meet the Standards of Perfection. Kittens in this category are rare and usually expensive. Many breeders will not sell kittens of this quality to the average pet owner who can't or won't appreciate the quality of their kitten. Some breeders go so far as to not sell this high of quality to someone who doesn't have enough experience in showing cats.
Breeding quality.
Second in price range to show quality, breeding quality can be expensive too. Breeding grade kittens usually fall short in some way to make it into show quality. While still being exquisite, breeding kittens can have traits that may not get passed on to their offspring. This can make them great for breeding but maybe the wrong generation for the rarified category of showing.
Pet quality.
The least expensive of purebreed kittens, the pet quality category usually fail to meet the Standard of Perfection in an important way. Many breeders will require buyers to spay or neuter this grade of kitten as a condition of the sale. This requirement can appear in the sale paperwork. Pet quality cats are beautiful animals, and to the untrained eye may look almost identical. The slightest differences in physique, shade of color of the coat or other features can make a big difference to the trained eye.
When purchasing a purebreed kitten, keep in mind why you want the pet. Wanting the most expensive kitten may not make much of a difference to the average pet owner. Some of the smallest differences can change the grade of the kitten. To the average cat lover who wants a beautiful animal, the grade won't make much difference. A beautiful cat will be yours regardless of what grade kitten you purchase. A purebreed kitten is a source of pride. Enjoy your kitten.
