I'm looking for a bit of advice......
When I have people contact me wanting to purchase a kitten, I have to ask questions to figure out if the home is one that would be appropriate. However, on some breeders' websites, they have "questionaires" for people to fill out. There's absolutely NOTHING wrong with this - I think it can be a great tool - but I *personally* find it a little intimidating myself. Also, I wonder if people are being honest when they fill it out? Or are they just answering the way they feel they should so that a breeder will sell them a kitten? Is there a *nice* way to ask prospective kitten buyers the questions you need to know the answers to (a) without intimidating them and (b) giving them the opportunity to answer truthfully (ie: not asking a question in this manner - "So you know that you can't declaw these kittens, right?" - I feel that might "spoon feed" them the answer that the breeder wants to hear instead of a truthful answer.)
I've been asking "How do you feel about declawing?" and "how do you plan to keep your kitten?" Something I was thinking about asking was "where do you plan to keep the litter box?" How does that sound? I ask about other pets in the home, and if people have children (which I don't mind, since I have 4, but I'd like to get a feel for the situation.) What else should I add?
I'd like to hear from both breeders and pet buyers about their thoughts on this subject.
I understand how you feel, I can't imagine being a breeder and having to give away my babies! I don't think they'd be intimidated or scared away by these questions, they should just be realizing how much you care for your kittens. I think how you suggested asking more open-ended questions is the way to go. Like about the declawing issue, some people have no idea the issues surrounding it and how mean it is for the kitties. I think you'll definitely get more truthful responses from people if you do it that way. Another question you could ask is how long they plan on being away from the kitten/cat during the day.
The breeder I got my ragdolls from states on their website:
"We do not allow our kittens/cats to be declawed.
We do not allow our kittens/cats to roam outdoors."
and also they state that all pet and show/alter kittens are neutered before leaving, and to please not ask for an exception because there are no exceptions.
The first two items are also in the contract (the third item isn't, because the spaying/neutering is already done by the time the contract is signed), but having it on the website makes it clear before a potential buyer even e-mails/calls.
Before we were looking for ragdolls we went to the humane society and the questions were so personal and 4 pages long we said no thank you. They wanted to know things like who comes to visit and how long and their names and address and phone numbers and how much we make and alot more personal things and it turned us off. Not that we care people know but some things I do not think they needed to know. Your questions I think are fine.
Our contract also said no declawing and not to be outdoors unless in a carrier or something of that sort. I do think a breeder does need to get a feel of the people you are dealing with especially if they can not come and pick the kitten themselves.
My breeder basically asked me questions about my daily activities-to make sure I would have enough time to spend with the Gs. I did not find these basic questions to be intrusive. One question focused on how much time I spend at home. However, I ended up volunteering alot of information myself. My breeder appeared to be VERY pleased that I was taking the iniative to let her know how I would be caring for the kittens.
Keeping the kittens inside was part of the contract as well as no declawing. Hope that helps. I appreciate that you are asking this. It shows me what a caring breeder you are.
Discussion is much better than a questionnaire. Discuss past and current cats. You can ask "And did you let them explore outside in your garden?" (Correct answer: No. They are not allowed outside.) or "How do you protect your furniture?" (Correct answer: We have scratching posts and keep their claws clipped.)
I think what Jan said makes a lot of sense. Also, something has to be said of your gut instinct...if it doesn't feel right then deny that person one of your kittens, and if it feels like a great prospective kitten owner, then go with that.
How to profile a person's character can be tough.
Zooming in on pets past and present can give you a good idea of what kind of pet owner they will be.
People love to talk about there pets. And by you being a good listener can open doors for you to jump in with questions.
In most case people are going to look to you as a breeder to educate them.
I personally don't like the questions. I feel there a little interrogating and your putting your clients on the spot.
How about,,, I would like to explain my policy,, why I do not allow declawing .This way you are educating a client that is unaware of the dangers of declawing.
The importance of setting up a safe room for the kitten,and how to go about it and what would be needed
you could cover litter box in this area.
Also letting them know your door is always open for help.
LOL Jan can say it in less words then me
Thanks everyone for your responses.
I like the questions you suggested, Jan, because it doesn't "spoon feed" the correct answers.
I do have on my website about how Ragdolls need to be indoor only pets, that all kittens are spayed/neutered before leaving our home (unless sold as breeders), and that we have a no declaw policy. What I find interesting is, many people don't actually READ all of that information.
Some people do, which is great! It helps them to know what questions to ask me, too. I really want it to be a good "fit" for both of us.
I also like the idea of a "conversation" versus a "questionaire." I have, and will continue to, definitely listen to my gut when it comes to placing kittens. Thanks for the great advice everyone!
Something I did just yesterday - let me know what you guys think - I had someone who wanted to place a deposit. She hadn't had a cat as a pet before, which always makes me a bit more worried. I sent her a copy of my contract and asked her to read it over and get back to me if she was still interested. She hasn't, so I assume she won't - which is totally OK (means it wasn't the right fit, IMHO.) As a pet buyer, would that have "turned you off" from buying from a breeder? My opinion is - it's the contract they sign, and I want to be very clear and upfront from the beginning. I'm wondering if this is an example of when a "conversation" would've been better than a "questionaire" (or contract.) *smackself* I'm now thinking we should've just had a "conversation" about it. What do you guys think?
If anyone else has other thoughts/suggestions, I'm very open to hearing your ideas! Thanks again for sharing everyone.
We do not flag our requirements about indoor only and no declaw on the web site. That just flags the "right" answer, although you are right to be doubtful about it being read. We confirm interest enough to consider a deposit by email exchanges, which are geared to the questions of the pet owner, and then talk, where we resolve our issues if they have not yet been mentioned. We do not provide paperwork unless requested, but there is not much in it - health guarantee and requirement to involve us in any rehoming.