What should I be looking for in a good/ethical/reputable/ preservation Devon Rex breeder?

Over the years, and even since the more recent availability of DNA testing and veterinary medical practice advancements, what to look for has changed. Here is a modern list of key factors to consider when choosing a breeder:

1. Registration with Reputable Associations:

Ensure the cats and kittens are registered with reputable associations such as CFA and/or TICA. If a breeder offers "no papers" or "unregistered" kittens, ask why. This could indicate they lack breeding rights or that the cats may not be purebred. Registering a kitten costs only $15–$25 USD, so a lack of papers is a red flag.

Note: Some hybrids are permitted by associations to diversify the Devon Rex genetic pool. Approved hybrids are still be eligible for registration.

2. Participation in Cat Shows:

Ethical breeders actively participate in cat shows to validate their breeding program and gain unbiased feedback. While some may cite cost or concerns about disease exposure, responsible breeders follow strict protocols to prevent health risks. Proper hygiene, preparation, and post-show care help minimize potential issues.

3. Membership in Breed Clubs:

Membership in breed clubs (Ex. The Devon Rex Breed Club or "DRBC") helps breeders stay informed on broader breed developments. It also indicates adherence to a code of ethics and offers some recourse for new owners if issues arise. Breeders who are members have typically shown a cat to Grand status, demonstrating a strong understanding of the breed standard.

4. Financial Transparency:

Where does the money from kittens go? Ours goes back into ensuring the health and welfare of our cats, ensuring their veterinary exams, genetic testing, biologically appropriate diet, showing in front of people who know cats, and know the breed, travelling with cats and safely, not to mention equipment and time away from work and family,. If they are not doing these things, where does that money go? There's an old saying, that good breeders don't make money, and in my time in this hobby that's true. Most lose a little, and some if they are careful and frugal, come out close to even. Beware the person who is charging the full price, and has nothing with which to show for it. Because there is no governing authority for breeders in Canada(or the US for that matter), it is entirely up to the new owner to do their own research and due diligence.

         **Note: If they are charging a small(ish) adoption fee. Frequently we see people pointing to Kijiji or other online ads where kittens are half price or less of what most ethical breeders will charge. Cost alone, by no means is an indicator of quality! But if a price seems too good to be true, it often is. Find out what you are receiving for the price. If they cannot attest to the things here that have been outlined, look the other way, no matter how cute that kitten is, please don't support irresponsible greedy breeders who are only trying to pad their wallets, nor misinformed naïve ones.

5. Should have their kittens/breeding adults tested for physical AND genetic issues. 

In order to save yourself heartbreak, sick kittens/cats and potentially large vet bills later, It's important that you find a breeder whose breeding stock is tested for genetic issues common to the breed. Some should be done yearly, and some just once to prove they don't carry the gene that causes the problem. No breed is without potential issues and it is up to us as breeders to ensure that our lines are healthy and represent the best the breed has to offer. We are after all, responsible for bringing these tiny creatures into the world and we have a duty to ensure they have the best possible shot at living a long healthy happy and loved life with their new families. Its also relevant to note that if both parents have tested negative for certain issues, that the kitten by default will be negative as well. Each breed has it's own things to test for. In Devons, the most common ailments are PKD, CMS and newly emerging retinal atrophy, along with HCM. The first three can be tested for via genetic screening. HCM however requires regular heart health monitoring of breeding adults via an echocardiogram.

I cannot stress enough how important it is that you find a breeder that does these things. I urge you to think critically if someone tries to tell you these aren't an issue with our breed, or any other excuse not to do these screenings. Because, that is unfortunately, patently false. It is also no longer sufficient in this day and age to have only an FIV and Felv free cattery. Those should be a given. Reputable breeders do better, and are always striving to improve the breeds health. Please be a part of that ideology and expect this bare minimum from whatever breeder you choose.

6. Cats/Kittens should be clean and well groomed. 

Regarding the pictures they send, or once you've seen them in person, do they have clean eyes and ears, and bums? Are their eyes bright and shiny? These things, while they sound aesthetic, are a testament to how well they have been cared for and looked after, as well as indicative of the environment they were raised in. Look at their pictures, do you see crusty half closed eyes(sick)? Lots of ear dirt? Devons are somewhat known for ear dirt, but it takes but a moment to clean our babies ears. Attention to the kittens brought into this world is important. This reflects that.

7. Breed Knowledge:

Make sure the person you are dealing with can answer questions about the breed, can talk about what issues the breed can have and how and why they have chosen the cats they breed to better those traits. They should also be able to talk about their own lines and what they are striving to improve. This includes but should not be limited too.... common breed concerns(Like CMS, PKD and HCM), colour genetics and nomenclature, Their own cats pedigrees and how and why they chose those cats. **Beware if someone is not willing or able to discuss these things with you.

8. Kitten Age at Adoption: 

Kittens should not leave their breeder before 14–16 weeks of age, with at least three sets of vaccinations (minimum two). Early separation can negatively impact their health and behavior. You can read more about that here.

The "Golden Girls" litter of Devon Rex kittens from 2019, Now Cookie, Bean, Luna and Buffy!

9. Spaying/Neutering:

Most ethical breeders nowadays will also spay or neuter their kittens prior to coming home, and we recommend finding a breeder who does. It is important to note that this has not been associated with the same kind of issues experienced in dogs spayed or neutered at a younger age. It is safe and effective method to ensure there is never an accidental litter, never clogging up the shelter system, never making it into the arms of a backyard breeder and not having a breeder hold extra money until proof of spay is completed. It also puts the cost and recovery care in the hands of the experienced breeder, amongst some behavioral and health benefits. It is also supported by the CFA, the AAFP, and other feline specific veterinary health groups worldwide. Here is a position statement put forward by the AAFP  

10. Number of litters per year: This is slightly nuanced, as certainly one breeders capacity for space, time, money and attention to adults and kittens is not necessarily going to be the same as the next persons. For instance, a person with a partner, three older teenage children, working from home may be able to take care of more litters responsibly than a single individual working a typical 9-5 job with no additional sets of hands to help.

However---- there is still a rational limit. If a breeder is birthing close to a litter a month, or more, or many litters on the ground at the same time (like 6-10) it should go without saying that their setup is designed for quantity of kittens(nearly a commercial scale) and not revolving around making careful decisions to better the breed. This is not in the best interest of the cats or kittens. From crowded stress, sanitation, time to spend with each cat and kitten, etc.

Speaking from many years involvement with the breed and the cat fancy at large, this ONE single red flag, would be enough for me to not have a cat from a breeder like this. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you look at it) though, these types of breeders typically don't do any or very little of the other things on this list and as such are pretty easy to spot and avoid.

11. Perceived "niceness" of the breeder. Your ability to build a relationship with your breeder is important. In fact, it cannot be understated, and niceness is a part of that..... but I hear from many people who have regretted their choice in breeder for one reason or another, that the breeder "seemed so nice". BUT a great many BYB are outwardly nice. They wouldn't be around long if they weren't, would they? And honey brings more bees than vinegar. If their goal is to ultimately sell kittens (without all the testing, showing, health, temperament and other considerations we talk about above) then of course they will be nice. Sales people of any kind, need to win over the people purchasing from them. Niceness, and more importantly a good relationship with your breeder is important and lovely to have, but it says nothing about their breeding practices. You can absolutely use "niceness" or "bedside manner" to weed out a breeder if they don't have it, but should not be more important than the entirety of this list to CHOOSE one.