Why wait when there are kittens in stores?

The reason a store bought kitten looks different from a show pedigree.

“Why does it take at least 6 months prior to selecting a kitten?”

“Why do kittens go to homes so late? Will they be able to bond when they arrive.”

Store bought kittens are usually from kitten mills and do not require a wait period as the kittens are produced without careful planning, just needing to look cute enough or healthy enough to meet demand.

Show pedigrees are different from Pet pedigrees and within the Show pedigrees there are also varying qualities.

At WinterForest, our Kittens are selected at 13 weeks ( 3 months of age) they are not produced on a fast track factory line, but carefully thought and timed. Their mum’s are well rested and attain the right age and health conditions prior to being allowed to conceive.
This maximizes the chances of a successful, robust and high quality litter.

We do not have multiple litters concurrently, allowing us to dedicate enough resources to kittening and socializing each individual.

Pregnancy takes approximately 2.5 months .

Added together, this is how we arrive at the minimum 6 months.

WinterForest Gradutes leave after 16 weeks due to our cattery’s belief.
We have found that the immense changes a kitten experiences from 8 weeks to 16 weeks puts a great strain on the kitten’s digestive system and social well being.

Often leading to Medical or social Issues for new kittens.
According to Trupanion, a medical insurance provider for pets, the most common health claims for young kittens and their costs are

From their data, Trupanion found that kittens under the age of two incur twice as many claims per pet than adult cats.

This is expected as healthy kittens are naturally active , curious and under going immense changes in their environment and growth.
Upset tummy , new litter /boxes, the lack of four legged companions ..etc all contribute to the above factors.

With upfront costs of adopting a new kitten being expensive, unless new pawrents are experienced to notice small changes and intervene or have access to experienced cat pawrents, being at the cattery with mum and litter mates maybe best for the kitten.

This provides a longer period of stable growth creating a healthy buffer from being in a consistent environment whilst they undergo the roller coaster of the first 17 weeks.
This seems especially beneficial ( thou costly) for a slow growing breed like the Siberian. ( https://trupanion.com/pet-care/cat )

The concern regarding the ability to bond is frequently brought up. We have found that it is largely unfounded.
Serious catteries or Show cat owners import show kittens well past 10 months of age. Paying immensely for the additional holding period.
These kittens/ cats bond well, perform and interact with show judges.

Bonding of a kitten/ cat has little to do with age. But patience and effort on the new pawrent’s part.