If my kitten is shipped to me, how will I know the kitten will like me (and I will like the kitten)?

By the time kittens leave my cattery at four months, they have already developed their dependency on humans. They are ready to "attach." This is an excellent time to introduce them to a new home.

Usually, kittens will readily adapt to new surroundings and people. However, they will be going through a "where are my litter mates" shock, and will probably cry whenever you are not actively playing with them or holding them. This phase lasts a couple weeks, on average, and is perfectly normal.

Kittens are keenly aware of the personality of their owners/new family. The personality that the kitten has in my home will become very different in their new home. Here they pattern themselves after me; and when they get to their new home, they will become like you--and what you want them to become--to a large extent.

I will make every attempt to match kittens with a new family or person, by personality type. Outgoing kittens will be placed with people who want a bold kitty, and more reserved kittens will be placed with people who want a more gentle kitty, for instance. But, all kittens will blossom and shine under the love and care of their new people. In a very real way, the kitten will become uniquely "yours." Because of this, I cannot guarantee the personalities of my kittens. But I know you will grow to love them and I know they will grow to love you, in a very short time.

If, however, you are looking for a very special *heart kitty* who is uniquely bonded just to you, then it might be best to fly or drive to the cattery of your choice, to play with the kitty so you can choose them and they can choose you. Heart kitties, in any breed, are a treasure that requires seeking -- and no expense is spared during the search.

How do you know if you are seeking a heart kitty? Consider this: If how the cat looks is as important to you as the relationship you will have with the cat, then you need to find a cat who pleases your eye as much as your heart. But if your primary need is for a cat who loves you more than anything else in the whole world, even if the kitty turns out to be your least favorite color or pattern, then you are seeking a heart kitty. Be prepared to spend your time and resources on the search. Treasures are usually hard to find, but well worth the effort.

What do Devon Rex cost?

At four months, kittens leave my cattery already spayed or neutered. They have had all their vaccinations, including rabies. (They will not need any boosters until one year of age). They have been tested for FeLV/FIV and are negative. They have been wormed, as a precaution.

Kittens come with my health guarantee, and also a certificate from the vet. I have this information bound in a Kitten Baby Book that holds my contract, the kitten's registration papers, pedigree, birthing records, health records, a space for a diary, a "Feline Information" section for new owners, and a few photo’s I have taken over the course of their 4 month stay at our home.

I send kittens home with a new carrier, a receiving blanket that has the "smells of home," a few small familiar toys, a small bag of food to help them change over to the food you will be feeding, and their own Kitten Baby Book.

Pet Quality:

Devon Rex cats are rare, and more expensive than some breeds. Adoption costs start at $800.00, plus a Alaska State Sales Tax of 5%. Even though most of my pet kittens are sired by top quality lines, pet quality cats are not show cats.

Premier Show Quality:

Spayed or neutered show cats are priced according to their quality, as evidenced at the age they leave my cattery. Final development is always in question. I have been occasionally disappointed, even in the cats I decide to keep for my own breeding or showing program. (I have also sold kittens that I later wished I had kept, because they developed so well.)

Before choosing a show kitten, you should have already researched the breed so that you have a firm idea of what you wish to see in the kitten you buy. Spayed or neutered kittens and cats are shown as "Premiers."

Breeding or Champion Show Quality:

I do not place whole cats for show or breeding unless I have formed a relationship of mentoring with the person who wishes to become a breeder; or unless the breeder has already established themselves in the breeding/showing community as a person of good standing. References are always required, and will be checked carefully. Prices of whole cats are determined by individually written contracts, at the time of the agreement.

But, I have seen Devon Rex kittens sold for less -- why is that?

Some people sell kittens at 5-6 weeks of age (barely weaned), with no vaccinations at all, for $350.00. This is not a bargain. Kittens at this age are just losing immunity from Momcat's milk, and are more susceptible to all diseases. They should be receiving the first Calici/Rhino shots, and still be isolated from other cats. They are not even old enough to get rabies shots. They have not been tested for FeLV/FIV, and might carry those diseases. Kittens of this age cannot be spayed or neutered, yet. They cannot be microchipped.

Also, kittens of this age still need Momcat to teach them important lessons on socialization, and other cat communication skills. Three months is the minimum age a kitten should leave a cattery; four months, if the kitten is being shipped or being early spay/neutered prior to leaving.

It costs a good breeder more to properly care for the kittens during the entire three to four months they will be growing and developing, but a good breeder considers that a small price to pay for healthy, happy kittens.

What are the characteristics of the Devon Rex breed?

Devon Rex are an active breed. They are not likely to resemble a porcelain statue by a window. Devon Rex are more likely to be clowns. They are "purr factories," and need lots of cuddling, handling, and interactive play. Devon Rex require a deep relationship with their people. They will follow you everywhere, wanting to be in on everything. When happy, some Devons wag their tails. Some Devon Rex even enjoy playing fetch. Do not adopt a Devon if you want a cat who will be content just to co-inhabit your home, and whom you can ignore. Devons thrive on attention. They need to be your close friend.

Are Devon Rex good with children?

Devons are individuals, and so are children. The right Devon must be matched to the right children. Some Devons are perfect for children, and some are much better as a companion for an adult. The breeder will know which kittens will be right for children.

A good "child candidate" for a Devon pet will have these characteristics:

1. Gentle with pets, realizing they are living creatures and not stuffed toys

2. Old enough to have full control of over their body and their own actions (toddlers must be under constant supervision with any pet, because toddlers are not old enough to comprehend their own strength nor the probable result of their actions)

3. Genuinely interested in the welfare of the pet

4. Willing to love the pet

5. Able to learn what it means to truly love a pet (which might mean letting a sleeping cat lie)

6. Playful, and able to "tease" a cat without that teasing having an "edge" to it (cats love to be teased with a toy, but not teased to the point of frustration)

What can I feed my kitty besides dry cat food?

If I had just one kitty as a personal pet (or three personal pets, even) I would feed two varied treats a day of approximately one rounded tablespoon in size, in addition to enough dry food to maintain a constant weight level. Each kitty will differ on how much dry food is needed, throughout the changing stages of life.

Concerning treats, I would give a small chunk of cooked chicken, turkey, or steak in tiny bites (one at a time to prolong the enjoyment) for one treat [alternating every other day with a rounded tablespoon of canned "all meat" chicken, turkey, or beef -- you want your kitty to love the canned meat, in case you should ever have to hide medicine mixed in it].

Then I might give a rounded tablespoon of buttered green beans, peas, squash, pumpkin, or buttered carrots for another treat. I would alternate vegetables with a rounded tablespoon of a melon, apple, or peach (cut in very small bites).

In general, avoid anything from the onion family. Those are harmful for cats. Avoid citrus fruits or anything else highly acidic, like tomatoes. Cats make their own vitamin C, so they don't need those foods. They also don't seem to enjoy them. Stay away from the cabbage/broccoli/dried bean/pepper family, because those foods produce excessive digestive gasses.

Some cats have or develop allergies to corn and fish, so I would avoid those. Some cats have or develop allergies to wheat, so I would avoid concentrated wheat products.

I would avoid highly spiced foods, like Mexican or Italian or hot Oriental, etc.

Treats should be given at special times of relaxation and enjoyment, and on a regular schedule so that your cat can look forward to them. Early morning and late evening are usually good times for treats. *Do not* give treats at meal time. *Do not* share your food with your cat -- unless you want your cat trained to beg for food, from both you and your friends/family.

The best temperature for warm food is what you would consider almost too cool to enjoy. The best temperature for cold food is what you would consider almost too warm to enjoy. In other words, nearly lukewarm, for both. If food is too cold, it is hard for cats to fully enjoy the fragrance (very important to cats); and if it is too hot, they will burn their tender mouths.

In general, watch how your kitty reacts. If a certain food makes your kitty itch or causes loose stool, avoid the food. Introduce one food at a time, and feed for a week until you see the kitty is digesting it well, with no bad reactions. Then add another food, etc. In that way, you will immediately know which food might be causing an allergy or loose stool.

After the initial introductions of the foods you want to feed for treats, be sure to give a variety of treats, so your kitty won't become fixated on one food to the detriment of dry food or other treats.

Remember that cats learn primarily by example. Your kitty will probably eat whatever they see you eat, if you offer it to them. That doesn't mean it is good for the kitty. Do your best to avoid turning your kitty into a junk-food junkie.

How do I choose a Breeder, and adopt a Devon Rex?

Usually, people have to be on a waiting list to get a Devon Rex, because they are rare. There are not many breeders. So, the first thing you should do is locate a good breeder near you. Breeders are listed on personal cattery websites, cattery listing services (like FBRL), Planet Devon Home Page, and in popular cat magazines.

Hardly any good Devon Rex breeders advertise in the newspaper, although you may occasionally see a Hybrid Devon Rex advertised.

When you make a first contact with a breeder, tell them something about yourself, your family, your pets -- anything that will help the breeder to match the right kitten to your circumstances. The breeder wants to get to know you, before you adopt one of their kittens. Remember, the breeder has loved "your" kitten for three or four months. It helps the breeder to be able to "let go" when the breeder knows the kitten will be a perfect match, in a happy home.

 How much can I expect to pay for shipping?

This can vary a great deal, depending on the airline and the destination, but in my experience the cost for airfare has been between $150 and $250. I also charge a fee of $150 for the shipping crate, health certificate, rabies vaccination, and transporting the kitten to the airport. (Depending on the time of the flight, it is sometimes necessary for me to stay overnight at a hotel due to the fact that I live over three hours from the airport.) The average total cost to ship one kitten is at least $250. Two kittens can be shipped almost as cheaply as one, you just need to pay for an extra health certificate/exam and rabies vaccination, but they can be shipped in the same carrier.