There are as many ways to answer this question as there are people to ask it! But, since I am the Author, that means you are asking me ;)

Nearly every breeder will say that they are breeding wonderful, healthy cats, with fantastic temperaments and Champion-filled pedigrees. So, how do you know they are being honest? Choosing a breeder is a task that should not be taken lightly; the care and attention paid to the health behind your baby, as well as the care and attention given to your baby before he or she comes to you, can be the difference between having a long-lived companion and a special needs or shy co-inhabitant. You should talk to your breeder, both through Emal and then also on the phone. Ask questions, about their home, about how their cats are kept, about the health behind the cats they are breeding. Things like Cancer, Heart Problems, and Gingivitis all can be in any Peterbald line, and you should be told if it is close behind the baby you are considering calling your own.

You should also find out how your breeder knows their breeding cats are healthy. Some Breeders use special tests, called PCR tests, to verify that their breeding cats are free of communicable diseases. Others rely on more routine testing procedures and regular well-check trips to the vet. It is not an invalid question to ask when the last time the parents of the kitten you are considering were to the vet, and why. Do not be afraid to call your Breeder's vet and check if you feel inclined. Most breeders work closely with their vets, and, while most vets are very busy, a breeder's vet(s) are a great source of reference for the overall health of the cats in your Breeder's home.

You might also ask for references from past adoptive families, and/or people who have been to visit the Breeder's home.

Of course, if you live within a close proximity, you should go to your breeder's home yourself, meet them, their cats, and get a feel for how their cats are kept. A house full of Peterbalds should be very excited to have company, and not be generally shy or hanging in the shadows. All the cats should look clean and healthy, have clear eyes, clean noses, clean ears...you get the idea. Red flags should certainly be heeded!

Your breeder should also be able to talk about the cats' conformation, coats, temperament, ...answer all of your questions to your satisfaction. Do not be afraid to ask about every little thing; as breeders, we love what we do and are happy to share our knowledge :)

If your breeder spends an overabundance of time talking about other breeders in a negative way, offers kittens that are not registered, has cats that are not registered, does not spay/neuter their kittens before being placed or at least require you as a pet buyer to sign a spay/neuter contract, these are all red flags that should be weighed very heavily.

And please, do not be swayed by price alone. There are 'bad' breeders in every breed, and a 'cheap' kitten does not necessarily mean that you have found a 'bad' breeder. But, as in many other parts of life, a 'steal' is a deal for a reason - take the time to figure out why!