Persian Teacup Cats

[Oldchin]

Any reputable places to buy a Teacup Persian Kitten in Tennessee?

 

[Kieka]

Teacup Persian isn't really a breed and as such there really isn't a reputable breeder. Teacup Persian are really just small Persians and the selective breeding required to get consistently small Persians is far from ideal. You will often end up with an unscrupulous breeder who interbeeeds to the point of major problems, and Persians can have some very major problems without someone purposefully interbreeding. IMO, it is cruel to the cats to breed for "teacup" because there will be dozens of "rejects" with major health issues and early deaths. Even if the breeder has achieved that goal of constently small, the sheer amount of associated problems that will be bred in is just cruel.

I'd encourage you to find a reputable Persian breeder and inquire to older kittens/cats so you can have a good estimate on full size. Or check for a Persian rescue in your area that has adults for a smaller one. Or find a reputable breeder and let them know you want the smallest kitten of the litter (likely a waiting list but worth it if you must have a small cat who is also healthy). Persian cats are medium cats to begin with so they are already on the smaller side so it should be easier then trying to find a small Maine Coon.

The Truth About Teacup Cats

 

[Kieka]

posiepurrs do you have any recommendations on a Persian breeder in the Tennessee area?

 

[jen]

No breeder of these are reputable. Same with Munchkins and other designer breeds.

 

[posiepurrs]

When you buy a cat advertised as teacup, you are falling for a sales ploy. There is no miniature gene in the feline world. The runt of the litter potentially has health issues - sometimes major health issues. Breeders who advertise such cats or the so called rare colors usually charge thousands of dollars for a pet. If you want to pay that much, you can get a show quality cat from a breeder who does all the genetic testing and has a health guarantee. Often times cats advertised as teacup or rare colors are from kitten mills where quantity is more important than quality. I am sorry I don't know of a breeder in the Tennessee area other than a retired breeder. Best thing to do is google Persian catteries in Tennessee or better yet : Cat Breeder Referral Service
With this site you can plug in your search criteria - breed. location etc.