Breeding Cats Responsibly: Lifelong Lessons from a Passionate Breeder

For Rosemary Fisher, that journey began back in 1975 after a spontaneous stop at a cat show in Truro while on holiday in Cornwall. Already a proud owner of a pet moggie, she was captivated by a stunning chinchilla Persian and, on the advice of a breeder she met that day, bought a copy of Fur and Feather magazine. That small decision led to a lifetime of breeding, showing, and championing the welfare of cats.

Rosemary’s first litter arrived in September 1975, and with it came a wealth of hands-on experience, guided by generous mentors and a close-knit breeder community. The encouragement and education she received in those early years left a lasting impression, particularly the emphasis older breeders placed on maintaining the integrity of the pedigree. That sense of responsibility and pride in breeding remains at the heart of her ethos today. For anyone new to the world of breeding, Rosemary’s advice is simple: find a good mentor, learn the breed standard, and do your homework. Books are helpful, but nothing compares to advice from someone who’s walked the path before you.

Back then, showing was an integral part of the experience. Rosemary took her first pedigree cat to the National Cat Club Show in 1974 — an event that drew 2,000 cats to London’s Olympia. Penning next to some of the great names in the show world, she realised just how much there was to learn. That first cat was a well-bred all-rounder, and her ambition quickly became clear: to breed a true show winner. That dream came true in 1977 when a kitten she bred won Best of Breed at the National Cat Club Show — a class of 76 chinchillas. It was, and still is, the inspiration that fuels her work today.

So, what does it mean to be a responsible breeder in today’s world? According to Rosemary, the fundamentals haven’t changed, but the landscape certainly has. Health testing and vaccination are essential, and following GCCF guidelines (such as the minimum age of 13 weeks before rehoming) is vital for best practice. Queens should not have more than three litters in 24 months, and the importance of rest, both physically and mentally, cannot be overstated. Treating breeding cats first and foremost as pets ensures their wellbeing remains central. Over the years, Rosemary has kept her number of adult cats at a manageable level — currently around 13, with great care taken to rehome retired breeding cats responsibly. "Don’t become a cat collector," she warns. "Always think ahead about what happens when breeding stops."

She notes that one of the biggest changes she’s observed is the shift in community culture. In the past, breed clubs were not only educational but social; breeders swapped kittens or stud matings in a spirit of mutual support and collaboration. Now, with the rise of online selling platforms, she’s noticed a growing number of less experienced or unregistered breeders entering the space, often without a proper understanding of health, welfare, or the breed standard. This makes it more important than ever for newcomers to seek out reputable mentors and use trusted registration bodies like the GCCF, which maintains robust systems for pedigree verification and genetic testing. Rosemary applauds the GCCF’s insistence on DNA checks (such as PKD and PRA) before kittens can be registered, a key safeguard in responsible breeding.

For those breeding with the aim of rehoming, the handover process is just as critical as the litter itself. Rosemary prepares an extensive folder for each new owner, including the kitten’s pedigree, health certificates, diet sheet, grooming advice, and guidance on worming and flea treatments. She encourages early socialisation with dogs, children, and other animals, and insists on meeting potential owners beforehand, not just for their benefit, but to ensure the right fit for the kitten too. Occasionally, she’s turned people away. “Sometimes you can just tell,” she says, “if it’s not the right match.” Every kitten also leaves with 5 Weeks free insurance from Agria, which gives new owners added peace of mind and the best possible start.

One piece of advice she wishes more breeders, new or experienced, understood? The importance of having a good relationship with your vet. “You can’t do it without them,” she says. Vets are not just there in emergencies, but as partners in welfare, from health testing to birthing support and beyond.

At the heart of it all is Rosemary’s enduring love for her breed, the chinchilla Persians, many of whom can trace their lineage back to the same cats she imported years ago. Even now, after all these decades, her favourite part of breeding remains the same: “Playing with the kittens, that never gets old.”

Her message to anyone thinking of starting out? Do your research, choose the right foundation cat, and most importantly, make your breeder your mentor. Breeding is never a solo effort, and the support of a trusted community can make all the difference.