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Cat Breeder Sensei Says

Cat Breeder Sensei Says

By April Katido

The podcast that supports the reputable breeding of pedigree cats.
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When To Retire Your Queen From Breeding

Cat Breeder Sensei SaysOct 28, 2021

00:00
22:43
Tax Time with Erica Kessler: Tax Tips for Cat Breeders

Tax Time with Erica Kessler: Tax Tips for Cat Breeders

It happens to us Pedigree Cat Breeders every year: tax time! While it may be simple for some, it can get overwhelming for others, especially if you're running your cattery like a business and filing taxes appropriately.

We've got your back! We snagged a member of our No Judgement Zone Facebook Group , Erica Kessler, and did an interview with her. She's a licensed CPA in the state of Missouri and is a breeder herself!

In this interview we discuss several hot topics that come up in the group quite often, as well as some topics that most people don't think about.

Mar 19, 202429:40
10 Things You Should Know About Breeding Pedigree Cats

10 Things You Should Know About Breeding Pedigree Cats

The podcast will basically sum up some of the most relevant issues that you'll deal with as a cat breeder. This is a tough love type of message, so grab some coffee and a warm blankey - and embrace the top 10 things you should know about being a Cat Breeder.


Jan 11, 202417:54
Cats with Diarrhea, Sneezing or Losing Kittens?

Cats with Diarrhea, Sneezing or Losing Kittens?

We're discussing the importance and the power of PCR testing for your cattery. This is some of the best information for anyone who is experiencing symptoms in your cattery, and don't know where to go for help.


Sep 05, 202335:00
The Crappiest Story Ever

The Crappiest Story Ever

In this podcast episode, you'll hear a real-life story about a massive and chronic case of diarrhea in one of my Breeding cats, all of the failed attempts I made, and what FINALLY solved her issue. If you're struggling with diarrhea at all, and you're at wit's end, give this podcast a listen.


Aug 16, 202320:49
Saying Goodbye to Kittens

Saying Goodbye to Kittens

A bittersweet moment, but an important one to have a healthy mindset about as a pedigree breeder, saying goodbye to kittens.

May 22, 202318:11
Realistic Budgeting For Year One As a Cat Breeder

Realistic Budgeting For Year One As a Cat Breeder

Learn what you will need to realistically budget for during your first year as a pedigree cat breeder.

Mar 20, 202321:38
Realistic Expectations

Realistic Expectations

Learn the realistic expectations to have when you get a new cat or kitten to bring into your cattery. 

Feb 23, 202319:30
Top 3 Reasons Cat Breeder Throw in The Towel
Feb 03, 202308:01
Should You Let Buyers Visit Your Home Cattery?

Should You Let Buyers Visit Your Home Cattery?

Are you considering letting buyers visit your home to see your cats? Listen to this podcast episode first. 

Dec 05, 202209:53
Debunking Pyometra

Debunking Pyometra

In this podcast episode, we will debunk the general understanding of Pyometra in our queens, and if they really need to mated by their third heat. 

Nov 28, 202208:10
Let's Talk About Gotcha Day

Let's Talk About Gotcha Day

Let's talk about gotcha day, the day your kittens go home! This is an exciting day for everyone, you, the kitten and the owner. This quick podcast can help you prepare and what to expect. 

Nov 21, 202208:53
What To Expect When Your Queen is Expecting

What To Expect When Your Queen is Expecting

If you're expecting a liter from a first time mom, or it's your first litter, these are some things you can expect and how you can prepare yourself and your queen. 

Nov 04, 202215:47
Is Inflation Impacting Breeders Worldwide?

Is Inflation Impacting Breeders Worldwide?

There's no doubt that the United States is facing a recession. With the steady rise of interest rates and the cost of essential items like food and gas on the rise, it's making buying decisions a little more challenging for many people.

When facing a slower economy, it's more important than ever that you are getting your message in front of the right people.  While it's true that the "average" person may hold off on buying a kitten until things seem a little more stable - there will always be a market for kittens to the audience that doesn't typically feel the impact of a recession.

The latest podcast from Cat Breeder Sensei discusses the effect of a recession, and how it has had a domino effect on cat breeders, even in Russia.

Oct 19, 202208:46
Selling Kittens in A Recession

Selling Kittens in A Recession

This Podcast Episode talks about what you can do to "recession-proof" your cattery and make sure that there's still demand for your kittens, even during low consumer spending.

Sep 01, 202219:10
Should I Get a Male or Female First

Should I Get a Male or Female First

When I decided to start my journey as Maine Coon breeder, I bought a girl first. NOT THE BEST IDEA. In just a short time, she was having regular heat cycles and I found myself in a panic! Scrambling to try to find a male for her, I was even asking random strangers if they would let me use their male. LOL As you can imagine, that didn't go over well.


Listen to this podcast episode to discover what I did to solve the problem I had of not having a boy, and how you can prevent yourself from getting caught with your pants down.

Jul 28, 202216:05
What Does "Healthy Cat" Even Mean?

What Does "Healthy Cat" Even Mean?

This podcast episode is somewhat of a "story time", where you hear of 2 different scenarios of breeding Queens and the status of both of them today. It's a fine example of how health incidents are always unexpected, unpredictable, and unwelcome in our cattery. In addition, they're also inevitable.

Jun 09, 202221:19
How Social Media Can Kill Your Cattery

How Social Media Can Kill Your Cattery

There are pros and cons to using social media to advertise your cattery and your kittens. This podcast episode will expose the reasons why you shouldn't put all of your eggs into one basket when it comes to social media.  It also offers the ultimate solution for building a loyal following for your cattery, and how to implement this action immediately.  Discover how to sell your kittens without the fear and anxiety of being canceled.

Apr 28, 202219:50
How To Take Pictures of Your Kittens Like A Professional

How To Take Pictures of Your Kittens Like A Professional

Episode 30 of Cat Breeder Sensei Says podcast reveals some tips on how to photograph kittens and capture the best expressions on camera.  This makes raising kittens and "picture day" even more fun than it already is.

Mar 30, 202217:06
How Many Cats Is Too Many?

How Many Cats Is Too Many?

How many cats is too many? That is a question we've probably all asked ourselves at some point. 

This podcast episode will explore this idea. It's not an attack on one person, breeder or pet owner.  Rather a look into the world of pet owners that have "too many" cats coming from the opinion of one person. The objective of this episode is to help you realize that there might be a number of cats for YOU that is too many.

Feb 10, 202212:55
Tips For Grooming Long Haired Cats

Tips For Grooming Long Haired Cats

The struggle is real when it comes to shedding, hairballs, and the dreadful mats. All of these things are inevitable but can be dramatically reduced with some awesome grooming tips that are shared in this podcast episode.

Jan 20, 202216:02
Selling Kittens With Breeding Rights

Selling Kittens With Breeding Rights

Selling kittens with breeding rights comes with big responsibilities, there are several ideas you can explore when it comes to selling one of your kittens to another cattery.

This podcast episode will cover some of the concerns you can contemplate about before making that final decision.

Dec 02, 202122:41
When To Retire Your Queen From Breeding

When To Retire Your Queen From Breeding

Deciding when to retire your Queens from your breeding program is a hard decision to make.  Situations arise other than the normal "retirement" age of a Queen. This podcast episode will explore some of the reasons you may consider retiring a Queen from your breeding program. 

Oct 28, 202122:43
Top 5 Reasons To Take Your Cat to the Emergency Vet

Top 5 Reasons To Take Your Cat to the Emergency Vet

Discover the top 5 reasons of when to take your cat to the emergency vet and when labor and delivery issues become urgent.

Sep 30, 202134:55
Wisdom Panel: DNA Testing For Your Cats

Wisdom Panel: DNA Testing For Your Cats

In this episode of Cat Breeder Sensei Says, we'll talk with Annette Louviere, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with Wisdom Panel. She'll explain the benefits of using Wisdom Panel in your cattery.  If you're not testing your cats yet, or are thinking about starting your own breeding cattery, learn all you can about screening your cats using this process.

Aug 26, 202125:38
Mashup Episode Two

Mashup Episode Two

This podcast episode is another fun Mashup, where we talk about multiple topics including, the temp in your cattery, hairball control, and kitten room tips.  Some of the smallest tips can lead to the greatest achievements! 

Jul 08, 202113:48
Transporting Your Kittens

Transporting Your Kittens

Learning how to transport kittens both domestically and internationally is helpful to your cattery. If you're able to offer delivery and transport your kittens, you'll greatly increase your audience.

There's several options when it comes to transporting your kittens and/or retirees that we will cover in this episode. 

Jun 24, 202116:46
Breeder Spotlight: Pearl's Ragdolls

Breeder Spotlight: Pearl's Ragdolls

Our first Breeder Spotlight is with Pearl Frazier from Pearl's Ragdolls. Located in Fort Worth, Texas - Pearl is a breeder of Ragdoll kittens.  Her small home-based cage less cattery has a viral following on Social Media. Listen in to this episode as we talk to Pearl about how she got started, how she runs her cattery, and her top 3 "must haves" for every cattery!

Jun 10, 202117:42
Managing Multiple Litters In One Space

Managing Multiple Litters In One Space

Managing multiple litters of kittens in one space can be challenging for any Pedigree cat breeder. Let's get creative and find solutions.

May 27, 202125:18
Can Intact Males Live Together?

Can Intact Males Live Together?

Intact male cats can actually enjoy the company of another cat. Every cat is different when it comes to their preferences for sharing space. This Podcast Episode goes into Detail about Intact Male Cats living together, and how to make the transition harmonious.

May 20, 202116:53
Tips for Kitten Room and Nursery Setup

Tips for Kitten Room and Nursery Setup

Setting up your kitten room and nursery is fun and exciting!! Here are some tips to help you setup your space that will be safe and cozy for both the Queen and her kindle.

May 13, 202114:03
Mashup Episode

Mashup Episode

Cat Breeder Sensei Says explains why you can learn to be your own vet, what constitutes a pet emergency, go home bag ideas, and more! Find out in this episode!

May 06, 202111:25
Is My Cat In Labor?

Is My Cat In Labor?

You my find yourself asking "Is my cat in labor"? There are some sure fire ways to tell if your cat is labor. Listen to this podcast episode!

Apr 29, 202114:33
How To Introduce Cats For Mating

How To Introduce Cats For Mating

Learn how to introduce cats for mating and how to handle different scenarios based on your cats living situations. Get the tips.

Apr 22, 202115:41
The Cat Breeder Contract

The Cat Breeder Contract

In this podcast episode, we'll discuss the cat breeder contract and highlight some of the issues that you may want to include in yours. 

Apr 15, 202132:42
How To Care For a Sick Kitten

How To Care For a Sick Kitten

Here are some tips on how to identify and care for a sick kitten, starting from neonatal to the bigger babies. Tips and at-home care.

Apr 12, 202120:27
How To Tell If Your Cat Is Pregnant

How To Tell If Your Cat Is Pregnant

It's always exciting when you mate your Queen for the very first time.  In most cases, you've acquired your breeding cats as kittens, and have watched them grow up and mature into beautiful cats.  

This Podcast Episode will explain in detail the signs and symptoms that you can look for to conclude that she is pregnant, and start planning for the new litter of kittens.

Apr 01, 202117:06
Trupanion Insurance for your Kittens and Cats: Talk with Lacey O'Connell

Trupanion Insurance for your Kittens and Cats: Talk with Lacey O'Connell

In this episode, we'll hear from Lacey O'Connell, Breeder Support Manager at Trupanion. She'll explain how the Trupanion Pet Insurance policies work, and why you should become part of the Breeder Program. This is an excellent value to give to your new kitten owners when they take their kitten home. 

Mar 25, 202124:41
5 Things to Talk To Your New Kitten Owner About

5 Things to Talk To Your New Kitten Owner About

Every new kitten owner can be reminded of some important tips to help keep their new family member happy and stress free. The topics that are discussed in this Episode of Cat Breeder Sensei Says are important items to review with your new kitten owner.

Mar 18, 202118:24
How Much Should You Charge For Kittens

How Much Should You Charge For Kittens

How much you should charge for kittens is a decision that must be made with some thought. Here's some insight from a business perspective.

Mar 11, 202124:38
Mating Your Queens

Mating Your Queens

Deciding when to mate your Queens is a decision that we're all faced with.  Both for the first time mating as well as after she has delivered a litter of kittens.  There isn't a scientifically "correct" answer to this question.  It's a decision that has to be made using many factors.

This Episode talks about scenarios that can help you make those decisions, and weighs some of the pros and cons.

Mar 04, 202119:03
New Breeder Chronicles: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

New Breeder Chronicles: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly

Every new breeder has their chronicles to tell. This one is the tale of some good, bad and ugly that you may be able to relate to.

Feb 25, 202122:21
How to Vet a Breeder When Buying a Kitten

How to Vet a Breeder When Buying a Kitten

One of the first things new breeders want to do is run out and buy their new kittens. You need to have some guidelines on how to vet a breeder when buying your kitten. Why would you want to do that, you ask? If you don't know and approve of the breeder personally, then you could find yourself spending money on kittens that can't be used in your breeding program.

Episode 6 offers a recommended checklist  (See Show Notes to Download the Checklist) for your to use when vetting a breeder that you're considering buying a kitten from. 

Feb 18, 202125:30
The Adopt Don't Shop Movement

The Adopt Don't Shop Movement

DISCLAIMER: This Episode is in NO WAY meant to attack the #adoptdon'tshop enthusiasts.  Instead, it's a different perspective from the viewpoint of a reputable breeder. In this episode, I will talk about my view point on the adopt don't shop movement. 

Feb 11, 202117:48
Expenses To Run A Cattery

Expenses To Run A Cattery

In this episode, we will breakdown the list of items and expenses that you will need to prepare and budget for in order to run a successful cattery. 

Feb 04, 202109:55
Designing A Cattery

Designing A Cattery

Are you wanting to start a breeding cattery but are unsure of how to house your breeding animals and litters of kittens? In this episode, we will break down the space requirements and some options for running your cattery. 

Jan 28, 202116:35
What Is A Reputable Cat Breeder?

What Is A Reputable Cat Breeder?

Being a reputable cat breeder can mean different things to many people. Certain qualities, however, build the foundation of being a breeder that people can trust. Listen to this podcast and find out what those attributes are.

Jan 19, 202111:28
How to Start a Breeding Cattery

How to Start a Breeding Cattery

If you're thinking of starting a breeding cattery but not sure where to start, this podcast Episode will get your thoughts moving in the right direction.

Jan 14, 202117:31
Introduction episode

Introduction episode

Cat Breeder Sensei has a mission to create a positive, supportive community of responsible breeders of Pedigree cats.  Listen to the Introduction Episode to learn how you can be a part of a positive movement in the community!

Jan 04, 202111:41