I’m Kayla. I’ve raised cats since I was a kid, and I’m fussy about breeders. This past year, I met three breeders in Scotland and spoke with two more. I took notes, asked hard questions, and, yes, sniffed the kitten room. You know what? Some were great. One was a pass. Here’s my honest take, with real moments from my visits.
Quick backstory (and a cuppa)
Our old tabby passed last winter. My kids begged for a kitten. We thought rescue first, but we needed a calm, steady breed for our small flat. I made tea, opened my laptop, and started a plan:
- Check GCCF and TICA (the big cat registries) for listed breeders
- Visit shows and talk face to face
- Ask for health tests and contracts, not just cute photos
I learned a lot. Some good. Some weird. Mostly useful.
If you’d like the blow-by-blow notes of each cattery stop, you can find them in this no-fluff review of Scottish cat breeders.
How I searched (and how I filtered)
I used GCCF’s list and a TICA list. I joined two local Facebook groups for pedigree owners in Scotland. I also dropped by a show near Glasgow and chatted with breeders there. If someone said “ready at 8 weeks,” I said no. If they dodged simple questions, I moved on. If they sent vet papers fast, I smiled.
Now, the real visits.
Visit 1: British Shorthair in Fife — calm blues, clear comms
This was a small home breeder. The queen, Mabel, was a chunky blue with a sweet, sleepy face. The kittens were 7 weeks old on my first visit. The house felt clean and warm. Normal home smells—coffee, laundry—not bleach or heavy spray. Good sign.
What I liked:
- Papers: GCCF registration numbers on the parents, shown right away
- Health: PKD clear by DNA, vet cards ready, microchip planned before go-home
- Rules: kittens go at 13 weeks, after second jab (Nobivac combo) and a final vet check
- Updates: weekly WhatsApp pics and short clips (I loved the boop videos)
What bugged me a bit:
- Strict pick-up window (a Saturday morning only). I had to shuffle work.
- Food pushy: “Royal Canin only for 8 weeks, please.” Not a big deal, but noted.
Price: £1,100 for a pet kitten. Deposit: £200 (non-refundable, but transferable to a future litter if something came up on her side).
We chose a boy here later. I’ll come back to that.
Visit 2: Ragdoll near Glasgow — warm home, long wait
This home had chatter, kids, and a very patient stud living in a quiet room. Watching the deliberate way breeders arrange these cat ‘dates’ had me chuckling about how much more casual humans can be when they look for company—if that contrast intrigues you, a candid look at modern adult meet-ups is available here, offering straight-up advice on staying safe, confident, and no-drama when you dive into the hookup scene. Likewise, if a future trip finds you in Groveland and you’d prefer a more curated, professional approach to adult companionship, the up-to-date roster of providers at Groveland escorts presents verified profiles with clear rates, real reviews, and private booking options so you can plan a stress-free rendezvous. The Ragdoll kittens were bold but gentle—little clouds with paws. We sat on the floor, and they climbed right up my jeans. Parking was a pain, but the vibe was good.
What I liked:
- Health tests: HCM DNA papers for both parents (the Ragdoll mutation) printed and in a folder
- Social stuff: kittens used to vacuum noise, nail trims, and soft grooming
- Contract: clear pet-only, neuter by 6 months, no declaw clause (as it should be)
What was “meh”:
- Wait list was six months. Life happens, so that felt long.
- First email reply took over a week. After we met, the messages were fast and kind.
Price: £1,200. Deposit: £250. Go-home age: 13 weeks. They included 5 weeks of insurance and a blanket with mum’s scent. That blanket later saved my sleep.
We didn’t pick here, but I would recommend them to a friend who can wait.
Visit 3: Maine Coon in the Highlands — big cats, bigger honesty
Long drive. Mud on my boots. Worth it. The breeder had big airy runs outside and a busy utility room inside. One kitten had that dorky “ear floof” and followed a spoon like a tiny dog. I tried not to laugh. Failed.
What I liked:
- Health: HCM DNA tests plus recent heart scan (echo) for the stud. That mix matters with Maine Coons.
- Temperament: kittens handled a harness for a minute, rode in a soft carrier, heard pans clatter—no panic
- Straight talk: they told me which kitten was bold, which was shy, and which one liked water bowls too much
What I didn’t love:
- The utility room smelled “cat strong” that day. Not awful, just… strong. They had just cleaned litter trays, to be fair.
- When I passed on a kitten, the deposit took 9 days to come back. It did come, but the wait stressed me.
Price: £1,400. Deposit: £300. Go-home: 13 weeks, microchipped and vet checked. Food starter pack included.
We almost picked here. If we ever want a big, goofy lap-lion, we’ll return.
Two I skipped (red flags and hard passes)
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One ad near Aberdeen said “ready at 8 weeks.” That’s a no from me. In the UK, good breeders keep kittens to 12–13 weeks, with both vaccines done. I asked for vet cards and got only emojis back. I moved on.
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Another listed “Scottish Folds.” I know those folded ears look cute. But the ear fold links to cartilage issues. Most UK clubs don’t support breeding them. I passed—kindly.
Who came home with us
We chose a blue British Shorthair boy from Fife. We named him Hamish. He came home at 13 weeks with:
- GCCF registration slip
- Microchip number on a sticker
- Vet card with two jabs, worming (Panacur), and flea treatment plan
- Blanket from mum, two toys, and a small bag of food
He yelled in the car for five minutes, then slept like a rock. At home, he ate, used the tray, and fell for a feather wand straight away. Our vet saw him the next morning. Clean bill. He’s a sofa potato now. But with short zoomies at 8 pm, like clockwork.
Some tiny things I wish I knew
- Ask about pick-up windows early. Saves stress later.
- Bring cash for the balance if they say bank transfer only and your app doesn’t behave in the hills. I learned fast.
- Keep a carrier liner and baby wipes in the car. Just trust me.
- Don’t switch food on day one. Keep it simple for the tummy.
- If a breeder says “no couriers, no early pick-up,” that’s actually a good sign.
- New in town and juggling rentals, vets, and where to buy decent litter? My trial-and-error notes on moving to Scotland might save you a headache or two.
Quick checklist if you’re looking in Scotland
- See the queen and, if safe, the stud. At least meet them by video.
- Ask for registry info (GCCF/TICA) and health tests for the breed (HCM for Ragdoll/Maine Coon, PKD where it applies).
- Kittens should go home around 13 weeks with two vaccines and a microchip.
- Get a written contract. Read it with tea and a highlighter.
- Notice smells, litter areas, and kitten energy. Clean is good. Lively is great.
- Be patient with good breeders. Busy hands, slow emails, kind hearts.
If you’re mapping out your own breeder road-trip, the practical planning guide at Can You Experience helped me streamline routes and questions. And if you’re timing that trip to swing past the capital, my month-by-month rundown on the best time to visit Edinburgh can help you dodge tourist crunches and rain-soaked queues.
Final word (and a purr)
Scotland has solid breeders. You can feel it when you walk in—calm cats, tidy rooms, and straight answers. We met warm people, saw healthy kittens, and brought home a chunky blue who snores like a tiny tractor.
Would I do it again? Yes. Would I rush? No. Good litters take time. And tea. Always tea.