As a cat and dog breeder, I get many requests for pets. Whether the person is looking for a puppy or
a kitten, I give them the same advice. Deal with a reputable breeder, someone who has a clean, well
run cattery/kennel, and who can supply references,health clearances, pedigrees, copies of contracts, etc.A breeder who refuses access to any of these, has something they don't want you to see.If you can, find a breeder who shows their cats. Ask what their show records are for their cattery. Championships are a hallmark that their cats have met the criteria set down for that particular breed. There are people who do not show, and this is not necessarily a bad thing, but it requires careful scrutiny to make sure they are an honest, ethical breeder. Always buy your purebred cat/dog on a contract that clearly lays out your responsibilities as the purchaser, and the breeder's responsibilites as the vendor.Unfortunately buying a "purebred" pet often comes down to the price. Then you have to consider why prices may vary.
Perhaps it is because they are in an area where there are many breeders, and it has become a competitive market, although that's not what breeding should be about. Animals should not become "bargains", offered cheaper if you buy two. They are living creatures, and deserve to be treated with some degree of caring and respect.
Finding a pet at an unexpected bargain price, may be because you have found a puppy/kitten mill. This is a hard to define term, but takes in many different situations, including the person who overbreeds their animals, in order to make a profit, with no thought for the improvement of the breed, or the health of their dogs/cats. To the animals great misfortune, there are also people will will sell breeding rights to anyone, regardless of whether that person knows anything at all about breeding dogs or cats, or whether they have any experience.. It also could be a person who is breeding "purebred" animals who cannot be registered. This may be because they have no idea of the parentage of their own animals, or it can be because they have bought a purebred on a contract which forbid breeding, and they are now breaking the agreement. In Canada, this is covered by a law called the Animal Pedigree Act. Regretfully, it does not cover cat breeders.
There are people who will breed to absolutely anything, including closely related animals; or dogs/cats not of the same breed (just to get something "interesting"); and of course, the ones who breed the life out of their animals by not allowing them time to recover from their last litter.Then there are breeders who use juvenile, immature animals, and end up with "babies" having babies.
If you come across a breeder who does not have a good reputation, or whom other breeders are reluctant to comment on, then investigate further before making any committments. As a breeder myself, I know what a difficult position it can be, to have someone ask you to recommend a particular person when you have personal knowledge that their ethics are not compatible with that of a person who puts their animals first.
Inbreeding, cross-breeding and overbreeding can cause a multitude of behavioural and physical problems.
The bargain a person may get today, can cost them dearly tomorrow. In the end, the price isn't worth it.
Deal with a person who has a reputation for being ethical , a contract that backs up their word, and who treats their animals well. You won't regret it.