Ok, here we go, buckle up for my Devon Rex cattery adventure!
Alright folks, so I’ve always been a cat person, like, seriously obsessed. And Devon Rex cats? Those curly-haired cuties just stole my heart. So, naturally, I thought, “Why not start a cattery?” Famous last words, right?
Phase 1: The Dream (and a whole lotta research)
First things first, I spent MONTHS just reading. I mean, deep-diving into Devon Rex genetics, health issues, temperament, the whole shebang. I learned about everything from stud cats to queen cats, and even how to properly trim their whiskers (apparently, you’re not supposed to!). I devoured websites, joined online forums, and even harassed a couple of breeders with a million questions. They were surprisingly patient, bless their souls.
Phase 2: The Setup (aka emptying my bank account)
Okay, so I had the knowledge (or at least I thought I did), now it was time to get practical. I designated a section of my house – basically, a spare bedroom and part of the garage – as the cattery. Think cat condos, scratching posts galore, comfy beds everywhere, and of course, litter boxes…so many litter boxes. It cost a FORTUNE. Good thing I love cats, otherwise I’d be regretting every penny.
- Bought multiple cat trees – gotta give ’em places to climb!
- Invested in good quality, vet-approved cat food. No skimping there!
- Stocked up on toys. Seriously, a mountain of toys.
Phase 3: The Cats (the fun part… mostly)
This was the trickiest part. Finding healthy, well-tempered Devon Rex cats that met breed standards was no joke. I wanted to start with two queens, so I went to different breeders, checked their pedigrees, health records, and made sure they had that sweet Devon Rex personality. It was like adopting kids, honestly. They were expensive, but quality comes at a price, right?
Phase 4: The Breeding (oh boy…)
Okay, so this is where things got REAL. I was prepared for the whole mating process, but let me tell you, watching your cats do the deed is… something. Then came the waiting game. Pregnancy scans, special food, and constant monitoring. When the kittens finally arrived, it was pure chaos and pure joy all rolled into one. Sleepless nights, bottle-feeding, cleaning up messes… but those little curly faces made it all worth it.
The Lessons Learned (and there were many)
Vet Bills Are a Killer: Seriously, budget for this. Unexpected illnesses, vaccinations, check-ups…it adds up FAST.
People Are Weird About Cats: You’ll encounter all sorts of personalities when selling kittens. Some are lovely, some are demanding, and some are just plain strange.
Cleaning Never Ends: Cat hair is EVERYWHERE. You’ll find it in places you didn’t even know existed.
It’s More Than Just Kittens: Responsible breeding is about improving the breed, ensuring health, and finding the perfect homes for your kittens. It’s a big responsibility.
Phase 5: Finding Homes (bittersweet)
Saying goodbye to those kittens was tough. I made sure to screen potential owners carefully, asked a million questions, and even did home visits (when possible). I wanted to know they were going to loving, responsible families. It was sad to see them go, but knowing they were going to great homes made it easier.
So, yeah, that’s my Devon Rex cattery story. It’s been a wild ride, full of challenges, rewards, and a whole lotta cat hair. Would I do it again? Probably! Just maybe after a long nap…
