It is not an easy nor quick process to find the right kitty! You will need to do a fair amount of research so you can be assured that your future kitty comes from a reputable breeder who is registered with a legitimate organization and has a proven track record. The breeder should offer relevant information when you ask important questions and will also be transparent about their cattery business as they apply a standard of ‘best practice’ to their protocols. They should also be willing to learn and improve ways of doing things. They will be able to provide references.

Yes, we are ethical, registered, preservation breeders with high standards, and only work with pedigreed Cornish Rex in our breeding program. CFA Cornish Rex Breed Information Trupanion Breeder Commitment Many other breeders out there are running ‘kitten mills’ –they may or may not be considered “backyard breeders” –however, these folks are solely focused on trying to make a quick buck. This type of breeder is concerned with the greatest turnover, has no plan, doesn’t adhere to the breed standards, and sacrifices quality care for their mass production of kittens. Yet, a different type of legitimate, pedigree breeders are frequently running the show circuit, earning titles for their beautiful prized cats. They tend to not breed very much, and/or they pay for pet sitters (if they are not neglecting their animals). An even different type of scenario is where the cat breeder (or broker) you have direct communication with, is not the actual person who raised your kitten, so they don’t know anything about its history! In name only, the ‘umbrella’ cattery organization subcontracts with different ‘foster families’ or backyard breeders. The O’Rex Cattery is none of the above! We are a family-owned small enterprise that cares deeply about the health, longevity, and promotion of the Cornish Rex cat. Our beloved “Cornies” live in our home and are a labor of love! Our breeding cats are regularly scanned for HCM, receive routine veterinary care, and their kittens come with a full health record and are raised in a loving and nurturing environment. As we focus on both improving the breed standard through shows and selective breeding, we bring wanted Cornish Rex kittens into the world, so that we may share these delightful cats with others for years to come.

Yes, under certain circumstances, to be determined on a case-by-case basis. We want to preserve the health of our pedigree cats and keep them free from any outside germs/parasites, so a strict protocol is required during the visit. We are also cautious about safety, so visitors will be vetted. Facetime/Messenger video calls are always a good idea!

Facetime/Messenger video calls and discussions with the cattery owners.

Yes, developmental milestones will be conveyed to families who have either reserved a kitty, or are in the process of selecting a kitten, time permitting.

We show our pedigree cats and kittens multiple times a year, time permitting. We are enthusiastic about the Cornish Rex breed and want to stay current with our cat community and breed according to the breed standard. At the same time, we are cautious about outside contamination (similar to home visits), and have other commitments. Our show cats are exhibited as they are available.

We have found that a high-fat and protein diet with specific minerals is essential for healthy cats. Our breeding Sires and Dams are fed a combination of raw meat we order from reputable and local sources (VIVA Raw), and high-quality wet food from brands like Evanger’s, Instinct, Nulo, and Ziwi Peak. Sometimes kibble-type food is necessary, so we feed a granular kibble product from ABADY, or Instinct ‘Ultimate Protein’. * (We are not a paid spokespeople for these brands.) For litter, we use untreated wood pellets with a sifting-type tray system, over a stainless-steel pan. Wood pellets are economical, environmentally friendly, easy to use and clean up, virtually odor-free, and don’t track clay or sicila all over your furniture.

Our breeding cats have a variety of options for their habitats. Some Dams have their own room and specific enclosures so they can enjoy their independence, and so the balance of power in the cattery is in check. Other Dams roam freely or rotate in our home, except when they are birthing, nursing and rearing kittens. Sires have their own rooms and enclosures because they require more space and want to be the master of their castles! We believe in harmony, so we coordinate the best combination for their cat personalities.

We raise our kittens according to their developmental stages—meaning, they are both nurtured and challenged according to their life stage. Two weeks before birth the mothers are placed in a clean, ambient, and small birthing cage in a bedroom–they know something special is about to happen! Once they give birth, they are treated with extra nutrition, warmth, and quiet time to nurse and caretake their babies. At about 3-4 weeks of age the kittens begin to move around and explore the birthing cage, so they get soft toys, some classical music and warm touches from the ‘hoomans!’ Then, they gradually transition to a larger playpen in the nursery room, and then we open up the space as they grow or advance in developmental tasks. During the ages of about 4-6 weeks the kittens are given a variety of specific toys to enhance their agility and curiosity. Soon after at about 8-10 weeks of age, the kittens are allowed out of the nursery and become part of the family, raised ‘underfoot’ and acclimate to regular life in a household. This includes the agility of going up and down stairs, getting used to noises like the vacuum or radio/TV, learning about ‘off limit’ surfaces (like the stove) and also feeling confident to jump up on our laps for cuddles. Kittens are weaned from mom in their own time. Because their mother is integrated into our household and shows her kittens how to eat solid food, drink from the water fountain and use the litter box, we do not force weaning. Kittens might enjoy moments of nursing with mom for comfort, while simultaneously discovering how to be a big kitty. Our kittens are trained to use a litter box and a scratching post, but training a kitten to have cat-like habits also transcends to their ‘furever’ pet home and may require reinforcement. By the time our O’Rex kittens are ready for placement, they are well socialized, litter box trained, understand common household commands, are accustomed to our grooming routine ( baths, nails trimmed, ears cleaned, and teeth brushed) and are ready to integrate into your home.

All kittens are examined by a veterinarian and receive their appropriate vaccinations and deworming protocols before placement, according to AAFP guidelines. Kittens are also tested for FeLV/FIV to ensure they are negative for these diseases and have fecal tests to ensure optimal health. We believe in delayed vaccinations because early vaccine administering interferes with the natural immunity they are getting from their mother’s milk.

Breeding Sires and Dams have regular veterinary visits, and mandatory vaccines, are dewormed, and have had routine echocardiograms to rule out HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). We also test our breeding cats for DNA and blood type to rule out hereditary concerns and strengthen genetics of any offspring.

The kitty will ‘go-home’ at approximately 3 ½ - 4 ½ months of age, be well socialized, customed to eating both wet (or raw) and dry food, and trained for a scratching post and litter box. He/she will have had mandatory rabies, be dewormed, and will have received at least the first two FVRCP vaccines (final shot to be done once kitty goes home). You will receive a ‘Go-Home’ packet with veterinary health records, sample food and litter, and a few toys. Your kitten’s sex might be altered prior to placement, OR, your kitten might go home with a strict provision in the adoption contract to be spayed or neutered by a certain age. * We contract with Spay Secure. The official pedigree and registration papers will follow in the mail after the adoption and proof of altering.

Your ‘Go-Home’ packet will include information about basic quarantine guidelines, and how to introduce your kitten to other pets, new people, etc. We are committed to being a resource for you and your kitty, as much or as little as you might need us. Of course, we hope to see pictures and updates! We also want to be a resource for you and your O’Rex kitty because you are now a part of the O’Rex family! We are also big fans of Jackson Galaxy (feline behaviorist) and his videos about integrating a new kitty into the home, introductions to existing animals, feeding and litter box issues, etc. Please see his YouTube presentations (https://www.youtube.com/JacksonGalaxy/videos )(https://www.youtube.com/JacksonGalaxy/videos ).

Fill out our Kitten Application (https://www.orexcattery.com/application)and we will get back to you as soon as possible!