The Cat Breeding For Beginners Podcast

Sometimes you think you know exactly how a litter is going to unfold and then your cats remind you that they have their own plans. After one disaster litter I was sure the next one would be smooth. It was not. This morning turned into absolute chaos and I am sharing the story while it is still unfolding because every breeder has had a version of this moment. If you have ever had a queen surprise y...

As the year comes to a close, it’s natural to start thinking about what you want next from your cats, your breeding program, and yourself as a breeder. In this episode, I’m sharing a real end of year reflection on what I’ve seen throughout 2025 and why so many breeders feel unsure when it comes time to plan ahead. I talk about • what I’ve learned from travelling and being part of the global cat fa...

This morning started in a way I did not expect and it involved someone calling me a cult leader. I had a moment of wondering what on earth to do with that and it led me to a much bigger thought about who I help and why I do this work. If you have ever worried about what other breeders think or have had someone take a swipe at you this story will give you a new way to see it. If you are a cat breed...

When a complaint comes your way it can feel personal even when you know you are doing everything right. In this episode I am sharing the moment that made me rethink how I respond and why staying calm matters more than anything else. If you have ever worried about someone misunderstanding you or your cats this one will give you a steadier way to move forward. If you are a cat breeder or thinking ab...

Every year I find myself wrestling with the same challenge, planning my litters so kittens are born, raised, and ready for their new homes without chaos or overlap. It sounds simple, but it never quite is. In this episode, I share how I’m approaching my breeding calendar this time around and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. 🩷 If you want help finding calm and confidence in your own breedin...

Something happened inside the New Cat Breeders Club recently that completely changed the way I look at how we handle differences in this hobby. I honestly didn’t see it coming, but it left me feeling hopeful and I think you’ll see why. 🩷 If you’re ready to surround yourself with breeders who lift each other up, share what really works, and remind you why you started, visit catbreedingforbeginners...

Got a stash of leftover medications or supplies from past litters? Before you consider using them, let’s have a chat about why it’s so important to involve your vet. In this episode, I’ll talk about the risks of self-medicating your cats and why guessing doses or treatments can do more harm than good. I’ll also share tips on how to store medications and work closely with your vet to ensure your ca...

Think a desexed male cat can’t sire kittens? Think again! Many breeders are shocked to learn that male cats can remain fertile for a while after desexing—and this can lead to unexpected litters. In this episode, I’ll share the surprising truth about male cat fertility post-desexing, how long it can last, and what steps you can take to avoid unplanned litters. We’ll also discuss why planning ahead...

Buying a breeding cat is a big investment, and if the price tag is high, the expectations are even higher! So, what should breeders deliver when selling a premium cat? In this episode, I’ll walk you through what I expect when purchasing an expensive breeding cat, from clear communication and health guarantees to proper paperwork and support. Whether you’re buying or selling, this episode will give...

Making the decision to retire a cat from breeding can be tough—especially if they’ve shown challenges along the way. But sometimes, it’s the best choice for both you and your cat. In this episode, we’ll talk about when and why you might decide to retire a difficult cat early. From temperament issues to health concerns, I’ll share tips on recognizing when it’s time to step back and make space for o...

Building Positive Relationships With Pet Owners As breeders, the families who adopt our kittens aren’t just customers — they’re partners in our cats’ lifelong wellbeing. In this episode, we dive into why nurturing those relationships is such an important part of running a successful breeding program. Why Communication Matters Clear and kind communication builds trust. From the very first inquiry t...

Understanding Seasonal Breeding in Cats Did you know that some cat breeds only come into season during certain times of the year? If you’re working with a breed that is considered a seasonal breeder , this episode will give you clarity and confidence. What Is Seasonal Breeding? Unlike cats that cycle all year round, seasonal breeders only come into heat during the warmer, longer-daylight months. T...

Should You Import a Cat for Your Breeding Program? Considering importing a new cat to improve your breeding program? It’s a big decision — and one that can have long-term effects on your cats, your finances, and your future plans as a breeder. In this episode, we’ll look at the advantages and the challenges of importing, and how to decide if it’s the right step for you. Why Breeders Choose to Impo...

In the world of cat breeding, being authentic and transparent can go a long way. In this episode, we’re talking about the importance of using your real name online when promoting your breeding program. I’ll share why showing your true identity builds trust with potential adopters, strengthens your reputation, and helps create meaningful connections with people who share your passion for cats. Whet...

Rehoming retired breeding cats is one of the toughest parts of being a breeder, and I’ll be the first to admit—I'm terrible at it. In this episode, I’ll share why I struggle with letting go of my beloved retired cats, despite what you might think about the process. I’ll open up about the emotional side of retirement, why it’s harder than it seems, and how I balance the responsibility of giving the...

Timing is everything when it comes to breeding cats, especially if you want to avoid overlapping litters or unexpected births during important events. In this episode, we’ll dive into how to effectively plan your breeding season to stay organized and stress-free. I’ll share strategies for managing your queens' cycles, keeping track of key dates, and ensuring you’re not caught off guard when big ev...

If you’re showing your cats, it's important to know who’s judging them—and even more important to understand how local judges may frequently judge your cats. In this episode, we’ll explore why building a good rapport with local judges and understanding their preferences can benefit your cats and your show career. I’ll share tips on how to navigate the dynamics of local judging and how to...

Have you ever been tempted to make a snap decision about a breeding cat after spotting a fault or issue? You’re not alone—but sometimes it’s better to pause, breathe, and take a moment to think things through. In this episode, we’ll discuss why it’s important to avoid knee-jerk reactions, especially when it comes to desexing cats with potential. I’ll share tips for evaluating issues calmly, unders...

Raising kittens is often seen as an expensive process, but what if I told you that you're not really “losing” money? In this episode, we’ll shift the way you think about the costs involved in breeding by showing you that, in reality, you’re prepaying expenses for your future kitten owners. I’ll explain how the costs of food, health checks, vaccinations, and supplies are actually an investment that...

We all want the best for our cats, but sometimes, more isn't always better. In this episode, we’re diving into the risks of over-supplementing your cats, and why it’s important to strike the right balance with their nutrition. I’ll explain how giving your cats too many supplements can lead to health issues, and why working with a vet to determine their exact needs is key. Over-supplementing might...

As a breeder, your prefix is your signature—and it should be seen in the pedigrees of the cats you breed, not just the ones you buy. In this episode, we’ll talk about the importance of breeding from your own kittens and how to make your mark by incorporating your prefix into future generations. I’ll share tips on how to build a strong foundation with your own breeding stock and why it’s so importa...

Let’s face it—cat pee isn’t the most glamorous topic, but as a new cat breeder, it’s something you definitely need to understand! In this episode, we’re diving into the world of cat pee.  Get ready because it is about to be a big part of your hobby!. Trust me, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss! Tune in for all the must-know info about cat pee that will make your breeding program...

As breeders, we invest so much love and care into every cat we bring into the world—and it’s incredibly painful when one of them passes away in their new home. In this episode, I’ll talk about the emotional side of breeding, specifically the heartbreak of losing a cat you bred, even if they’re no longer in your care. I’ll share how to cope with this kind of loss, how to support the owners through...

DNA testing can be a game-changer in breeding, but what happens when the results don’t match your expectations? In this episode, we’ll explore how to handle unexpected DNA results and what steps you can take to move forward with your breeding program. I’ll share tips on interpreting test results that might throw you for a loop and how to make informed decisions based on those surprises. Whether it...

Dreaming of adding that perfect breeding cat from overseas to your program? Importing a cat can be exciting—but it’s also a big investment, and not just financially! In this episode, we’re breaking down all the costs involved in importing a cat. From travel expenses and quarantine fees to the time and effort it takes, I’ll share what you need to know before taking the leap. Plus, I’ll offer tips t...