Finding Your Perfect Exotic Shorthair Kitten: Options Near Me
For those searching for “Exotic Shorthair Kittens Near Me,” the journey to finding a beloved furry companion often leads to dedicated, reputable breeders. These charming felines, known for their sweet personalities and distinctive looks, are a popular choice for cat lovers. Understanding what to look for in a breeder and the process of bringing home a healthy, well-socialized kitten is crucial. One example of such a source is a private, in-home cattery like Khloe’s Kittens, located in Essex County, New Jersey, conveniently situated approximately 20 minutes from New York City and 1.5 hours from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This location is particularly relevant for individuals performing searches geographically focused.
The owner, Jo Ann, brings many years of experience and a deep passion to breeding Persian, Himalayan (also known as the ColorPoint Persian), and Exotic Shorthair Kittens Near Me. For her, this endeavor is far beyond a mere hobby or business; it’s a lifelong devotion focused on the health and well-being of the cats and placing them in loving, responsible homes. As a cageless, in-home cattery, the kittens are raised in a family environment, receiving constant personal attention. This approach ensures they are well-socialized, possessing friendly temperaments by the time they are ready to join their new families. The kittens are raised alongside children and a large German Shepherd, further enhancing their adaptability. While Khloe’s Kittens offers exotic shorthair kittens for sale, the emphasis is on nurturing them as part of the family until they transition to their forever homes, aiming to provide much happiness and love to their new owners.
An adorable Exotic Shorthair kitten with large, expressive blue eyes
Bringing home a kitten is a significant step, and responsible breeders ensure kittens are ready for this transition. Kittens from this cattery typically leave around 7-8 weeks old, provided they are fully weaned, eating both wet and dry food, drinking water, and are litter and scratching post trained. This timeframe allows the kitten to bond effectively with its new family while having developed essential early skills. All kittens are sold as indoor pets only and come with a health guarantee outlined in a contract. Understanding the commitment required for a long-term companion is essential before looking for options, whether considering suitable setups like a [pets at home outdoor cat house] or researching specific breeds.
Khloe’s Kittens offers a variety of coat colors in their Persian, Himalayan, and Exotic Shorthair kittens. These include popular shades like Seal point, Blue point, Flame point, Cream point, Tortoiseshell point, Blue-Cream Point, and various colored Lynx points. They also occasionally have the rarer Chocolate point and Lilac points available. For pricing inquiries, interested individuals are encouraged to contact the breeder directly by phone, as there is set pricing regardless of sex, coloring, or facial structure. While not an adoption agency or pet store, this private breeder maintains transparent pricing. A waiting list may occur, offering a VIP program for priority selection from a litter.
A fluffy white Exotic Shorthair kitten sitting attentively
The cattery breeds Exotic Shorthairs with both traditional doll-face (pointy) and flat-faced features, as well as Exotics known for their larger, rounder eyes. A notable characteristic of kittens from Khloe’s Kittens is that they all have striking blue eyes. Reputable breeders prioritize ethical practices to ensure the health and genetic integrity of their lines. This cattery strictly avoids inbreeding, line breeding, and over breeding. They do not offer stud services for their males or allow outside males to mate with their females, vehemently opposing kitten mills. The health and well-being of every Persian, Himalayan, and Exotic cat and kitten remain the top priority.
For those ready to reserve an exotic shorthair kitten, the process typically involves an in-person deposit meeting when the kitten is 3-4 weeks old. This meeting allows the potential owner to meet their chosen kitten, pay a $300 deposit, and sign a purchase agreement. Pickup occurs at 7-8 weeks of age when the balance is paid, and the kitten contract is signed. Receipts and copies of paperwork are provided at both stages. For those unable to visit in person due to distance or scheduling, live FaceTime meetings with the kitten can be arranged, and deposits can be made via mail or Zelle. Weekly kitten pictures are also provided to customers. The breeder requests serious inquiries only.
Prior to a kitten going to its new home, Khloe’s Kittens assists new owners in preparing by providing an information sheet recommending food and litter types, suggesting scratching posts, and offering tips for making the home kitty-friendly. While some breeders might charge extra for bathing a kitten before departure, this service is provided free of charge. Delivery is also an option for a fee based on location, limited to within three hours’ travel, based on availability. The breeder avoids air shipping, believing it can be traumatizing for a kitten and negatively affect its personality.
A key policy at this cattery is the prohibition of declawing. The contract explicitly states that kittens/cats are not allowed to be declawed. The breeder considers this inhumane and believes it can cause undue stress, potentially leading to serious health issues like FIP. Researching costs for various breeds, whether considering a [bengal tiger cat price] or the cost of an Exotic Shorthair, should also include understanding ongoing care commitments like grooming, feeding, and vet visits, which can be influenced by health policies like this.
Deposits are generally not accepted until kittens are at least three weeks old to ensure they are healthy and thriving. It is important to note that a kitten is a long-term commitment, and all deposits are non-refundable, except in the rare event that the breeder identifies a health issue with the kitten between deposit and pickup, in which case a 100% refund is given. Customers receive receipts for deposits and balances, along with copies of the terms, purchase agreement, and kitten contract. Prospective owners are responsible for confirming any allergies within their household or checking with landlords about pet policies before placing a deposit, as these are not valid reasons for a refund. Exploring options like [cat pet shop online] or local breeders requires thorough research and understanding of their specific policies.
A curious Exotic Shorthair kitten looking into the distance
Understanding the breeder’s rules and expectations is part of finding a responsible source for exotic shorthair kittens near you. Khloe’s Kittens reserves the right to refuse to sell to anyone at any time for any reason, prioritizing the placement of kittens in responsible and loving homes. They explicitly state that rude, aggressive, or disrespectful individuals will not be considered. Furthermore, they do not sell to pet shops or third-party buyers for resale and strictly prohibit selling kittens with breeding rights; all kittens are sold as pets only. The focus is on bringing joy into customers’ lives and ensuring the kittens have wonderful, loved lives in their new homes.
Khloe’s Kittens also offers post-sale support, considering each home that adopts a cat part of their extended family. New parents are encouraged to contact the breeder for advice or questions about their kitty. While guidance is offered based on public sources and experience, this does not constitute medical service, and owners are reminded to consult a veterinarian for any health concerns. When considering adding a purebred cat like an Exotic Shorthair to your family, researching specific breed characteristics and costs, such as a [white persian cat price] or options for less common breeds like finding an [egyptian cat for sale], highlights the diversity available but also the need for specialized knowledge often found with dedicated breeders.
Boarding fees may apply if a kitten stays at the cattery beyond the agreed-upon pickup date ($20.00 per day), though customers are typically given a month’s notice and a grace period of three days for pickup. It is also important to note that this is a private, in-home cat breeder and not a pet store or adoption agency open to the general public for walk-ins. All visits, including deposit meetings and pickups, are by appointment. The breeder emphasizes that they are not affiliated with any other breeder or gift card companies, and all sales are conducted directly.
A fluffy, white Exotic Shorthair kitten looking upwards
In summary, locating exotic shorthair kittens near me involves seeking out reputable breeders committed to ethical practices and the well-being of their animals. Khloe’s Kittens exemplifies such a commitment, providing healthy, well-socialized kittens raised in a loving home environment. Their detailed process, clear policies regarding health guarantees, contracts, declawing, and placing kittens solely as pets without breeding rights underscores their dedication. Potential owners in or near the New Jersey area (including those near NYC and Philadelphia) can find valuable information and potentially their new family member by contacting the breeder directly during their business hours. Bringing an exotic shorthair kitten home is a rewarding experience, promising a sweet and affectionate companion with a wonderful personality.