Thinking of breeding
If a breed is to be healthy it needs lots of bloodlines, and lots of breeders who are committed to breeding ethically, responsibly and putting the cats first. I'm very much in favour of starting off new breeders, but it's neither an easy nor a cheap thing to take on, and I will try to make sure that anyone interested in breeding goes into this with their eyes open, but also with as much support as possible from more experienced breeders. Breeding is incredibly rewarding; it's fun, you will laugh and cry and grow closer to your girls, and you feel wonderful when you have a successful litter. It can also be expensive and heartbreaking.If you are interested in breeding but would like to know more, then please contact me about attending a 'new breeders day', which I run periodically in Oxford to teach people about breeding either to help make the decision about whether to do it or not, or to equip them as well as possible for what to expect when they do breed.
If you have come here for information about Tonkinese because you have seen an advert and you're not sure it is genuine, please visit this independent information page: tonkinese.org.uk
I have a reputation for being outspoken, and this section is the proof of it! Having been involved in Rescue for many years, I have seen first-hand the results of people who 'think it would be fun to breed' or who think they can make money from doing it, or have some other equally illogical reason for putting their lovely little cat at risk and maybe ruining her kittens.
I can't rant and rave at them, much as I might like to, but I can do it here: it's my website!
I haven't got all the answers, and I'm not the divine oracle on breeding matters, but what I'm putting here is the sort of information that I feel prospective breeders should have before embarking on the thorny process of choosing their first queen, or persuading another breeder that they are a suitable person to breed for themselves. If I sell a kitten for breeding I make sure I can be there (in the house) for your first litter. If you're a long way from me then I need to be sure you have access to another experienced breeder who can provide you with this essential support. Don't imagine you can go to bed leaving a cat in labour and get up in the morning to a lovely litter of kittens. That's just irresponsible.
This is not a money-making activity; it is a hobby, and it will cost you money. The rewards are many, but don't expect any of them to be financial!
Recent changes to the law may mean that you will be required to be licenced with your local authority. This seems to be a complicated situation, so to help people understand the new legislation and how it might affect them as a breeder, the Tonkinese Breed Club has worked with an accountant and one of our breeders to provide guidance and information for established or new breeders. This can be found here. It's not as alarming as it sounds at first, so don't be put off!