The True Cost of Raising Kittens: Why Ethical Breeding Comes With Responsibility—and Expense
From the outside, it may be difficult to understand why pedigree kittens seem to come at a premium —especially when compared to the adoption fee of a rescue kitten or cat. But behind every healthy, well-socialised WinterForest kitten is a network of time, testing, and long-term care that reflects not just our standards, but our responsibilities as guardians of the Siberian breed.
We want to take a moment to shed light on what truly goes into raising cats ethically—while also honouring the vital role of rescue and shelter animals, who are equally deserving of love and homes.
What Ethical Breeding Requires
Running an ethical, preservation-focused cattery is not a business model—it’s a stewardship.
Every decision we make, from nutrition to pairing to homing, is intentional. Our costs reflect a commitment to health, structure, and temperament, and include:
Blood/ Gentic testing and periodic cardiac scans to ensure our breeding cats are free from inherited conditions like HCM and PKD
Veterinary oversight for pre-breeding evaluations, pregnancy care, and neonatal monitoring
Premium species-appropriate diets, often raw or lightly cooked, beginning in the womb
Early socialisation in a quiet, enriched home setting—not in cages, not in volume
Show participation and travel, which keeps us accountable to international breed standards
Responsible retirement and lifelong placement planning for every adult cat
And, perhaps most valuable of all: time. We breed slowly. Thoughtfully. Our kittens are raised underfoot, not turned over quickly. We wait until each one is emotionally ready, not just the right weight.
Why Rescues Cost Less—And Why They Matter Deeply
In contrast, shelters and rescue organizations often benefit from generous donations, volunteer time, and discounted veterinary services made possible through the goodwill of others. These systems exist to help rehome animals quickly and affordably—and they work because communities support them.
So if you’ve adopted a cat from a shelter, we hope you’ll consider paying it forward, just as someone likely did for the pet you brought home. Whether it’s through a donation, supplies, or time—rescue is powered by people choosing to give, so that others may receive.
And yes, rescue cats absolutely belong in the spotlight too. Household Pet (HHP) categories at cat shows celebrate cats of all backgrounds, and focus on exactly what matters most: health, grooming, and temperament.
The Role of Pedigree—and Why Some People Choose It
That said, pedigree cats serve a different purpose. They are the result of generations of refinement—not only in structure and coat, but also in predictable behaviour and health profiles. People choose pedigree cats when they are looking for a specific temperament, size, allergen level, or activity type—particularly important for families with children, sensitivities, or working lifestyles.
WinterForest kittens don’t happen overnight. They are the outcome of decades of collaboration between breeders across the world. Our role is to preserve, protect, and honor that lineage—not to profit from it.
Which is why we’re not guided by “what sells.” We’re guided by what strengthens the breed. Every pairing we plan, every kitten we raise, every family we screen—is part of a much longer story than ours alone.
In the End, It’s About Responsibility
Whether you adopt from a shelter or wait for a WinterForest kitten, the question is the same:
Are you ready to give this kitten what it truly needs for life?
And for us, the question is always:
Are we upholding the trust placed in us to do right by this breed?
We honour both paths. Rescue and preservation are not in competition. They are both responses to the same truth: cats deserve care, intention, and dignity.
If you’re still exploring what’s right for you—or are simply curious to learn more—we welcome thoughtful conversations.
You can contact us here. There’s no pressure, just shared purpose.
At WinterForest, our kittens may come with papers, but they also come with principles. And that’s something we’re proud of.