# Friendly Kittens

> Friendly Kittens is a small home cattery in Waterford, Virginia (Loudoun County, Northern Virginia) run by Sean Donovan and family, hand-raising Himalayan and Persian kittens since 1995. Kittens are raised in the house, never in cages, are PKD negative, come from a feline leukemia negative colony, and are guaranteed free of genetic defects.

## Key facts
- Breeder: Sean Donovan, Friendly Kittens (FriendlyKittens.com)
- Rating: 5.0 stars from 48 Google reviews
- Address: 15421 Bluebird Ridge Ln, Waterford, VA 20197 (visits by appointment)
- Location: Waterford, VA 20197 — 20 minutes from Leesburg, VA and Dulles Airport, 25 minutes from Charles Town, WV, about 45 minutes from Washington, DC.
- Breeds: Himalayan (colourpoint: seal, blue, flame, chocolate and lilac point, blue eyes) and Persian (solid and bicolour)
- Price: $1,400 per kitten, cash accepted. Discounts for multiple kittens, cash referral bonuses, and discounts for teachers, firefighters, police, nurses and military.
- Go-home age: 8–10 weeks, with first set of shots and a wellness check
- Included: signed bill of health from the vet (free of genetic defects, fleas, parasites and ringworm), shot record, feeding and grooming guidance, lifetime breeder support
- Health: PKD negative; feline leukemia (FeLV) negative colony; genetic defect guarantee
- Veterinarian: Blue Ridge Vets, Purcellville, VA. Discounted spay/neuter and first rabies shot available.
- Visits: by appointment only
- Phone: 571-479-3216 (fastest)
- Email: friendlykittens92@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendlykittens/ (new litters posted here first; Instagram messages are not monitored)
- Serves: Northern Virginia (Leesburg, Purcellville, Ashburn, Sterling, Herndon, Reston, Fairfax, Winchester), Washington DC, Maryland, West Virginia; has placed kittens internationally.

## Reviews (5.0 from 48 Google reviews)
- "The adoption process was amazing. We highly recommend adopting a very special fury new member of your family from Friendly Kittens. My daughter finally had a dream come true. The kittens were well cared for, healthy and loved. Wonderful experience." — Mary Ann E.
- "I can’t say enough great things about Sean and his amazing business. Our cats are friendly as advertised. They love meeting strangers. They don’t get upset when you brush them or trim their nails. Sean cares about his clients and goes above and beyond. I highly recommend getting your next kitten/kittens from Friendly Kittens." — Ladan M.
- "I adopted my sweet Fluffy from him in June 2024, and even now many months later, Sean continues to go above and beyond… It’s clear that Sean doesn’t just breed kittens, he truly cares about them for life." — Shazia A.
- "We can’t thank Sean enough for making it work for us! We have our dream persian. Shes so sweet, and friendly. Sean has been very nice through this process… If your considering a Persian/ Himalayan kitty I highly recommend going to friendly kittens!" — Sonja A.
- "From my very first message to pick-up day, the whole process was so smooth and easy. Sean knows everything about Persians and is so generous with his advice… We came home with two absolutely perfect kitties with the sweetest temperaments. You can tell they were raised with so much love and care." — Jenevieve L.
- "From the moment we arrived, Mr. Sean greeted us with kindness and genuine warmth. He took the time to share his abundance of knowledge and passion for his sweet, delightful cats. It was clear how much love and care goes into raising them." — Lauren
- "We are so in love with our sweet new kitten! And Sean was so easy to coordinate with, super attentive and the whole process went very smoothly. We’ll definitely use Friendly Kittens for a second adoption." — Caroline P.

## Pages
- [Home](https://friendlykittens.com/): overview, adoption fee, how adoption works
- [Available kittens](https://friendlykittens.com/available-kittens/): current photos, pricing, what each kitten goes home with
- [About us](https://friendlykittens.com/about-us/): Sean Donovan, 31 years breeding, Himalayan vs Persian
- [FAQ](https://friendlykittens.com/faq/): 40 questions on price, health testing, breeds, grooming, visiting
- [Contact](https://friendlykittens.com/contact-us/): phone, email, appointment calendar, directions
- [Blog](https://friendlykittens.com/blog/): breeder guides
  - [How Much Does a Himalayan or Persian Kitten Cost?](https://friendlykittens.com/blog/himalayan-persian-kitten-cost/): How much a Himalayan or Persian kitten costs in 2026, what the price should include, and red flags on cheap kittens. From a Northern Virginia breeder.
  - [Himalayan vs Persian Cat: What’s the Difference?](https://friendlykittens.com/blog/himalayan-vs-persian/): Himalayan vs Persian cats compared: colours, eyes, temperament, grooming, health and price. A clear guide from a Himalayan and Persian breeder in Virginia.
  - [How to Choose a Healthy Himalayan or Persian Kitten](https://friendlykittens.com/blog/how-to-choose-healthy-himalayan-kitten/): A breeder’s checklist for choosing a healthy Himalayan or Persian kitten: questions to ask, health tests like PKD, signs of a healthy kitten, and kitten mill red flags.
  - [Himalayan and Persian Cat Grooming: A Simple Routine](https://friendlykittens.com/blog/himalayan-persian-grooming-guide/): How to groom a Himalayan or Persian cat: daily brushing, eye cleaning, preventing mats and hairballs, baths and trims. A practical guide from a long-time breeder.
  - [Himalayan Cat Colours: Seal, Blue, Flame, Chocolate and Lilac Point](https://friendlykittens.com/blog/himalayan-cat-colors/): Himalayan cat colours explained: seal point, blue point, flame point, chocolate point and lilac point. How points develop as kittens grow, and how Persian colours differ.
  - [Bringing Home a Himalayan Kitten: First Week Checklist](https://friendlykittens.com/blog/bringing-home-new-kitten-checklist/): What to buy and how to prepare for a new Himalayan or Persian kitten: supplies checklist, first night, feeding, vet visits and introducing other pets.
  - [Himalayan Kittens for Sale in Virginia: Finding a Breeder Near You](https://friendlykittens.com/blog/himalayan-kittens-for-sale-virginia/): Looking for Himalayan or Persian kittens for sale in Virginia, DC or Maryland? How to find a home breeder in Northern Virginia, what to ask, and what to expect.
  - [Himalayan and Persian Cat Health Problems: What Owners Should Know](https://friendlykittens.com/blog/himalayan-cats-health-problems/): Common Himalayan and Persian cat health problems explained: PKD, feline leukemia, eye and tear issues, breathing, teeth, skin and coat. How to lower the risks.
  - [Are Himalayan Cats Good with Kids and Other Pets?](https://friendlykittens.com/blog/are-himalayan-cats-good-with-kids/): Are Himalayan and Persian cats good with children, dogs and other cats? Temperament, how to introduce them, and why home-raised kittens settle faster.
  - [Are Himalayan and Persian Cats Hypoallergenic?](https://friendlykittens.com/blog/are-himalayan-cats-hypoallergenic/): Are Himalayan or Persian cats hypoallergenic? The truth about cat allergies and long-haired breeds, plus practical tips if someone in your home is allergic.
  - [How Long Do Himalayan and Persian Cats Live?](https://friendlykittens.com/blog/how-long-do-himalayan-cats-live/): Himalayan and Persian cat lifespan, what helps them live longer, and caring for your cat as it ages. Advice from a breeder raising Himalayans since 1995.
  - [Should You Adopt Two Kittens? Littermates and Multi-Kitten Homes](https://friendlykittens.com/blog/adopting-two-kittens/): Pros and cons of adopting two Himalayan or Persian kittens together, how littermates settle, costs and discounts. From a Northern Virginia breeder.
  - [Male or Female Himalayan Kitten: Which Should You Choose?](https://friendlykittens.com/blog/male-or-female-himalayan/): Male vs female Himalayan and Persian kittens: size, personality and what really matters when choosing. Honest advice from a Virginia breeder.
  - [Keeping a Himalayan or Persian Happy Indoors](https://friendlykittens.com/blog/indoor-himalayan-cat-care/): How to keep an indoor Himalayan or Persian cat happy and healthy: enrichment, play, scratching, window perches, safety and a daily routine.

## FAQ
### Adopting a Himalayan or Persian kitten
**How do I adopt a kitten from Friendly Kittens?**
Call Sean on 571-479-3216 or email friendlykittens92@gmail.com and we will tell you what is available now and what is coming. Most families book a visit to our home in Waterford, VA, meet the litter and its parents, and reserve the kitten they connect with. See available kittens for how it works.

**How much does a Himalayan kitten cost?**
Our Himalayan and Persian kittens are $1,400 each. That includes a signed bill of health from our vet, the first set of shots and a wellness check before your kitten leaves.

**Do you offer discounts?**
Yes. There are discounts when you adopt more than one kitten, we pay cash referral bonuses, and teachers, firefighters, police, nurses and military all receive a discount on their kitten.

**Can I adopt two kittens together?**
Yes, and there is a multiple-kitten discount when you do. Littermates who go home together keep each other company and often settle even faster.

**When can my kitten come home?**
Most kittens are adopted between eight and ten weeks old, once they are fully weaned and have had their first set of shots and their wellness check. Until then you are welcome to visit, and we will send photos as they grow.

**Can I visit before I decide?**
Please do. Visits to our home in Waterford are by appointment so the kittens are awake and ready for you, and you can meet their parents at the same time.

**Why don’t you list every available kitten online?**
Availability changes with every litter, so any list would be out of date within the week. One phone call and we will tell you exactly who is available, who is reserved and when the next litter is due. New litters go up on our Facebook page first.

**Do you have a waiting list?**
Yes. If nothing suits you in the current litter we will keep your name and call you first when the next one arrives.

**Does it cost anything to ask questions?**
No. There is no cost to start the conversation. Tell us a little about your household and what you are hoping for, and we will answer honestly.

**What if my circumstances change later?**
Come back to us first. No kitten of ours should ever end up in a shelter, and we stay in touch for the life of your cat.

**Can I reserve a kitten before it is old enough to go home?**
Yes. When you have found the one, we hold them for you and keep you posted with photos while they finish growing up with their mother.

**Can I choose a boy or a girl?**
Yes. Ask when you call and we will tell you which boys and girls are in the current litter, their colours and their personalities.

**When is your next litter due?**
Call or email and we will tell you what is coming. New litters and go-home days are posted on our Facebook page first, and anyone on our waiting list hears first.

**Is Friendly Kittens a kitten mill?**
No. We are a small home cattery. Our cats and kittens live in the house with our family, never in cages or crates, and you are welcome to visit and see exactly how they are raised.

**How does the referral bonus work?**
If you send a friend or family member to us and they adopt a kitten, we pay you a cash referral bonus. Ask us for the details.

**What forms of payment do you accept?**
We accept cash. Ask us about reserving a kitten when you call or visit.

### Health, testing and paperwork
**What paperwork comes with a kitten?**
An adoption packet with a clean, signed bill of health from our local vet office — free of genetic defects, fleas, parasites and ringworm — plus the record of the first set of shots already given.

**Are your cats health tested?**
Yes. Friendly Kittens is a feline leukemia negative colony, and our kittens are PKD negative and guaranteed free of genetic defects.

**What is PKD, and why does it matter for Persians and Himalayans?**
PKD (polycystic kidney disease) is an inherited condition that causes cysts in the kidneys and is a known risk in Persian-type breeds, including Himalayans. Our kittens are PKD negative, so there is no need to worry about that debilitating problem later.

**What does a feline leukemia negative colony mean?**
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a contagious virus that weakens a cat’s immune system. Our colony is FeLV negative, and we keep it that way through a close, year-round working relationship with our vet.

**Do you offer a health guarantee?**
Our kittens are guaranteed free of genetic defects, and every one goes through a wellness checkup before it leaves so you can see for yourself that you are getting a healthy kitten.

**Which veterinarian do you work with?**
We work year round with Blue Ridge Vets, a well established clinic in Purcellville, Virginia.

**Are the kittens vaccinated?**
Yes. Every kitten goes home with its first set of shots, given on schedule, and the record is in your adoption packet.

**Can you help with spaying, neutering and rabies shots?**
Yes. Because of our long relationship with our vet we can offer spay or neuter services, and the first rabies shot required by Virginia law, at steep discounts. Contact us with any questions about either.

**What if something seems wrong after we get home?**
Call us. We would far rather hear from you early, and our vet relationship means we can usually help you work out what is going on straight away.

**Are your kittens free of fleas, worms and ringworm?**
Yes. Every kitten goes home with a signed bill of health from our vet confirming it is free of fleas, parasites and ringworm, as well as genetic defects.

**Can I see the parents’ health paperwork?**
Yes. We keep all the health paperwork on file. Ask to see it when you visit, and ask to meet the parents at the same time.

**Do Persians and Himalayans have breathing problems?**
Flat-faced breeds can be prone to breathing and eye issues, which is why it matters to choose a breeder who health-tests, works closely with a vet and lets you meet the parents. Every one of our kittens has a wellness check before it leaves.

**Do I need to take my kitten to the vet after adoption?**
Yes. Register with your own vet for the remaining booster shots and the rabies shot required by Virginia law. We can offer the first rabies shot, and spay or neuter, at discounted rates through our vet.

### Common health questions about Himalayan and Persian cats
(General guidance, not a substitute for a vet.)

**What health problems are Himalayan and Persian cats prone to?**
The best-known risks in Persian-type breeds are polycystic kidney disease (PKD), breathing and eye issues linked to the flat face, dental crowding, and skin or coat problems if the long coat is not groomed. Choosing a breeder who health-tests, works with a vet and lets you meet the parents lowers these risks. Our kittens are PKD negative, from a feline leukemia negative colony and guaranteed free of genetic defects.

**How do I find a healthy Himalayan kitten?**
Visit in person, meet the parents, and ask to see the health paperwork. Look for a PKD negative result, a vet bill of health, first shots, and a kitten that is bright, curious and used to being handled. Every Friendly Kittens kitten goes home with all of these.

**What are the signs of a healthy kitten?**
Clear, bright eyes; a clean nose and ears; a soft, clean coat with no bald patches; a clean bottom; a good appetite; and a kitten that is playful and curious rather than lethargic. Ask to see the vet paperwork as well.

**What is brachycephalic syndrome in Persian cats?**
Brachycephalic means flat-faced. In some Persians and Himalayans the short face can narrow the nostrils and airways, and affect the tear ducts. Signs to watch for are noisy breathing, breathing through the mouth, or heavy tearing. Talk to your vet if you notice any of these.

**Why do Persian and Himalayan cats have watery eyes?**
The flat face can make tears drain less easily, so some tearing and staining around the eyes is common. Wipe gently with a soft damp cloth each day. Thick, coloured discharge, squinting or a red eye needs a vet visit.

**Can Himalayan cats have dental problems?**
Yes. The shorter jaw can crowd the teeth, which can make plaque build up faster. Regular dental checks at your vet, and getting a kitten used to having its mouth handled, help keep teeth healthy.

**Are Persian cats prone to kidney disease?**
Persian-type breeds carry a known inherited risk of polycystic kidney disease (PKD), and older cats of any breed can develop kidney disease. That is why PKD-negative breeding matters. Our kittens are PKD negative.

**Is PKD in cats curable?**
No. PKD is inherited and cannot be cured, but it can be avoided through responsible breeding. Our kittens are PKD negative and guaranteed free of genetic defects.

**What is FeLV, and can my kitten catch it?**
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) spreads between cats through close contact and weakens the immune system. Friendly Kittens is an FeLV negative colony. Keeping your cat indoors and asking your vet about FeLV vaccination are the best ways to protect it.

**What is ringworm in kittens?**
Ringworm is a fungal skin infection, not a worm. It causes round, scaly bald patches and can pass to people and other pets. Every Friendly Kittens kitten goes home with a vet bill of health confirming it is free of ringworm.

**How do I stop hairballs in a long-haired cat?**
Brush most days to remove loose hair before your cat swallows it. Your vet can also suggest a hairball-control food or remedy if they are frequent.

**Why is my Himalayan kitten sneezing?**
Occasional sneezing is often just dust or excitement. Repeated sneezing with runny eyes, nasal discharge, a poor appetite or low energy can mean an upper respiratory infection and should be seen by your vet. Call us too — we are always happy to help.

**What should I do if my kitten has diarrhea after coming home?**
A change of home and food can upset a kitten’s stomach, which is why we tell you exactly what they have been eating so you can keep it the same. If the diarrhea lasts more than a day, or your kitten is lethargic or not eating, call your vet.

**How often should my Himalayan see the vet?**
Kittens need visits for their booster shots and the rabies shot required by Virginia law. After that, adult cats usually have a yearly checkup. Senior cats often go twice a year.

**What vaccines does a kitten need?**
Kittens usually get a series of core vaccines, often called FVRCP, several weeks apart, plus a rabies vaccine, which Virginia law requires. Every Friendly Kittens kitten goes home with its first set of shots and the record in its adoption packet. Your vet will plan the rest.

**When should I spay or neuter my kitten?**
Most vets recommend spaying or neutering at around five to six months, but ask your own vet. We can offer spay and neuter at discounted rates through our vet.

**Do Himalayan cats have eye problems?**
Tear staining is the most common. Flat-faced breeds can also be more prone to eye irritation, so keep the fur around the eyes clean and see your vet if an eye looks red, cloudy or painful.

**What happens if my kitten gets sick after adoption?**
Call us right away, as well as your vet. Our kittens leave with a signed vet bill of health and a genetic defect guarantee, and our relationship with Blue Ridge Vets means we can usually help you work out what is going on quickly.

### About Himalayan and Persian cats
**What is a Himalayan cat?**
A Himalayan is a Persian in build and coat with the colourpoint markings and blue eyes of a Siamese. Himalayans are calm, quietly affectionate and famously happy on a lap. They are our speciality.

**What is the difference between a Himalayan and a Persian?**
Both have the same long coat, broad face and gentle nature. The difference is colour: Himalayans are colourpoint with blue eyes, while Persians come in solid and bicolour coats. We raise both the same way, underfoot and handled daily.

**What colours do your Himalayan kittens come in?**
Our Himalayans come in seal, blue, flame, chocolate and lilac points. Our Persians come in solid and bicolour coats. Ask what colours are in the current litter.

**Do Himalayan kittens change colour as they grow?**
Yes. Colourpoint kittens are born pale, and the darker points on the face, ears, paws and tail fill in over the first months, so a young kitten will look lighter than the adult cat it becomes.

**Are Himalayan or Persian cats hypoallergenic?**
No cat is truly hypoallergenic, and long-haired breeds do shed. If anyone in your household has allergies, we recommend a visit to spend time with the kittens before you decide.

**Are Himalayans a good first cat?**
They can be. Himalayans and Persians are calm, gentle and happy indoors, which suits families, first-time owners and apartments. The one real commitment is regular brushing, and we will show you how we do it.

**What is a Himalayan’s temperament like?**
Calm, affectionate and unhurried. They like company and a lap more than climbing the curtains, and ours are raised around people so they are not shy or unfriendly.

**What do seal, blue, flame, chocolate and lilac point mean?**
They describe the colour of a Himalayan’s points, the darker face, ears, paws and tail. Seal is a deep brown, blue a soft grey, flame a warm orange-red, chocolate a lighter milk-chocolate brown and lilac a pale pinkish grey. All have blue eyes.

**Is a Himalayan the same as a colourpoint Persian?**
Essentially, yes. Some cat registries treat the Himalayan as a colourpoint variety of the Persian, so you will also hear “Himalayan Persian” or “colourpoint Persian”.

**How big do Himalayan cats get?**
Himalayans are medium to large, sturdy cats with a solid, cobby build. Most adults weigh somewhere around 7 to 12 pounds, with males usually larger than females.

**How long do Himalayan and Persian cats live?**
With good indoor care and regular vet visits, many live well into their teens.

**Do Himalayan cats shed a lot?**
Yes, the long coat sheds, especially with the seasons. Brushing most days catches the loose hair before it reaches your furniture and keeps mats from forming.

**Do Himalayans like to be held?**
Ours do. They are held, brushed and played with every day from the first week, so they grow up happy to be picked up and very happy on a lap.

### Living with your kitten
**How much grooming does a Himalayan need?**
A long coat needs regular brushing, ideally a few minutes most days, to stay free of mats. Our kittens are brushed from the start, so they enjoy it rather than fight it, and we will show you how we do it.

**Do Persians and Himalayans need their eyes cleaned?**
Flat-faced breeds can get tear staining, so a gentle wipe around the eyes with a soft damp cloth is part of a good daily routine. We will show you what we do before your kitten goes home.

**Are they good with children and other pets?**
Yes. Ours are raised around people, kids and other animals, so they do very well as lap cats and with small children, and they are very compatible with other cats and pets.

**Should Himalayans live indoors?**
Yes. Long-coated breeds do best as indoor cats: the coat stays clean and mat-free, and they are safe from traffic, predators and disease.

**What should I have ready for the first night?**
A quiet room with litter, food, water and a bed, and time to sit on the floor with them. We will tell you exactly what they have been eating so you can keep it the same at first.

**What should my kitten eat?**
Keep to the food they have been eating here for the first while, then change gradually if you want to. We give feeding and grooming guidance for week one with every kitten.

**Will you help after we take our kitten home?**
Always. Call or email any time with a question about grooming, feeding or settling in. We stay a phone call away for the life of your cat.

**How do I introduce a new kitten to my other cat?**
Start the kitten in its own quiet room for a few days, let the cats smell each other under the door, then allow short supervised meetings. Our kittens are raised around other cats and pets, which helps them settle in quickly.

**Does a Himalayan need a professional groomer?**
Usually not. Regular brushing at home keeps the coat in good shape. Some owners also book an occasional trim or bath with a groomer, particularly in summer.

**Can a Himalayan be left alone while I am at work?**
Himalayans are calm and adapt well to a workday routine. If you are out for long hours, two kittens together keep each other company, and there is a multiple-kitten discount.

**What supplies do I need for a new kitten?**
A litter box and litter, food and water bowls, the same food they have been eating here, a bed, a scratching post, a few toys, a wide-tooth comb and a soft brush, and a sturdy carrier for the ride home.

### Visiting, location and travel
**Where is Friendly Kittens located?**
Waterford, Virginia, in western Loudoun County: twenty minutes from Leesburg and from Dulles Airport, twenty-five from Charles Town, WV, and about forty-five minutes from Washington, DC.

**Is there a Himalayan kitten breeder near me in Northern Virginia?**
Yes. We are one of the area’s only Himalayan and Persian breeders in Northern Virginia, just outside Leesburg. We are within easy driving distance of Purcellville, Ashburn, Sterling, Herndon, Reston, Fairfax, Winchester, Frederick, MD, Charles Town, WV and Washington, DC.

**Do you adopt outside Virginia?**
We have — some of our kittens have been adopted internationally, including one that flew to Venezuela. Get in touch and we will talk through the details and what is possible.

**How do I book an appointment?**
Call or email, or pick a time yourself from the online calendar on our contact page. We are at 15421 Bluebird Ridge Ln, Waterford, VA 20197; visits are by appointment.

**What happens at a visit?**
Plan on half an hour or so — the kittens will want to climb on you. Bring the whole family, children included, ask to meet the parents and to see the health paperwork. Please don’t visit another cattery the same day, for the cats’ sake.

**How long have you been breeding cats?**
Sean Donovan and his family have been raising cats and kittens for over 31 years, since 1995, specialising in Himalayan and Persian cats.

**What is the best way to reach you?**
Phone, 571-479-3216, or email friendlykittens92@gmail.com. New litters go up on our Facebook page first. Please don’t message us on Instagram, we won’t see it.

**Can I meet the kitten’s parents?**
Yes. The parents live in the house with us, and you can meet them at the same visit as the litter.

**Can I bring my children to the visit?**
Please do. Bring the whole family, children included. We want to see how everyone gets along.

**Are you close to Maryland and West Virginia?**
Yes. Waterford is about twenty-five minutes from Charles Town, WV, and within easy driving distance of Frederick, MD, as well as Leesburg, Dulles and Washington, DC.

**How should I bring my kitten home?**
Bring a sturdy, secure carrier with a soft towel inside. Keep the ride calm and quiet, and go straight to the room you have set up for them.