It is important to us that the right match is made between our kittens and their forever home humans. It is also important that both breeders and interested parties are clear and remain clear with each other on the acceptable circumstances for transfer of ownership. This is our policy; deviations from which will be by exception and upon mutual agreement.
Week 1: healthy kittens born; Abyssinian Cat Club Breeders page updated to show we have kittens available (our details highlighted in red) and the KARIQUI website updated with a picture of the litter.
Week 1 to 5: interested people that express interest via the KARIQUI website, by email, by telephone, or in person are noted on a “long list” as potential owners and correspondence is opened between parties by email and telephone.
Week 6 to 8: those who after correspondence appear as suitable potential owners are moved to a “short list” and if they wish to consider reserving a kitten are invited to visit the house to see the kittens with the Queen/mother in their home environment.
Week 9: kittens receive their first vaccine and health check. Those potential owners that are felt suitable and wish to reserve a kitten agree the transfer of ownership contract requirements, schedule, terms and conditions and pay 50% non-returnable deposit.
Week 10 to 11: all kittens will be registered with the GCCF on either the Active or non-Active registers.
Week 12: kittens receive their second vaccination.
Week 14: kittens are available for transfer of ownership from week 14.
Week 20: from 10 Jun 2024 the law requires all cat owners in UK to have their cats microchipped and registered on a suitable database by week 20. In specific circumstances this may be performed at an earlier age before leaving the breeders if both parties and the vet agrees. Week 20 is also the likely time of neutering non-Active registered cats. Both of these acts are contractual responsibilities of the new owner.
Nb. Adaptations to this policy will be entertained where interest is expressed by potential owners later than shown above. Active Register cats that are going to a GCCF registered breeder will be subject to specific agreements between breeders.
Terms and Conditions
At time of reservation
- The purpose of the deposit is to guarantee the purchaser’s intent to purchase the kitten and to ensure that it is reserved for the purchaser. Should the purchaser, for any reason, change his/her mind about purchasing the kitten, the deposit is non-refundable to safeguard the breeder against loss of sale and subsequent outlay.
- If the vendor fails to make available the kitten, the deposit will be refunded.
- In the event that for unavoidable reasons, the kitten is unable to be transferred to the purchaser, then a replacement kitten may be offered by the breeder, which may be from a future litter which the purchaser can either accept, or decline and be refunded.
- Once the deposit is received, the kitten will be held for the purchaser and will not be sold to any other buyer.
- As recommended by the GCCF, kittens are normally ready to leave for their new homes no earlier than thirteen weeks of age, or later if being neutered by the breeder. Males generally take a week to heal and recover from neutering, females generally up to two weeks. Advice from the vet is always taken.
- The breeder reserves the right to delay the transfer of the kitten for the benefit of its health and welfare, this particularly applies to females who have been spayed. No kitten will be released until the vet has confirmed they are happy for kittens to travel to new homes.
- Upon transfer of ownership, kittens will:
- Have received vaccinations against Feline Herpes Virus, Feline Calici Virus, Feline Panleucopenia Virus and Feline Leukaemia Virus at just after nine weeks and again at twelve weeks (two veterinary visits). A third inoculation is required one year following the second inoculation, at fifteen months, which completes the primary course. Thereafter annual boosters are required to maintain adequate cover.
- Have been wormed. Future worming will be required within 3 months, preferably under the direction of a vet.
- Have been living as part of the family home, and will be socialised, litter trained, accustomed to noise from hoovers, hairdryers, washing machines etc and will have encountered other cats within the home.
- Leave with five weeks free insurance from the GCCF’s endorsed insurer.
- Leave with proof of pedigree.
- Leave with the GCCF Registration Card that the purchaser may use to transfer registration to their name.
- Leave with their own small blanket smelling of mum & siblings and a familiar small toy.
- Leave with a small bag of cat litter of the type which they will be used to.
- Leave with a small supply of food for the first few days.
- Neutering and microchipping are to be agreed between the breeder and purchaser and their respective vets. The kitten is not intended for breeding and if being neutered by the purchaser then all possible steps must be taken by the purchaser to comply. The kitten will be registered with the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy, (GCCF) non-active breed register, meaning any litter from the kitten is not eligible for registration with GCCF or other reputable bodies.
At time of transfer of ownership
- The Purchaser agrees to and understands the following conditions:
- The kitten is registered on the Non-Active Register with the GCCF.
- The kitten shall not be sold, leased or given to any pet shop or research establishment, nor sold, given or donated to any person without the breeders’ prior knowledge and consent, except in the case of emergency or terminal illness to allow sensitive and humane destruction by a qualified and registered veterinary surgeon.
- The kitten shall not be taken from the United Kingdom without the breeders’ prior knowledge and consent.
- The kitten shall be kept as an indoor and ‘protected environment’ cat only and all precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and secure environment, with care taken to prevent escape via open doors and windows, with screen and double door protection used as necessary.
- In the event of the purchaser being unable to maintain the kitten, the breeder shall be informed immediately and shall reserve the right to repossess the kitten at any age and will offer advice and assistance where possible.
- In the event that the purchaser or breeder are unable to re-home the kitten, then advice and assistance should be sought from the Abyssinian Cat Club Welfare staff: http://www.abyssiniancatclub.com/welfare.html
- The kitten will be kept in appropriate conditions for its health and welfare and will be fed a suitable diet for its age and condition.
- The kitten will receive regular health checks, booster vaccinations and worming treatment from a veterinary surgeon.
- The kitten will receive all necessary veterinary care to maintain its good health.
- The purchaser understands that if there is failure to keep any part of the agreement, or if the kitten is neglected, maltreated, or is failing to receive adequate medical care, the purchaser will surrender the kitten to the breeder unconditionally and without financial restitution or compensation.
- The purchaser understands that the kitten is sold in good health and has been examined by a veterinary surgeon on at least two occasions. It is recommended that the kitten visits the purchaser’s vet within the first 7 days for a health check and to register the kitten.
- The purchaser agrees to give regular updates, upon arriving home and particularly during the first week, so that if there are concerns, help may be given. Despite the breeders’ best efforts to minimise stress for the kitten, it will have just left everything it has known since birth and will need particular support and care to become accustomed to its new home and family.
- The purchaser should bring an appropriately sized and secure pet carrier to transport the kitten to its new home.
- While travelling, the kitten should remain within its own carrier at all times, which should be secured by a seat belt through the carrier handle as a minimum.
- The breeder accepts no responsibility for illness or death occurring more than one month after purchase of the kitten unless it is confirmed by a veterinary surgeon, with evidence via post mortem or other appropriate testing, that the cause was due to a pre-existing condition.
- Payment for both deposit and final balance should be by BACS transfer with the final balance being transferred prior to collection of the kitten, to a specified bank account.
- Additional Conditions may be added depending upon purchaser's circumstances.