Your Kitten's Papers

PetSmart -

A purebred kitten is a bundle of joy that comes with a bundle of paperwork. All of this 'paper' can be very confusing. Be patient. You need all of this paperwork to make certain you're getting what you're paying for.

Before you leave the cattery, the breeder will give you a pack of papers that will include a purchase contract, registration form, and health records. Some breeders will also include additional fact sheets as well.

Purchase Contract
The purchase contract essentially outlines the conditions of the sale. The breeder usually writes the purchase contract or uses one prepared by a breed club. Typically, this contract states that you will spay or neuter the kitten by a certain age, and that you will keep the kitten indoors at all times unless it's on a leash or in an outside run. Many breeders won't allow the kittens they sell to be declawed.

Usually, the breeder will also include a clause that requires you to notify the breeder if you must sell the kitten or give it away. Often, the breeder will want to buy the kitten back or to help you find it a good home. The purchase contract also describes the type of health guarantee the breeder will provide. Often, the breeder will require you to have the kitten checked by your vet within a few days after purchase.

If any illness is detected, the breeder will either pay for the kitten's care or exchange the kitten for another one. Also included in the purchase contract are a description of the kitten, its sex, the sire (father) and dam (mother) and the kitten's date of birth.

Be cautious of any purchase contract that stipulates co-ownership of the kitten with the breeder. Also, beware of any agreement that demands you breed or show the kitten. You're paying a lot of money for the kitten; it should be yours after the sale.

Registration Form
When your kitten was born, the breeder registered the whole litter with a cat registry, and received an individual registration form for each of the kittens. Most of the time, you receive the kitten's registration form when you purchase it. However, sometimes the breeder will hold it until he or she receives proof from your veterinarian that you have spayed or neutered the kitten.

After you name the kitten, you fill out the form. Be sure to read all of the instructions, even on the back. Some registries have very specific instructions regarding how kittens can be named. Once you fill out the form and mail it to the registry with a fee, you'll receive your kitten's formal registration papers.

Health Records
The breeder should also provide you with records of the kitten's vaccinations. If the kitten was wormed, this information should appear on the health records as well as any other medications the kitten has received. When you take the kitten to your own veterinarian, you'll take its health records with you.

Pedigree
Some breeders will also give you a copy of the kitten's pedigree--its family tree.

Fact sheets. Very conscientious breeders will provide you with information about the kitten's diet, what kind of litter it prefers, and other relevant information, such as how to introduce to kitten the to its new environment.

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