(This article was originally written in 1994 and published in the
South African Cat Fancy's "Gazette." It has been edited and updated.)

Kittens are fetching higher prices and stud fees are keeping pace. Long gone are the days when a pedigreed kitten was sold for R15.00 and stud fees were similar or possibly marginally higher. Inflation has a way of penetrating all our activities, even in what is essentially a hobby. Spiraling costs of superior veterinary care, quality diet, etc., have led many breeders into closing up shop.

It is an acknowledged fact that very few breeders manage to break even, and seldom profit from their hobby. If by some fortunate circumstance, they do, it is inevitable that some unplanned event will wipe out whatever small profit margin remains.

Most American breeders sell their kittens/cats on contract.

The first part of the contract details the kitten or cat being purchased and this includes all the particulars provided to the breeder on registration of the animal. It also records the purchasers details of name, address, telephone numbers, etc. In addition, same particulars of the breeder are recorded.

Sample Kitten Purchase Contract:

At the time of purchase your kitten appears to be in good health.
The purchaser may and should take the kitten to a veterinarian for a health examination.
It is fully understood and acknowledged between both parties that no long-range guarantee can be offered to the varying conditions in the cats new home environment.

1. All purebred/pedigree kittens are not of the same quality. Four general quality classifications exist, viz.
   a) Pet
   b) Neuters of show quality standard
   c) Suitable for breeding
   d) Show quality
   The quality of the kitten determines its cost.

A pet quality purebred kitten is one that the breeder does not want shown. Purchasing a pet kitten allows the buyer to obtain a pedigreed kitten at a lower cost. This price reduction offsets the cost of neutering or spaying. Under no conditions should a pet quality kitten be bred. These kittens are registered not for breeding.

A neuter of show quality standard is better than a pet but not sufficiently so in the breeder's opinion for breeding. Once neutered, this cat should show well in the neuter classes but would not compete well in championship classes. These kittens are registered not for breeding.

A cat suitable for breeding is a pedigreed kitten that the breeder feels is of sufficient quality for breeding. These kittens are of similar characteristic to a show quality kitten from the same breeder. When purchasing a breed quality, you are paying for the kitten, its pedigree or lines, and its registration papers.

A show quality kitten is a purebred/pedigree of excellent quality. This type of cat very closely meets the standard for its breed. Though no long-range guarantee can be made, at this age, the show quality kitten has very good show potential. This kitten is recommended as: (one of the above categories) and Purchase price:

 Conditions of Sale:

agree to the following conditions of sale:

This cat/kitten has been sold as:

Show

Breeding

Neuter for Show

Pet

1. Under no circumstances will this cat be declawed.
2. Under no circumstances will this cat be sold, leased or given to any pet shop, research laboratory or similar facility.
3. Adequate indoor facilities will be provided and this cat will not be allowed to roam freely outdoors.
4. If this cat is found to be neglected, in ill health or over bred, the Purchaser will surrender said cat to the breeder unconditionally and without any financial restitution or compensation.
5. The Purchaser agrees to neuter or spay this cat between the ages of six (6) months and one (1) year after birth if the kitten is not already altered.
6. The purchaser further agrees and guarantees that this cat will not be used at stud or for breeding. (Mark this on application for registration).
7. The Purchaser further warrants that this kitten/cat:
       a) Will receive regular inoculations against F. I. E. and rabies.
       b) Will be given all necessary veterinary care that may be necessary to maintain its good health.
8. In the event of the Purchaser being unable to maintain the kitten/cat, I, Gail Pomerantz, reserve the right of first refusal no matter what the age is - to repossess the cat.
9. This kitten/cat may not be sold, given or donated to any person without my prior consent.

I, the Purchaser detailed herein, have read and understand the conditions set out in this sales contract and agree to abide by the said conditions.

An addendum may be added to make the
above contract a little more flexible for South Africans
with the addition of offering PetSure Insurance
(include an explanation!):

A neuter of show quality standard can be upgraded to show/breed quality, and therefore, for breeding provided the purchaser undertakes to show the animal and it proves itself on the show bench. However, should this arise, an additional fee will become payable to the breeder, Gail Pomerantz [formerly Francois] of Gitalaya Cattery.
This amount shall be R _________ 

(Note: Since we started breeding in the USA, all pet kittens are sold pre-altered or neutered.  Our vet performs the surgery at 12 - 14 weeks or when the kitten/s weigh 2 lbs. or 1 kg, after the first series of inoculations have been administered.)

Breeders can further protect themselves with Insurance for their kittens when they are sold. It may seem an expensive option, but it could be disastrous if you were faced by exorbitant veterinary bills when the purchaser has told their vet, "don't worry about the expense, the breeder is paying" Simply add the initial cost of the insurance to the price of the kitten or alternatively, give the buyer the option of you providing the insurance and they pay for it.

They can, however, utilise a contract to protect the cats and kittens that are bred with so much care and time taken in raising strong, well socialised, healthy kittens.

There is no doubt that any thought of a contract of any description is going to create controversy amongst South African breeders.

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