The Cat Breeder Contract

Cat Breeder Contract Template

This Cat Purchase Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into on [Date] (“Effective Date”) by and between [Breeder Name], hereinafter referred to as “Breeder,” with a mailing address of [Breeder Address], and [Buyer Name], hereinafter referred to as “Buyer,” with a mailing address of [Buyer Address]. The subject of this Agreement is the kitten/cat described below:

• Kitten/Cat Details:
  • Name: [Kitten Name]
  • Breed: [Breed]
  • Sex: [Male/Female]
  • Color: [Color]
  • Date of Birth: [DOB]
  • Sire: [Sire Name, Registration #]
  • Dam: [Dam Name, Registration #]
  • Registration: [TICA/CFA/Other, Registration # if applicable]

1. Purchase Price and Payment Terms

• Total Purchase Price: $[Amount] for the kitten/cat, sold as [Pet/Show/Breeder] quality.
• Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $[Amount] is required upon signing this Agreement to reserve the kitten/cat, deductible from the total purchase price.
• Balance: The remaining balance of $[Amount] is due by [Date, e.g., when kitten reaches 8 weeks or upon pickup].
• Payment Methods: Acceptable methods include [e.g., cash, bank transfer, PayPal]. All payments must clear before the kitten/cat is released to the Buyer.
• Additional Costs: [e.g., shipping, health certificate, pet carrier] are the Buyer’s responsibility and estimated at $[Amount, if applicable].

2. Health Guarantee

• Breeder’s Representations: The Breeder warrants that, to the best of their knowledge, the kitten/cat is in good health at the time of transfer, has received age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, and a veterinary health check on [Date]. The kitten/cat is free from known contagious diseases and parasites.
• Buyer’s Veterinary Exam: The Buyer agrees to have the kitten/cat examined by a licensed veterinarian within [Number, e.g., 72] hours of receipt. If the veterinarian finds a pre-existing health condition rendering the kitten/cat unfit for purchase, the Buyer must notify the Breeder in writing within [Number, e.g., 48] hours of the exam, accompanied by a veterinary report.
• Genetic Health Warranty: The Breeder guarantees the kitten/cat against congenital or hereditary defects resulting in death or requiring euthanasia for [Period, e.g., 5 years] from the date of birth, provided the defect is verified by a licensed veterinarian and a necropsy report (at Buyer’s expense). If such a defect is confirmed, the Breeder will [e.g., replace the kitten/cat with one of equal value from the next available litter or refund 50% of the purchase price], at the Breeder’s discretion.
• Exclusions: This warranty does not cover [e.g., minor cosmetic defects, illnesses due to Buyer’s neglect, or conditions arising from FeLV/FIV vaccinations, which void this warranty].

3. Spay/Neuter Agreement

• Pet-Quality Kittens: If sold as a pet, the kitten/cat must be spayed/neutered by [Date or Age, e.g., 6 months] at the Buyer’s expense. The Buyer agrees to provide proof of spay/neuter (e.g., veterinary certificate) to the Breeder within [Number, e.g., 30] days of the procedure.
• Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with spay/neuter terms may result in [e.g., a $500 penalty, return of the kitten/cat to the Breeder at Buyer’s expense, or voiding of health guarantees].
• Breeding Restrictions: The kitten/cat may not be used for breeding unless explicitly sold with breeding rights, as indicated in Section 4. Unauthorized breeding will result in [e.g., ownership reverting to the Breeder, legal action for damages].

4. Breeding and Show Rights

• Breeding Rights: [If applicable] The kitten/cat is sold with breeding rights for $[Additional Amount]. The Buyer agrees to [e.g., register the kitten/cat with TICA/CFA, adhere to ethical breeding practices]. The Breeder retains the right to [e.g., first refusal on offspring, co-ownership until specified conditions are met].
• Show Rights: [If applicable] The kitten/cat is sold with show rights, and the Buyer agrees to [e.g., show the cat in [Number] CFA/TICA shows or until achieving a title]. The Breeder may request updates on show performance.
• No Rights Granted: If not explicitly stated, the kitten/cat is sold without breeding or show rights, and any attempt to breed or show without permission violates this Agreement.

5. Delivery and Transfer

• Transfer Date: The kitten/cat will be available for pickup or shipping on or after [Date, e.g., when the kitten is 12 weeks old], subject to the Breeder’s discretion based on the kitten/cat’s health and readiness.
• Shipping: If shipping is required, the Buyer will arrange and pay for [e.g., pet-safe courier, airline transport], including a health certificate and carrier. The Breeder will coordinate with the Buyer to ensure safe delivery.
• Delay Clause: The Breeder reserves the right to delay transfer if the kitten/cat requires additional veterinary care or is not developmentally ready, with notice provided to the Buyer.

6. Return and Refund Policy

• Return for Health Issues: As outlined in Section 2, returns for verified health issues follow the health guarantee terms.
• Other Returns: The Buyer may return the kitten/cat within [Number, e.g., 7] days of receipt for [e.g., personal reasons, inability to care], provided the kitten/cat is in the same condition as at transfer. The Breeder will [e.g., refund 50% of the purchase price, excluding deposit, or offer a replacement kitten]. Shipping costs for returns are the Buyer’s responsibility.
• No Refunds After: No refunds will be issued after [Period, e.g., 30 days] unless covered by the health guarantee.
• Rehoming: If the Buyer can no longer care for the kitten/cat at any time, they must notify the Breeder. The Breeder has the first right of refusal to take the kitten/cat back (at no cost to the Breeder) or approve rehoming to a suitable home. The kitten/cat may not be sold, given to a shelter, or used for research.

7. Buyer’s Obligations

• Proper Care: The Buyer agrees to provide the kitten/cat with adequate food, water, shelter, exercise, and veterinary care, including annual exams, vaccinations, and parasite prevention.
• Safety: The kitten/cat will not be allowed to roam freely outdoors or be declawed, as declawing is considered inhumane by the Breeder.
• Updates: The Buyer agrees to provide the Breeder with [e.g., annual health updates, photos] for [Period, e.g., 2 years] to track the kitten/cat’s well-being.
• Microchip: If microchipped, the Breeder will remain listed as an alternate contact on the microchip registry.

8. Dispute Resolution

• Negotiation: In the event of a dispute, both parties agree to attempt resolution through good-faith negotiation.
• Jurisdiction: Any legal action arising from this Agreement will be resolved in the courts of [State/County], with the Buyer responsible for their legal fees and, if the Breeder prevails, the Breeder’s legal fees.
• Contract Enforcement: This Agreement is binding and enforceable. The Breeder encourages the Buyer to read this contract in full before signing to ensure mutual understanding.

9. Additional Terms

• Pedigree: The Breeder will provide a [e.g., 3-generation] pedigree at the time of sale, signed by the Breeder, including breed and registration numbers per [e.g., TICA/CFA] standards.
• Included Items: The kitten/cat comes with [e.g., vaccination records, starter food, toys, blanket].
• Breach of Contract: If the Buyer violates any term of this Agreement, ownership of the kitten/cat may revert to the Breeder, and the Buyer will return the kitten/cat at their expense. The Breeder reserves the right to pursue damages for [e.g., unauthorized breeding, neglect].
• [Add any cattery-specific terms, e.g., dietary requirements, grooming expectations]

10. Signatures

By signing below, the Buyer acknowledges they have read, understood, and agreed to all terms of this Agreement. The Breeder confirms the terms are accurate and binding.

Buyer’s Signature: ______________________________ Date: ____________
Buyer’s Printed Name: ___________________________

Breeder’s Signature: _____________________________ Date: ____________
Breeder’s Printed Name: __________________________

Note: This is a sample template. Breeders should consult a legal professional to ensure compliance with local laws and cattery-specific needs. Buyers should review all terms carefully before signing.