At Paddington Paws Cattery, we believe clear communication and responsible breeding practices are essential. Our British Shorthair kitten contract is designed to protect both the kitten and the adopting family while ensuring every kitten is placed in a safe, loving, lifelong home.

Please note: This is a sample contract provided for general review only. The final purchase agreement will be customized for your kitten and will include additional information, terms, and disclosures specific to the kitten and the adopting family. You will receive the complete contract for review before finalizing your kitten’s purchase.

Paddington Paws Cattery

Kitten Information

Name/ID: __________________________
Date of Birth: _____________________
Sex: ☐ Male ☐ Female
Color/Pattern: ____________________
Registration #: ____________________
Purchase Price: $___________________

1. Deposit & Payment

A $500 non-refundable reservation deposit, applied toward the purchase price, reserves a kitten from the litter but does not secure a specific kitten.
To select and secure a specific kitten, half of the remaining balance is due at selection.
Additional installments toward the final balance are welcome. Full payment must be received before the kitten is handed over.
If the buyer cancels, the reservation deposit is forfeited.
If the seller cancels the sale, or the kitten dies or becomes medically unable to go home before pickup, the buyer may choose a refund of all payments made or transfer those payments to another kitten by written agreement.

2. Transfer & Age

The kitten’s anticipated go-home date and pickup or delivery arrangements will be agreed upon in writing.
Before leaving, the kitten must be fully weaned, eating independently, using the litter box, and healthy following a veterinary examination.
The kitten will receive age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming, a veterinary examination, and a microchip before transfer. Veterinary records and the microchip number will be provided at pickup.
If the kitten is temporarily unfit to leave, the parties will arrange a revised date based on the kitten’s health and readiness.

3. Health Guarantee

The buyer must have the kitten examined by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of pickup. If a weekend or holiday prevents this, the buyer must contact the seller within those 72 hours, provide appointment confirmation, and attend the next available appointment.
For initial health protection, the veterinarian must document a significant illness that was more likely than not present at pickup, supported by examination findings and relevant testing. A statement that illness “could have been present” is insufficient.
For a qualifying initial claim, including a qualifying congenital or inherited condition, the kitten must be returned for a refund or replacement at the seller’s discretion, following discussion with the buyer.
Serious congenital or inherited conditions that materially impair health, physical function, quality of life, or expected lifespan are covered until the kitten’s first birthday. This includes qualifying diagnoses while the kitten is alive and death caused by a covered condition.
Under the longer guarantee, the remedy is a replacement kitten of comparable pet value. If the buyer wants to keep the original kitten, they may do so while remaining eligible for a replacement, but all veterinary and health-related expenses remain their responsibility.
The seller has 12 months from written acceptance of a replacement claim to provide a replacement. Color and sex depend on availability. If no replacement is provided within that period, the buyer may choose a refund of the original purchase price or an extension agreed upon by both parties in writing. No refund is offered under this replacement provision before that period expires.
FIP, other infectious illnesses, parasites, and fungal infections are excluded from the longer guarantee. They may qualify under the separate initial health protection only if its examination, evidence, and return requirements are met. The seller does not cover related veterinary or treatment expenses.
Mild symptoms attributable to environmental adjustment or newly developed allergies, and minor cosmetic imperfections that do not affect health, comfort, or function, do not qualify for compensation. Known imperfections will be disclosed before pickup.
The buyer must notify the seller promptly and supply veterinary reports and supporting records. For death claims, a necropsy is required only when existing records do not sufficiently establish a covered cause of death. Any necropsy or additional veterinary opinion needed to support the claim is at the buyer’s expense.
Emergency veterinary care must never wait for the seller’s permission.

4. Spay/Neuter Agreement

The kitten is sold as a companion pet without breeding rights and will be intact at transfer. The buyer must prevent all breeding.
The kitten must be spayed or neutered by their first birthday, with veterinary proof provided to the seller.
A medically necessary extension may be granted with written veterinary documentation and a revised deadline agreed upon in writing.
TICA registration paperwork will not be withheld pending spaying or neutering. Registration does not grant breeding rights.

5. Declawing & Care Requirements

Declawing is prohibited, except when a licensed veterinarian determines it is medically necessary.
The kitten must live indoors. A secure enclosed catio or supervised outings using a properly fitted harness are permitted. Unsupervised outdoor roaming is prohibited.
The buyer must provide nutritionally appropriate food, fresh drinking water, clean litter facilities, companionship, enrichment, and prompt veterinary care.
The kitten must remain separate from other household pets for the first 14 days after pickup, followed by gradual introductions.
The buyer must never neglect, abuse, or abandon the kitten.

6. Rehoming & Return

Before selling, giving away, or surrendering the kitten or cat, the buyer must contact the seller.
The seller has the right of first refusal—the first opportunity to take the cat back.
Any return or alternative placement must be arranged in writing between the buyer and seller.
Voluntary return or rehoming does not entitle the buyer to a refund. This does not limit a qualifying health-related return under the health guarantee.

7. Registration & Papers

The kitten will be registered with TICA and sold as a companion pet without breeding rights.
Registration paperwork will be provided without waiting for proof of spaying or neutering.
If registry processing is pending at pickup, this will be noted in writing, and the paperwork will be supplied when issued.
TICA registration does not grant breeding rights or remove the buyer’s obligation to spay or neuter by the agreed deadline.

8. Miscellaneous Provisions

The agreement takes effect when signed by both the buyer and seller.
The agreement is governed by Georgia law, subject to applicable rights that cannot be waived.
Changes to the agreement must be made in writing and accepted by both parties. Pickup arrangements may be confirmed by email or text.
The stated remedies and expense exclusions apply only to the extent permitted by law.
If a provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain effective to the extent permitted by law.
Both parties may use electronic signatures and will receive a completed copy of the signed agreement.

Acknowledgment

I have read, understood, and agree to the conditions set forth in this contract.

Purchaser Signature: _____________________ Date: ___________
Breeder Signature: ______________________ Date: ___________

Responsible Breeding & Lifetime Support

We remain committed to every kitten we produce and are always available to answer questions or provide support throughout your kitten’s life. Our contract reflects our dedication to ethical breeding, health, temperament, and responsible ownership.

SAMPLE Contract