Part 41 - Code of ethics for breeders
All breeders representing the World Organisation of Cat (WOC) by being a member of their Club are best advised to learn and to base their cat ownership and breeding decisions on the Code of Ethics, laid below:
Breeders are granted access to organisational resources and an updated roster of pedigreed cats, which they utilise knowing about certain responsibilities they have to both cats under their ownership and to the WOC.
Cat ownership includes, among other things, providing care, responsible housekeeping and breeding, exhibiting, marketing and selling for profit in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth below.
41.1. Breeders are to not forget that professional breeding is pursued, first and foremost, in order to better their cats’ breed quality while maintaining their good health and conditions.
41.2. Breeders are to be professional and humane in decisions and actions concerning their animals.
41.3. Breeders are to not mislead people by misrepresenting breed-relevant features, its origin and history.
41.4. Breeders are to keep proper cattery documentation and litter registrations. Every kitten is to be issued a pedigree.
41.5. Breed-quality kittens are those with good breed-relevant qualities and without signs of known genetic deficiencies.
41.6. All breed-quality animals are to be implanted a microchip
41.7. All adult breed-quality animals are to undergo a veterinary checkup before breeding.
41.8. All cats in a cattery are to undergo all relevant genetic tests, in accordance with breed characteristics and standard.
41.9. Selling of ill and/or infected animals is prohibited.
41.10. Claw and vocal cord removal is strictly forbidden.
41.11. Breeders are to answer with due haste to organisation / club requests concerning their cattery, as well as their cats and kittens, including those gifted as pets and/or transferred to other catteries.
41.12. Cats are to not give birth more than once a year, additional or sooner mating may be allowed by Club’s breeder committee due to objective reasons (such as health concerns) and to be based on veterinary advice.
41.13. Selling of kittens aged less than 12 weeks is prohibited, kittens are to not be separated from their mother until they are 12 weeks of age.
41.14. Kittens are to be weaned, vaccinated and dewormed prior to being released to their new owners.
41.15. Cats and kittens are to receive their necessary vaccination, ensuring proper immunity level buildup. Health certificate, along with a veterinary book or vaccination record is to be provided.
41.16. Kittens sold as pet animals are to be sterilised prior to being transferred to new owners.
41.17. New owner is advised to have their new cat/kitten undergo a check-up with their trusted veterinarian during the 48-hour period after purchase.
41.18. When selling a kitten, a contract is to be drawn up between the breeder and the new owner. Breeders are to provide necessary information and assistance to new owners.
41.19. Both breeder and the new owner are to comply with the conditions of their contract.
41.20. When selling a kitten, breeders are to explain the new owners their responsibility for their purchase’s well-being, including housing requirements, nutritional choices, as well as vaccination and health care specifics.
41.21. If the kitten is purchased for breeding purposes, the WOC pedigree and the documents are to be given to the burer and the breeder no later than within a month after the full payment is received.
41.22. Upon receiving a complaint and/or upon a certain Club breaking organisational rules, the Disciplinary Committee investigate the case and, possibly, revoke their licence.
41.23. Breeders are best advised to report any and all cases of cruel animal treatment.
41.24. Members breaking the rules above risk receiving a disciplinary action by the World Cat Organisation.