Kitten Buying Checklist
A practical checklist to help you verify that a kitten is healthy, legally sold, and responsibly bred.
Before purchasing:
- Find out about the breeder’s background and membership in a breed association.
- Ask for your parents’ health certificates
- See how kittens are raised (in a home environment?)
- Check whether the kitten has a microchip and vaccinations
Upon transfer:
- The cat must have a registration certificate (breeder slip) and/or pedigree certificate and contract.
- You must bring your veterinary passport and vaccination records with you.
- The kitten must be at least 12 weeks old.
- The educator provides nutritional recommendations and food samples.
After purchase:
- Register your cat in your name with the pet registry (if the breeder hasn’t already done so)
Stay in touch with your educator – ask for advice if you need help
Transfer agreement and documents
The transfer agreement protects both the seller and the buyer. Find out what documents are required when transferring ownership of a kitten.
Why is the agreement important?
The contract sets forth the obligations of the seller and the buyer, ensures the animal’s welfare, and prevents future misunderstandings.
It is a legal document that protects both parties.
Main documents to be submitted upon transfer:
- Transfer agreement – includes cat details, price, transfer conditions, and health guarantee
- Breed certificate or breeder slip – an official document certifying the dog’s pedigree
- Veterinary Passport – Vaccinations and Microchip
- Microchip verification – the chip number must match the one in the passport and contract
The contract protects the animal and the owner
A good contract also includes a clause stating that the cat must be returned to the breeder if the buyer can no longer care for the animal.
This ensures that the cat does not end up in a shelter or a bad environment.
Summary: Informed choices start with documents
A pedigree certificate, health examinations for the kitten’s parents, a contract, and reputable breeders are the cornerstones of responsible cat ownership.
These are not “extra costs,” but a guarantee of the animal’s well-being, health, and happiness for years to come.