Kitten Contracts Decoded: What a Responsible Agreement Looks Like#

When you finally find a reputable breeder and get approved for a kitten, the next step is the contract.

This document can be intimidating. It is pages of legal text. You might be tempted to just sign it so you can get your kitten. Do not do this.

A breeder’s contract tells you exactly what kind of ethics they have. It protects the kitten, but it also protects you. If a contract is missing key clauses—or includes dangerous ones—it is a massive red flag.

I have reviewed dozens of contracts. Here is exactly what you need to look for, translated from “Legalese” into English.

1. The Health Guarantee (The most important clause)#

Every contract must have a health guarantee. But the length of that guarantee matters.

72-Hour General Health: The breeder guarantees the kitten is healthy upon pickup. You usually have 3 days to take the kitten to your own vet. If your vet finds fleas, a heart murmur, or illness, the breeder must take the kitten back or pay for treatment.
1-2 Year Genetic Health: This is specific to Maine Coons. The breeder should guarantee against genetic diseases like HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) and SMA.
- Red Flag: A guarantee that only lasts 6 months. HCM often doesn’t show up until 1-3 years of age. A 6-month guarantee is useless.

2. Spay/Neuter Agreement#

Almost all Maine Coons sold as “pets” will come with a spay/neuter clause.

Early Spay/Neuter: The breeder fixes the kitten before they send them home (usually at 12-13 weeks). This is the gold standard.
Contractual Obligation: You agree to fix the kitten by a certain age (usually 6-9 months) and send proof (vet certificate) to the breeder.
The “Breeding Rights” Trap: If a breeder offers to sell you “breeding rights” for an extra $1,000 without asking if you are a registered cattery, run away. Responsible breeders never sell breeding rights to pet owners.

3. The “No Declaw” Clause#

Responsible breeders love their cats. They will almost always have a strict clause forbidding declawing (onychectomy). If you declaw the cat, the contract is void, and they have the legal right to reclaim the animal.

Why? Declawing is an amputation that causes lifelong pain and behavioral issues. No ethical breeder supports it.

4. The “Indoor Only” Clause#

Maine Coons are valuable and lack street smarts. Most contracts stipulate that the cat must be kept indoors or in a secure catio. Letting them roam free usually voids the health guarantee.

5. The “Return to Breeder” Policy#

This clause protects the cat from ending up in a shelter. It states that if, for any reason, you cannot keep the cat (divorce, allergy, moving), you must return the cat to the breeder. You cannot sell the cat on Craigslist or give it to a shelter.

This is the mark of a breeder who cares about their kittens for life, not just until the check clears.

6. Withholding Papers#

A common practice is for the breeder to hold the registration papers (TICA/CFA slips) until you provide proof of spaying/neutering. This is standard and ensures you don’t breed the cat behind their back. Once you send the vet certificate, they mail you the registration.

Red Flags in Contracts#

“No Refunds Under Any Circumstances”: Even if the kitten dies of a genetic defect in a week? Illegal in many places and unethical everywhere.
Mandatory Food/Supplement: “You must feed ‘Brand X’ food or the health guarantee is void.” This is often a Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) scheme where the breeder gets a kickback.
Vague HCM Wording: Ensure the guarantee specifically mentions HCM, not just “congenital defects.”

Conclusion#

A contract is not just a receipt; it is a promise. It promises that the breeder stands behind the health of the animal they created. Read it twice. Ask questions. If a breeder gets defensive when you ask about the HCM clause, walk away.

Resources & Further Reading#

The International Cat Association (TICA). (n.d.). Breeder Code of Ethics.
Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). (n.d.). Cattery Standards.