My contract includes a 3-year health guarantee, a lifetime return policy, a spay/neuter clause, and specific terms for what happens if your kitten develops a genetic condition. I include every clause for a reason — and I'm going to walk you through all of them, because understanding what should be in a breeder's contract is the best way to spot breeders who aren't willing to stand behind their kittens.
Why Contracts Matter
A breeder who puts everything in writing is a breeder who stands behind their program. The contract says: "I'm confident in my health testing, my breeding decisions, and the quality of this kitten — and I'll back that confidence legally." Breeders who avoid contracts are either hiding something or running an operation they're not willing to be held accountable for.
Essential Contract Clauses
What Every Contract Should Include
- Health guarantee — specific duration (1–5 years), what conditions are covered, and the remedy (replacement, refund, or vet reimbursement)
- Spay/neuter requirement — pet-quality kittens should have a mandatory spay/neuter clause with a timeline
- Return policy — what happens if you can no longer keep the cat at any point in its life
- TICA registration — confirmation that papers will be provided and transferred
- Vaccination and health records — what's provided at go-home
- Deposit terms — amount, refundability, and what happens if the kitten becomes unavailable
- Breeding restrictions — clear prohibition against breeding pet-quality kittens
- Indoor-only clause — most reputable breeders require indoor-only living
Understanding the Health Guarantee
| Guarantee Length | What It Covers | Industry Context |
|---|---|---|
| No guarantee | Nothing — you're on your own | 🚨 Major red flag |
| 1 year | Congenital defects visible at birth | Minimum acceptable |
| 2 years | Most genetic conditions including early HCM | Above average |
| 3 years (Chatlerie) | HCM, genetic conditions through full maturity | Industry-leading |
| Lifetime | Varies widely — read fine print carefully | Often has extensive exclusions |
What to Watch For
🔍 Things Worth Asking About
- No written contract — a good breeder puts everything in writing for everyone's peace of mind
- Very brief contracts with vague language — look for specifics
- "All sales final" with no health guarantee — you deserve protection
- No return policy — a caring breeder always wants to be a safety net for their kittens
Your Obligations as a Buyer
Contracts are two-way. Most reputable breeder contracts include buyer obligations that protect the kitten:
- Spay/neuter by a specified age (typically 6–12 months)
- Indoor-only living environment
- Annual veterinary checkups
- No declawing (increasingly standard in contracts)
- Notify the breeder if you can no longer keep the cat
- Provide a first-vet-visit record within 72 hours of go-home
Chatlerie's Contract
3-year health guarantee, lifetime return policy, TICA registration included, all health records provided, spay/neuter completed before go-home. Our contract protects the kitten first — and gives you complete peace of mind. Start your application →