Viking Cats: Code of Ethics

Revised May 17, 2008.

All members of Viking Cats are required to abide by this Code. Failure will result in disciplinary action from the Board in accordance with By-Laws §3.3.

1. The health and welfare of each individual cat or kitten shall be the primary concern for all members. Members must keep accurate records of all pedigrees, matings and the health of each cat and kitten.

2. Members shall breed discriminately, from breeding stock free from disease or hereditary deformity, and only if they can find appropriate homes for the kittens. Members shall place kittens  in homes that they believe will provide a life-long commitment of love, appreciation and responsible care.

3. Members shall sell all kittens under the following conditions:

·The member will guarantee that the kitten/cat is in good health at the time of sale.

·The member will urge the purchaser to have the kitten/cat examined by the purchaser’s own veterinarian within a few days of purchase to confirm its good health.

·The member will explain to the purchaser the dangers of an outdoor environment.

·The member will provide a written sales agreement that describes all the terms of the sale, and will abide by his own sales agreement.

·The member will register the kitten in at least one major association, and provide the registration papers in accordance with the rules of the association.

·The member will encourage the purchaser to contact him if the purchaser has any questions and will respond in a timely manner.

·The member will not release a kitten until it has been inoculated at least twice against the following: Panleukopenia, Feline Rhinotracheitis, and Calicivirus.  The member may choose to give additional vaccinations.

·The member will not release a kitten before it is twelve weeks old.

·The member will require that any pet/companion kitten be spayed or neutered no later than 12 months of age and not be allowed to produce any offspring. Alternatively, the member will have the kitten spayed or neutered before sale.

4. Cats and kittens must have their vaccinations updated regularly. Sick cats and kittens shall not be denied veterinary attention. Measures shall be taken for the prevention or spread of viral, bacterial and fungal diseases, including the use of vaccinations where applicable. All cats must be regularly examined, and treated if necessary, for endo- and ectoparasites.

5. Living accommodation, bedding, dishes, litter trays etc, shall be kept clean at all times. Cats shall have access to have water bowls with fresh water, comfortable bedding, play and activity items and climbing poles or similar. High quality, nutritionally sound food shall be  utilized. Every cat or kitten shall be given daily individual, loving attention; this should include handling which allows for a check of the general health. 

6. Cats shall have adequate space for exercise and should enjoy domestic living. Caging (in cages similar to show cages) is not allowed. Spaces provided shall be appropriate for the cat’s activity level, health and length of confinement. Enclosures shall be structurally sound, in good repair and free of hazards. Adequate intake of fresh air shall be available. Temperature shall be suitable and there shall be capability for temperature control, i.e. air conditioning and/or heating. Natural and artificial lighting shall be provided.

7. Measures shall be taken to prevent accidental matings. Near-term pregnant/nursing queens and kittens shall have the possibility of a separate area. Females should not have more than three litters in 24 months.

8. All agreements or limitations with purchasers or leasers of kittens or stud service shall be in writing.

9. Members may not sell or hand over cats to pet shops or similar organisations, nor for any experimental research or testing. Members are not allowed to trade cats, stud services or the like by auction.

10. Members are expected to behave in a manner that reflects credit upon themselves, Viking Cats, and TICA.  Whether as exhibitors or spectators, they shall agree to abide by the rules that govern each show.  Success in the show hall is secondary to the health and well being of the cats and to cordial relationships with others among the cat fancy and TICA.