Code of Ethics
The following are rules we follow as a cattery. We uphold high ethical standards to better the British Shorthair breed and produce the best kittens.
Health
These are health guidelines we have set as a cattery to ensure we are upholding high health standards in our breeding cats and kittens.
Genetically Tested
All breeding cats complete a Wisdom Panel test for 40+ genetic diseases, 20+ traits, diversity measures, and blood type. We will not breed carriers of the same condition (as to avoid affected kittens).
FeLV/FIV Tested
All adult cats are FeLV/FIV tested by a veterinarian before breeding. As an additional precaution, they are not allowed outside and not exposed to FeLV/FIV.
Heart Tested
All breeding cats are tested for HCM via a veterinary cardiologist administered echocardiogram, or alternatively a ProBNP test. A ProBNP test is only used in cases where an echocardiogram clinic is unavailable on the necessary timeline. This timeline is established because female cats can only wait a few heats without breeding (or being spayed) before their risk of developing pyometria (an often deadly uterine infection) starts increasing. When available, echocardiograms are completed at 1, 2, 3, 5, and 8 years of age on breeding cats under our care.
Vet Checked
All adult cats are checked by a veterinarian yearly. Kittens have two vet visits before they go to their new homes.
Vaccinated
All adult cats are up to date on vaccines, based on veterinary recommendations. Kittens are vaccinated against rabies and given the FVRCP combination vaccine at least twice.
Guaranteed
Bonbelle kittens sport a 3 year health guarantee, which you can read more about here.
Open Communication
If any of our breeding cats are found to have a genetic illness that risks their kittens' health, owners are immediately notified and the breeding cat is spayed/neutered. Additionally, if we are made aware of any kitten from Bonbelle being diagnosed with a genetic condition, we will contact all owners of close relatives to that kitten to make them aware. Known disabilities/conditions (deafness, blindness, limb differences, etc.) in kittens looking for homes will be disclosed.
Husbandry
These are day to day housing guidelines we follow to ensure our cats and kittens live a fun and fulfilling life here. Our cats are always beloved pets first.
High Quality Food
Our cats are on Nulo and supplemented with high quality canned and raw food. We typically use Weruva or Nature's Balance wet food and Stella & Chewy's raw food. For our picky eaters, we use Royal Canin Persian cat food. Our cats regularly get freeze-dried raw and Churu treats.
Housed Indoors
All of our cats and kittens are indoors. They are not in an outbuilding, catio, or garage. They are housed with us in our living space. We have a cat room and walk in closet dedicated to the cats. In addition to that space, they are shifted out allowed to roam the entire house or floor, as they prefer.
Toys and Playtime
Our cats receive stimulation with toys, active playtime with us, and playtime with each other. They have a large assortment of toys and scratching posts, based on their preferences. We have fresh catnip that we dry ourselves or offer right off the plant.
Grooming
Nails are kept short and coats are regularly brushed! We take pride in our cats being well-kept.
Temperament
We do not breed cats with poor temperaments. We have cats with a range of temperaments, but aggressive, excessively reserved, or hyperactive cats will not be bred.
Socialization
Our cats and kittens are well socialized with dogs, strangers, noises (like vacuums), grooming, and more. We expose our kittens to as much as possible so they can settle right in with their new families and continue to be adaptable throughout life.
Temperament Coded
Kittens are temperament coded based on their behavior growing up and their responses to various stimuli. Temperament codes help prospective kitten owners decide what kitten works best for their family, based on more than looks alone. More information about this is on our Adoption page.
Breeding Cat Temperaments
We strive to have the sweetest kittens, and that starts with selecting the friendliest breeding cats, before the kittens are even born. Our cats have a range of temperaments from outgoing and everyone's best friend, to reserved and sweet. Regardless of where they fall on that range, our breeding cats do not scratch, bite, or otherwise act aggressively.
Structure & Registration
We always breed with the British Shorthair breed standard in mind. You can see the standard for yourself here on TICA's website. We are a TICA cattery.
Showing
We engage in cat shows and some of our cats have titles. Showing is an important part of socializing our cats, educating the public, and proving their conformation to the standard.
Pedigreed
All of our breeding cats have at least a 4 generation pedigree which outlines their ancestors names, dates of birth, colors, titles, and registration numbers. Kittens go home with a 4+ generation pedigree.
Registered
Our cattery is registered with TICA, and so are all of our cats. Some of our cats are dual registered through WCF or FIFE. Our kittens go home with limited TICA registration. In addition to our own ethics, we follow TICA's Code of Ethics.