The Association for Somali Cats
Standard of Conduct

It is important that breeders examine their motives before undertaking any breeding. While the zeal to produce beautiful Somalis is understandable, the breeder must maintain a responsibility to the living kittens produced; must understand the costs in time and money; take the greatest care in placement of kittens, and understand that showing cats is a necessary part of the breeding process.

Members shall breed their cats with only Somalis and Abyssinians, except in the case of those who wish to assist with experimental programs for the exhibiting, maintaining, and ownership of another breed of pedigreed cat. Somalis shall not be crossed with household pets, or wild cats of any kind.

When breeding, every attempt must be made to produce Somali cats conforming to the standard of the breed, not merely to produce pets for sale. Cats with serious faulty temperament or with congenital unsoundness should not be used for breeding.

Breeding should be undertaken only when the breeder is in a position to properly care for the queen and litter; and with the plan of keeping at least one kitten to, hopefully, advance and improve the breed. The breeder should recognize that it may be necessary to house kittens for a considerable length of time, and to be prepared to provide suitable facilities, care and attention indefinitely.

No fancier should attempt breeding until able to clearly define a rational goal that will likely improve the breed, and also result in healthy kittens with good personalities. Such ability demands careful study of the breed standard, the basic principles of genetics and the pedigrees of prospective stud and queen.

The stud cat should be bred selectively. The owner should discourage the individual who wants to breed the pet quality queen or one unsuitable for his stud, and explain why he does so. The stud cat owner should be certain the owner of the queen has the knowledge and facilities to care for the kittens as long as necessary.

Breeding cats should be retired, altered and placed while still in the prime of life. No cat, regardless of titles, should be kept whole and breeding into old age.

Regardless of titles, cats who produce offspring of consistently poor quality are of no value as breeders and should not be used again.

Advertising should be factual. It should not be worded to attract undesirable buyers, nor to encourage raising cats for profit.

All pet/premiership Somalis shall be spayed or neutered, either by the new owner via contractual agreement, or by the breeder before the animal is sold. Spay and neuter of pet/premier kittens prior to their sale is encouraged.

Members agree to screen buyers carefully, and only place cats/kittens where there is a reasonable expectation of a happy and healthy life. An offer should be made at the time of sale to help with the rehoming if at any time circumstances require the cat to be found a new home.

When a cat or kitten is sold, the breeder shall, at the time of sale, provide the purchaser with a properly completed pedigree signed by the breeder, carrying 3 generations at least, showing all the breed numbers and registration numbers, also the breeder's name and address.

If, at the time of sale, the cat or kitten is registered, the seller shall provide the purchaser with a transfer form, duly completed and signed by the seller, unless it is jointly agreed in writing by both parties, at the time of sale, not to do so.

For each sale, the breeder shall give a record of dates and types of immunizations given, and suggested dates and types of immunizations required Instructions (preferably written) on proper care, grooming, and feeding should be provided. No cat/kitten shall be sold without protection against distemper. Cats/kittens should have a veterinary examination before sale.

It is recommended that a Breeder/seller should include in a sales contract:

Buyer promises to:

• provide climate-controlled shelter for the cat/kitten which is available at all times.
• provide reasonable medical care for the cat/kitten.

It will not be sold, leased, or given to any pet shop, research laboratory or individual for the purposes of research.

Members will not sell cats or kittens to pet shops.

Members will not sell cats or kittens to known kitten mills.

Members will not place kittens younger than twelve weeks.

Members will not show/breed cats that are carrying contagious diseases.

Members will not practice "early weaning" (before 9 weeks) of kittens.

Members will not engage in "culling" (killing unwanted cats/kittens who have no health problems).

Members will only keep as many cats as they can care for adequately.

Cats and kittens must be provided with warm, comfortable and clean housing, with plenty of opportunity for exercise and play. Drinking water must be available at all times and cats must be fed regularly and adequately.

Each member shall keep accurate and complete records of all cats,mating, pedigrees and transfers. Litter registration applications must be correct. Breeders have an obligation to research their pedigrees for correct ancestry and spelling.

If a personal emergency arises where a breeder must dispose of cats quickly, other members of TASC should offer their assistance until suitable homes can be found - assuming that the distressed member has bred selectively and is therefore deserving of help.

Good sportsmanship is expected of members who compete in the show hall.

New enthusiasts of the Somali breed are to be welcomed, and assistance offered to them by members.

Cats who display aggression or fearfulness in the show hall should be left at home. It is understood that showing cats who display these characteristics find the show hall conditions stressful, it is a cruelty to subject them to it, and reflects poorly on the breed.

Members should not exhibit "fillers" in order to accumulate points for a campaigning cat.

This page was last updated on November 25, 2000.