1. PURPOSE

In breeding of York Chocolate cats, emphasis shall be placed on good health, stable temperament, intelligence, good-natured and confirmation consistent with IYCF Breed Standards. I agree to breed with discrimination and with the best interest of IYCF and the York Chocolate breed in mind.

2. RECORDS

I agree to keep accurate records of all matings and pedigrees and to register breeding stock and litters with at least one recognized cat association preferably the International Progressive Cat Breeders Alliance (IPCBA).

3. BREEDING

I shall use for breeding only healthy cats, free from disease or hereditary deformity, keeping the York Chocolate Standard in mind. If I discover subsequent hereditary defects, I shall advise previous buyers.

Recommendations:

a. Females should not be bred until at least one year old, unless there have been two heat cycles or medical indications.
b. Females shall not be bred unless they are in optimum breeding condition.
c. When breeding for York Chocolates, Stud service should only be offered to owners of pedigreed York Chocolate Cats, also pedigreed York Chocolate queens may be offered to owners of pedigreed York Chocolate studs, preferably who are IYCF members.
d. Agreement should be reached before breeding on options to be taken should the female have further complications with resorbing kittens or failure to conceive.
e. Any breeder should refrain from further breeding if having difficulty placing kittens.

f. Out-crossing can be performed but only if the IYCF genetic commission allows it.

4. HEALTH

I agree to maintain a good standard of health and care including adequate room for exercise, clean quarters, adequate food and water, regular worming, parasite controls, and adequate immunizations when needed. I will not keep my cats in cages or in narrow boxes. I shall inform IYCF executive committee if I’ll have notice of IYCF members keeping cats in cages or in narrow boxes.

5. SALES

I shall refuse to sell to, buy from, or to recommend breeders who sell to cat wholesalers or retailers, to donate a York Chocolate for raffle purposes, or to buy or sell in litter lots. Before selling a kitten as a breeder, I shall ascertain that the buyer is fully aware of all the ramifications of breeding, such as expenses, time involved in care, necessary facilities, and good placement of kittens, and responsibilities to buyers and other breeders.

I shall encourage the breeder buyer to join IYCF. I shall ascertain that all buyers know how to care for a cat or kitten properly, and make myself available to give advice. I will give buyers an honest appraisal of a kitten's potential as a pet, breeder, or show cat. All breeder and show kittens should be sold with a written guarantee stating the seller's responsibility should the kitten prove to be sterile or develop a genetic defect that prevents breeding or showing. The course of action to be taken is a matter for each breeder to specify in his guarantee.

I shall provide a receipt for all deposits received which states what happens if the buyer changes his mind. A pedigree may be provided with pet kittens but registration forms will be withheld until the breeder receives a veterinarian's certification of altering. If a breeder does not want to provide registration or pedigree papers for a pet kitten, the buyer must be informed of that fact before purchase. All breeder and show kittens will have pedigrees and registration forms provided with them. Before a kitten is sold, it must receive immunizations appropriate to age. Kittens should be free of all external and internal parasites (worms, fleas, ear mites, fungus, etc.) Breeders should supply written instructions on care, feeding, and accommodations with each kitten sold.

6. ADVERTISING

Advertising, oral or written, shall be factual. I shall represent IYCF members, with the utmost respect and highest regard. I will price my kittens and cats reasonably, but high enough to reflect the high quality and years of hard work behind their breeding and not to undermine other IYCF breeders.

7. SPORTSMANSHIP

I shall conduct myself always in a manner that reflects credit upon IYCF, the York Chocolate breed and me, especially when attending shows as an exhibitor or spectator. I shall abide by the various registries and clubs rules and customs. I shall be a good loser and a gracious winner, remembering that having happy, healthy York Chocolates is much more important than winning trophies and titles.

8. AGREEMENTS

IYCF strongly recommends that all transactions be in writing. This includes stud service agreements, breeding rights, breeder’s or seller’s guarantees on kittens, cats, deposits for kittens, etc. IYCF also recommends that receipts be issued for all payments and deposits. If problems arise later, it is difficult to determine a fair course of action when agreements were verbal and cash changed hands without receipts.

9. SHIPMENT

Shipping can be a frightening experience for any animal; consequently IYCF recommends that, if possible, the kitten be picked up by its new owner. If this is not possible, the only method of shipping that we recommend is air freight arranged directly with the airline, preferably counter-to-counter. This will specify exact routing and arrival time. Kittens should be in optimum condition and should not be shipped younger than ten weeks of age unless in special circumstances and purchaser is fully aware of the possible complications.

10. ENFORCEMENT AND AMENDMENT

Upon sufficient proof of violations of the IYCF Code of Ethics, the IYCF Executive Board will take proper action which may result in the removal of membership. This Code of Ethics may be amended by the Executive Board with prior notification.

This code of ethics must be signed by the applicant, before they can join IYCF.