Code of Ethics

The RagaMuffin Associated Group (RAG) was organized by a group of breeders who sought recognition of the breed by recognized cat associations. The purpose of the club is the protection, preservation and promotion of the RagaMuffin, while advancing the breed to Championship status in various registries. All activities of the club are for the furtherance of the breed, based on those criteria. In keeping with those goals, the breeders of RAG agree to adhere to the following minimum standards.

· I agree that since the RagaMuffin is a rare breed, furthering the interests of the RagaMuffin, (including the health and safety of breed stock and litters) shall always be my primary consideration. Any other gain shall be secondary. I will neither sell nor represent cats not registered with RAG, or another RAG approved registry, as RagaMuffins. I agree to breed discriminately and only upon strong evidence of the potential for finding suitable homes for the kittens.

· I agree to maintain a high standard of health and care including adequate room for exercise, regular grooming, clean quarters and adequate food and water.

· I agree to keep adequate records of all matings and pedigrees and to register breeding stock and litters with RAG and at least one recognized cat registry approved by RAG.

· I shall report all births, deaths and birth deformities to RAG. These records will be made available only for legitimate reasons and only with my permission. I shall euthanize any kitten with a deformity incompatible with a happy, comfortable life.

· I will have all breeding cats tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline Aids.

· I shall not breed a female until she is at least a year old unless she has been in season twice. I will not purposely breed any female more than three times in two years. Any female who has severe birthing problems will be altered.

· I shall offer stud service only to owners of queens approved by the RagaMuffin Associated Group Board. I will refuse to sell to, buy from, or recommend breeders who do not conform to this code, or a similar code, or cat wholesalers and retailers. I will not donate a RagaMuffin for raffle purposes, or buy or sell in litter lots.

· I shall discourage the declawing of any kitten or cat.

· Before selling a kitten as a breeder, I shall ascertain that the buyer is fully aware of the ramifications of breeding: expenses, necessary facilities, time involved in care, good placement of kittens and responsibilities to buyers and other breeders.

· I shall encourage the breeder/buyer to join RAG.

· I shall ascertain that all buyers know how to care for a cat or kitten, 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/show kittens shall be sold with a written guarantee stating the seller’s responsibility should the kitten prove to be sterile or develop a genetic defect which prevents breeding or showing. (Example: monorchidism) The course of action to be taken by each breeder in such a matter should be specified in the guarantee. (Example: refund, replacement, disposition of cat, etc.)

· I will supply a receipt for all deposits received which states what happens if a buyer changes his mind. (Example: money forfeited, immediate refund, returned when kitten is sold, etc.)

· A limited pedigree will be provided with pet kittens, but registration forms will be withheld until the breeder receives a veterinarian’s certificate of altering. All breeder/show kittens will have pedigrees and registration forms provided with them.

· I will not sell kittens until they are 12 weeks old.

· Before a kitten is sold it must receive immunizations for feline enteritis, rhinotraceitis, calicivirus and/or those deemed appropriate by the attending veterinarian, for its age.

· Kittens shall be free of all external and internal parasites (worms, fleas, ear mites, fungus, etc.)

· Alter owners will be encouraged to join RAG to foster compilation of information as well as networking.

· Advertising, written or oral, shall be factual and not worded so as to encourage breeding as an easy way to make money.

· I agree to guard the reputation of all RAG breeders with as much zeal as my own.

· I will promptly report any known violation of the Code of Ethics to a RAG Board Member. Upon sufficient evidence, disciplinary action may be taken by the Board of Directors as determined by the RAG Bylaws.

· RAG very strongly recommends that all transactions and agreements be in writing. This includes stud service agreements, buyer’s requirements, breeder’s guarantee for kittens, leasing of cats, deposits for kittens, etc. RAG also recommends that all monies be paid by check. Receipts should be issued for all payments.

Signed: __________________________________ Date:__________