INFORMATION

PAYMENT POLICY

At our cattery we strive for transparency and clarity in our payment policy. Below you will find our guidelines regarding the prices of the kittens and any additional costs for transporting the kitten internationally to your home abroad.

Pricing:
All prices quoted on our website are binding unless stated otherwise. We strive to indicate the prices of our kittens as clearly as possible. Any price changes will be clearly communicated and indicated, but all of our prices are currently fixed and non-negotiable. Our prices can always vary depending on the age of the kitten, the color, also the pedigree of the kitten and the parents.

International delivery:
If you live abroad and wish us to bring your kitten to you with our own transport, additional costs will be charged. These additional costs start from €500 on top of the stated price of the kitten. The specific amount will be clearly communicated to you before the (down)payment is completed. It is important to note that these costs cover the costs for international transport, hotel and the rabies vaccine + passport production of the kitten.

Terms of payment:
* Payment term: The payment of the kitten must be made immediately after purchasing the kitten, unless otherwise agreed in writing or if you have already made a down payment, then we expect the rest of the amount to be paid when you come to pick up the kitten.
* Payment methods: We accept the following payment methods: cash and bank transfers (Tikkie).
Refunds:
* Refunds for any reason will be assessed based on the specific circumstances. Please contact us to discuss such a request.

We ask our customers to read our payment policy carefully and discuss any questions or concerns with us before deciding to reserve or purchase a kitten from us. You agree to the payment terms described above once you have made a deposit or purchased a kitten from us.

If you have any questions about our payment policy, please feel free to contact us.

How old should a kitten be before it can move?

It is illegal to sell kittens younger than 7 weeks old. Many people believe that a kitten is independent enough when it can eat hard food and find the litter box on its own. However, a kitten younger than 12-14 weeks is not yet able to stand on its own. Not only is it lacking essential maternal care, but it is also not fully vaccinated. This can make the kitten susceptible to diseases such as cat flu or feline panleukopenia. It can also have serious consequences for its behavior in later life. Playing with siblings is important for the social development of kittens. They learn where their boundaries are and that biting or scratching too hard can be painful. Mother cat also plays an important role in this development, correcting a kitten when it misbehaves. Missing this phase can lead to behavioral problems later in life, as adult cats may not know when they've crossed the line, making it difficult to interact properly with humans and other cats. That's why we only let kittens move when they reach 12 weeks of age.

What kind of supplies do you need to have in the house for a cat?

Besides something to transport the cat in, you will also need various other items. You will need the following supplies:

- Litter box + littersand

- Food bowl and water bowl (preferably ceramic)

- Something to scratch, such as a scratching post

- Grooming products like nail clippers, comb, and brush

- Various toys

- Comfortable bed

How can I best introduce the kitten to its new home?

When you go to pick up the kitten or if it's being delivered, make sure you have enough time to give the kitten all the attention. The best time to move a kitten is, for example, on a weekend or during a holiday. Avoid traveling in very hot weather, as the kitten must be transported in a carrier and it can be very stuffy. It's best not to let the kitten eat before the trip, as there's a high chance the kitten will get sick and start vomiting.

When you arrive home, close all windows and doors and make sure everything is in place. Then take the kitten out of the carrier and introduce it to the litter box first. It's best to place the kitten on the litter box and let it explore the house from there. For the first few hours, the kitten will investigate every nook and cranny and sniff every scent with great interest, or sometimes suspicion. So spend a lot of time on this introduction, have some toys ready, but let the kitten sleep if it wants to. A kitten should stay in one room until it has gained enough self-confidence. Give the animal a lot of attention, but make sure there aren't too many people around or that it's too noisy. Especially make sure that children handle the new resident calmly and carefully, and show them how to pick up and treat the kitten after a while. Small children who are too young to understand how to handle a cat are better left out until the cat is fully adjusted.

Once the excitement of the first introduction and exploration is over, put the kitten near its sleeping spot. It will probably still want to play a little more, but it is reassuring for the kitten to have seen where it can sleep. When the kitten starts grooming itself, that is a sign that it feels comfortable. This might be a good time to offer the kitten some food. Obviously we will give you information about the kitten's eating habits. Especially with a kitten, it is important to stick to the menu list and schedule it as it is used to, as this reduces the chance of digestive problems. If you want to switch to a different brand of food, it's a good idea to give the same food on the first day. The next day you can mix the new food with the one the kitten is used to. After eating, it's a good idea to put the kitten back in the litter box. A kitten will almost always have learned from its mother how to use the litter box, but sometimes a little encouragement is needed especially in a new environment. Other aspects of training should also be addressed as soon as possible. For example, now is the best time to teach the kitten, with a friendly yet firm admonition, that it is not allowed to climb the curtains. Other places where it is not allowed to go should now be taught. You will then have to consistently remove the kitten from these places. This can sometimes take a long time, but you have to persevere.

How should I approach introducing my kitten to other pets?

If you have other pets, such as a dog or another cat, extra caution is needed during the introduction. An unexpected encounter can lead to lasting animosity. It is best to put the existing pet(s) in another room while the kitten can look around and get used to the other's scent. After an hour, pick up the kitten calmly and release your other pet(s) so it can investigate the newcomer's scent. Stay seperated with the kitten for a while. The first introduction can take place around mealtime, when each animal should have its own bowl in a fixed location. If everything goes well, they will first pay attention to their food before looking up and discovering their new neighbor. However, it is good to stay there, because a fight is not impossible, although the displayed aggression will usually be limited to some hissing. Have a blanket ready to throw over the animals if they do start fighting. The introduction of a kitten into the territory of a spayed female cat usually goes very smoothly, but when two adult, unneutered males are introduced to each other, a bloody confrontation is almost inevitable. This combination is therefore not very wise. Be especially careful when introducing a kitten to an adult dog that has been with you for a while. An adult dog can kill a kitten in one bite. If there are difficulties during the introduction, the newcomer can be kept in a playpen of chicken wire or a crate at the beginning, so that the existing pets can safely observe the kitten.

How often should I deworm my cat?

Almost all kittens are infected with roundworms that they have ingested through their mother's milk. Because this hinders growth and causes weight loss, kittens need to be dewormed regularly at a young age. We deworm our kittens at 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks. After that, the kitten should be dewormed again at the age of 4 and 6 months, after which it can be switched to 2-4 times a year. Deworming is especially important if there are small children in the house or if someone in the house is pregnant, as cat (and dog) roundworms are contagious to humans. In case of pregnancy, this person should preferably let someone else change the litter box (also to prevent infection with Toxoplasmosis). For more information, consult your doctor or veterinarian. Effective deworming medications can be obtained from a veterinarian.

Our Health Policy

All our adult female cats are tested for HCM, PKD, FIV, and FeLV and are only bred with tested male cats. Therefore, all our kittens always have parents with negative test results. The kittens born at our cattery stay with their mother until after their final vaccination (12 weeks). They also receive a pedigree and vaccination booklet, and they are fully dewormed and vaccinated. Our kittens are born in our living room and grow up there alongside our other cats and children.

PKD

PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) is a hereditary condition found in cats. With PKD, multiple fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys. Over time, these cysts can increase in size and compress the healthy kidney tissue, leading to a gradual decline in kidney function.

The symptoms of PKD can vary depending on the severity and progression of the disease. Some possible symptoms include:

Enlarged abdomen: Cats with PKD may have an enlarged abdomen due to the enlarged kidneys caused by the cysts.

Changes in urinary habits: This can manifest as more frequent urination, urination problems, or blood in the urine.

Decreased appetite and weight loss: Cats may lose their appetite and experience weight loss.

Lethargy and listlessness: Cats may feel weaker and less energetic.

Poor coat condition: The coat may appear dull and poorly groomed.

High blood pressure (hypertension): PKD can lead to increased blood pressure, which in turn can cause other symptoms such as eye problems or neurological symptoms.

It is important to note that some cats with PKD may not show visible symptoms until the disease has progressed. Regular veterinary check-ups and ultrasounds can help detect PKD early and manage the cat's health.

HCM

HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) in cats is a heart disease characterized by thickened walls of the left ventricle and intervening chambers. This leads to reduced filling, blood clots, and fluid accumulation in the lungs. It can eventually lead to heart failure.

Various symptoms may occur in cats with HCM, including:

Difficulty breathing: Cats may breathe faster, pant, or experience shortness of breath.
Reduced endurance: Cats may quickly become tired after exertion.
Lethargy: Cats may show less interest in playing and activities.
Coughing: Cats may cough or gag due to fluid accumulation in the lungs.
Heart murmur: An irregular or abnormal heartbeat may be detected during a veterinary visit.
Fainting: In some cases, a cat may faint or collapse due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
Blood clots: HCM increases the risk of blood clots, which can cause symptoms such as cold hind legs, paralysis, or sudden pain.

It is important to note that not all cats with HCM show symptoms, and some cats may be asymptomatic. Regular veterinary check-ups and echocardiograms are essential for identifying HCM, even in the absence of visible symptoms. Early detection is crucial for treatment and the cat's overall health.

FIV/FeLV

FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) and FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) are both viral infections that can affect cats.

FIV, also known as feline AIDS, is a virus that affects the cat's immune system. It is similar to the HIV virus in humans that causes AIDS. FIV can only infect cats and not humans. Symptoms of FIV may include:

Reduced immunity: Cats with FIV have a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to infections and diseases.
Recurring infections: FIV-positive cats may frequently experience infections such as gingivitis, skin infections, or respiratory infections.
Weight loss: Decreased appetite and unintended weight loss are common symptoms.
Fever and lethargy: FIV-positive cats may have periodic fevers and feel lethargic.
Dental problems: Gum problems, tooth decay, and tooth loss can occur in cats with FIV.

FeLV, also known as feline leukemia, is a virus that affects white blood cells. It can cause leukemia (cancer of white blood cells), but this is not the most common outcome of the infection. Symptoms of FeLV may include:

Reduced immunity: FeLV compromises the immune system, making cats more susceptible to diseases and infections.
Anemia: Cats with FeLV may develop anemia, which can manifest as pale mucous membranes and weakness.
Weight loss and decreased appetite: Cats may lose their appetite, resulting in weight loss.
Abnormal lymph nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes may be observed in cats with FeLV.
Skin problems: Cats may experience skin infections, itching, and coat issues.

It is important to note that not all cats infected with FIV or FeLV immediately show symptoms. Regular veterinary check-ups and blood tests are crucial for early detection of these viral infections and managing the cat's health.