EMPIRE MAINE COONS POLICIES

Empire Maine Coons Policies


Health Guarantee

The Seller is not a veterinarian or veterinary health expert. The Seller is not responsible for the professional opinions of the Seller’s veterinarian as Seller is not a veterinarian. The kitten/cat has been examined by a veterinarian and vaccinated prior to date of purchase. The vaccines Seller health guarantees the kitten/cat against PKDef gene on optimal selection, HCM gene on optimal selection, and certain other diseases that are routinely screened on the genetic panel by optimal selection for up to one year from date the kitten’s/cat’s date of birth.

If the kitten/cat develops and dies of an illness which can be proven to be one of these above-described conditions genetic in nature by the kitten/cat’s first birthday, upon receipt of proof of genetic defect in the form of a complete autopsy report performed by a veterinarian which has been approved by Seller’s personal veterinarian, Seller will replace the kitten/cat at Seller’s expense within 1-2 years of the kitten/cat passing.

Seller maintains sole discretion to offer a discount of $650 on a replacement kitten, subject to the same receipt of proof as stated above, should the kitten/cat die of a serious congenital condition, certain intestinal complications, genetic disease, or FIP. Death of the kitten/cat for any reason other than the above-described conditions upon receipt of satisfactory proof will not be grounds for replacement of the kitten/cat. Seller does not guarantee against tomatitis, entropion, or any other infections stemming from or relating to entropion.

Assumption of Health Responsibility

Seller does not guarantee any treatable conditions such as ringworm, giardia, or Coccidia. Seller further provides no guarantees against fungal infections or upper respiratory infections. From the date of purchase forward, Buyer accepts responsibility for all medical, household, personal, health, and other related expenses which may be incurred arising from or relating to any fungal, upper respiratory infections, ringworm, giardia, Coccidia, or other diseases which are not explicitly prescribed in the Health Guarantee of this Sales Agreement.

Although Seller screens for diseases known to affect Maine Coons, Seller does not guarantee the kitten/cat will not develop a disease. Buyer assumes all responsibility for any and all financial obligations arising from and/or relating to the health and wellness, including treatment therefore, and veterinary care of the kitten/cat, from date of purchase forward. Seller recommends obtaining pet insurance for the kitten/cat through a carrier such as “Lemonade” or Trupanion” to help cover unexpected costs and emergency situations that are a natural risk of pet ownership.

Healthcare

Following the date of purchase, the Buyer shall be responsible for all safety and medical expenses, including ensuring the kitten/cat receives medical treatment when necessary. The Buyer shall be responsible for any veterinary expenses and health related expenses incurred for the kitten/cat from the date of purchase forward. Buyer further agrees to the following:

a. Buyer shall ensure the kitten/cat continues to receive necessary vaccinations.

i. The second and third set of kitten vaccines are the responsibility of the Buyer, which Buyer understands and agrees to assume responsibility for having administered by a veterinarian pursuant to the veterinarian standard schedule for initial kitten vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart per veterinarian requirements. Failure to comply with the proper schedule for the booster vaccinations may render the FVRCP vaccine ineffective, and vaccinations may need to be restarted pursuant to

Buyer’s veterinarian recommendations.

a. Buyer will care for and provide for the veterinary care of the kitten/cat.

b. Buyer, at Buyer’s expense, shall bring the kitten/cat to a licensed veterinarian within TEN (10) DAYS from the stated purchase date for a health check. Failure to do so renders this contract null and void due to breach of contract. Proof of compliance with this provision must be provided to Seller within 72 hours of the appointment by email or text message. At said veterinarian appointment, the Buyer further agrees to do the following:

i. Request a health check to ensure the kitten/cat is free of illness and/or any life-threatening congenital defects.

ii. Provide a fecal sample to be specifically tested for Giardia and Coccidia. Buyer must specifically ask for Coccidia, as many veterinarians may not test for Coccidia by default.

Failure to comply with subsection b(ii) voids the Health Guarantee of the Sales Agreement. Seller has not made any further representations concerning the health or condition of the kitten/cat other than those representations which have been reduced to writing.

Characteristics

Seller makes no guarantee regarding the temperament, future color, size, appearance, traits, behavior, or personality of the kitten/cat.

Change in Ownership

Buyer agrees to quarantine the kitten in a separate room/space until the kitten has been seen by a veterinarian as prescribed under the Healthcare provision.

The Buyer agrees the kitten/cat shall not be sold, leased, transferred, or otherwise given to any pet shop, research laboratory, animal shelter or similar facility, or any other party. The kitten/cat shall not be sold, traded, given away, rehomed, or in any way change custody or ownership without prior written approval of Seller, who shall have the first option to take the kitten/cat back or re-home the kitten at the Buyer’s expense. Buyer’s expenses may include shipping costs, boarding costs and veterinarian costs (including medical treatment/testing) incurred in clearing said kitten/cat for return to cattery as well as costs to re-home said kitten/cat. The Buyer further agrees to inform Seller of any changes in Seller’s contact information including e-mail address, street address, or telephone number.

Altering Agreement

Buyer agrees this kitten/cat is a purebred Maine Coon purchased from Seller as a PET, said kitten/cat may NOT be used for breeding or show. Buyer agrees to spay or neuter this kitten/cat by the time the kitten is 10 months old or within 30 days of purchase if this is an adult cat. Buyer will provide Seller with proof of altering in the form of a dated receipt from a certified veterinarian that includes a description of the animal involved and the procedure performed. When Seller receives said receipt, Seller will provide the TICA registration slip to the Buyer for registration of the kitten/cat. Buyer agrees and guarantees that this cat/kitten will at no time prior to the altering be allowed to reproduce or to be used for breeding purposes with any other cat/kitten. It is the full obligation of Buyer to take all possible precautions to guard against this occurring.

Furthermore, if the kitten/cat is not altered within the time limits defined in this Sales Agreement, it will be assumed that the Buyer is planning to breed the kitten/cat, and the kitten/cat will be repossessed by the Seller with no reimbursement to the Buyer. If the kitten/cat is actually bred by the Buyer, any kittens from the breeding(s) will be repossessed and any proceeds from kittens sold will be turned over to Seller. If necessary, a lawsuit will be instituted to recover any proceeds from kittens sold or given away from any breeding involving this cat/kitten. The Buyer agrees to pay all court costs and reasonable attorney fees if this Sales Agreement is litigated

Violation/Enforcement of Sales Agreement

Violation of any part of this Sales Agreement will result in a flat fee of ($1,000.00) to be paid by the Buyer to the Seller and immediate surrender of the kitten/cat with no reimbursement to the Buyer. If a violation occurs, legal action will take place in Waukesha County, Wisconsin Courts. Wisconsin law will apply. The Buyer agrees to pay all court costs, reasonable attorney fees, and costs of collection if this Sales Agreement is litigated.

Hold Harmless

Buyer shall hold Seller harmless from any and all damages or injuries caused by the kitten/cat.

Refund Policy

Please note: that we do not issue refunds.

Health Screenings

All breeding cats in our cattery undergo comprehensive health screenings and genetic testing for hereditary conditions, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), hip dysplasia, and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). We also test for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). However, we cannot be held responsible if these conditions develop after adoption.

Veterinary Care

Our cats receive routine veterinary check-ups to ensure their ongoing health and mental well-being.

Health Disclaimer

Even with extensive testing and immaculate living conditions, health issues may still arise after adoption. The breeder is not liable for these issues, nor does it suggest that any information was withheld.

Vaccinations & Documentation

Each kitten receives deworming and its first two rounds of vaccinations, with corresponding documentation provided to the buyer. Rabies vaccination, microchipping, and any additional veterinary expenses are the sole responsibility of the buyer.

Breeding Practices

  • Selective Breeding: We carefully select breeding pairs based on health, temperament, blood type, and adherence to breed standards to maintain and improve the Maine Coon breed.

  • Limited Litters: Each Queen is limited to a maximum of two litters per year to ensure her well-being and recovery.

  • Health Priority: If a Queen experiences health issues or complications, she will be removed from our breeding program.

Living Conditions & Socialization

  • Our cattery provides a clean, safe, and enriching environment with ample space, toys, and natural light.

  • Kittens are raised in a family setting and socialized with people and other pets.

  • Kittens are handled daily to ensure they are well-adjusted and friendly.

  • No kitten is placed in a new home before 12 weeks of age.

Transparency & Documentation

  • We maintain open communication with buyers, providing detailed information on our breeding practices and health protocols.

  • Buyers receive pedigree information (upon proof of spay/neuter).

  • To prevent contamination risks, we do not allow visitors inside our cattery but offer videos and live broadcasts on our YouTube channel.

Placement & Adoption

  • We conduct thorough screening of potential buyers and reserve the right to refuse a sale if we determine the home is unsuitable.

Ethical Standards & Memberships

  • We adhere to ethical breeding practices, prioritizing health and well-being over profit.

  • We are proud members of TICA (The International Cat Association) and abide by their ethical guidelines.

  • We offer lifelong support to buyers for care, training, and health concerns.

Pricing & Payment Terms

  • Individual kitten pricing varies based on sex and color. Prices are listed on our Available Kittens Page.

  • We prefer cash transactions but accept PayPal (Friends and Family) and Venmo (buyers are responsible for service fees).

  • Checks are not accepted.

  • We except payment plans - as long as the Kitten is paid in full at the time of pick-up.

Representation of Cats

  • All non AI cat pictures depicted on our website are either currently owned or were previously raised by us.

  • All images are taken by us and are copyrighted. Our logo and live kitten broadcasts "Kitten-Caboodle Shows" on YouTube and Facebook are trademarked. Unauthorized use of our images is strictly prohibited.

Discount Offer

  • We encourage families to consider adopting a second Maine Coon for companionship. A $200 discount per kitten is applied when purchasing two or more kittens together.

  • Existing clients who adopt another kitten within a year of their original purchase will receive a $200 discount on the additional kitten.

Breeding Rights

  • We do not currently offer breeding rights or stud services. If we choose to do so in the future, breeders will be rigorously vetted.

Reviews, Non-Disclosure & Social Media

  • Empire Maine Coons LLC respects every individual’s right to free speech; however, the Buyer will acknowledge that public statements, reviews, or social media posts regarding the breeder, cattery, or any kitten purchased must be truthful and not defamatory.

    1. False, misleading, or defamatory statements that harm our reputation may result in legal action.

  • Buyers should address concerns privately with us rather than posting grievances publicly.

  1. If a review or post is found to be connected to another breeder to gain a competitive advantage (after an extensive background investigation), we will respond with: "Review/Post not valid: This poster was found to be in connection with another breeder" and legal action will be taken.

  2. We uphold high ethical and moral standards and do not engage in negative discourse or "cat-fights" about, or with, other breeders to discolor, gain a competitive advantage or otherwise. 

If you are interested in contacting us for additional information or need any clarification on the above statements, please feel free to reach out.


www.EmpireMaineCoons.com

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