Spay/Neuter Requirements:

1. The kitten must be spayed or neutered by 7 months of age.
2. The procedure must be performed by a licensed veterinarian.
3. Early Spay/Neuter Option (In Our Care):
   1. If cost is a concern in your area, AlphaBritz Cattery offers the option of having the spay or neuter procedure performed in our care as early as 12 weeks of age.
   2. The early spay/neuter fee is $150, which will be added to your adoption price.
   3. Important: While we strive to ensure the procedure is safe, early spaying or neutering may carry some risks.
   4. By choosing this option, the Adopter acknowledges and accepts the potential risks associated with the procedure.
4. Proof of Spay/Neuter (If Done Outside AlphaBritz Cattery):
   1. If the kitten is not spayed or neutered prior to leaving AlphaBritz Cattery, the Adopter agrees to have the procedure performed by a licensed veterinarian by 7 months of age and to provide written proof of the procedure within 7 days after it is done.
   2. Proof must include:
   3. A copy of the veterinarian’s invoice showing the date of the surgery
   4. The veterinarian’s name and contact information
   5. Confirmation that the procedure was performed (spay or neuter)
5. Please submit proof to:
   1. [alphabritzbritishshorthairs@gmail.com]
6. Consequences for Non-Compliance:
   1. Failure to have the kitten spayed or neutered by 7 months of age is a breach of this agreement. AlphaBritz Cattery reserves the right to:
   2. Recover the Kitten: If you do not comply, we may seek the return of the kitten.
   3. Legal Action: We may take legal action to enforce this agreement, including recovery of costs.
7. Why Spay/Neuter?
   1. Spaying or neutering is essential for the health and well-being of your kitten. It helps:
   2. Prevent health issues such as reproductive organ cancer and infections
   3. Avoid unwanted litters and support responsible pet ownership
   4. Reduce unwanted behaviors and improve overall temperament
8. Important Information for Male and Female Kittens:
   1. Important for Female Cats: If a female kitten is not spayed and continues to go into heat (estrus) multiple times without being bred, she is at an increased risk of developing pyometra, a serious and potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus. This condition requires immediate veterinary attention and often involves emergency surgery. To prevent this, it is highly recommended to spay female kittens before they experience multiple heat cycles.
   2. Important for Male Cats: Male kittens who are not neutered may exhibit undesirable behaviors as they mature, including increased aggression, territorial marking, and attempts to escape to find mates. The presence of testosterone can contribute to these behaviors, which can become more pronounced over time. Neutering male kittens helps prevent these issues and ensures a calmer, more well-adjusted adult cat.
9. Legal Compliance:
   1. This Agreement complies with applicable animal welfare laws and regulations, including the State of Arkansas laws, which aim to prevent pet overpopulation and ensure the health and well-being of animals. The Adopter agrees to the following:
10. Spay/Neuter Requirements: In accordance with Arkansas state laws related to responsible pet ownership and sterilization, this Agreement enforces the sterilization of the kitten at or before 6 months of age. If the kitten is not spayed or neutered as stipulated in this agreement, the Adopter acknowledges that failure to comply may result in legal action and penalties, including but not limited to the return of the kitten to Alphabritz Cattery.
11. Arkansas Animal Welfare Laws: As a breeder based in Arkansas, Alphabritz Cattery is subject to the state’s animal welfare laws, which include the right to take legal action to ensure compliance with sterilization agreements. The Adopter understands that if they fail to meet the spay/neuter requirements, they may be held accountable under Arkansas law.
12. Compliance with Local Laws: The Adopter agrees to comply with all applicable state, county, and city laws regarding the sterilization of pets, including those in their area of residence, regardless of location. If local ordinances require additional or different measures, the Adopter is responsible for adhering to those as well.
13. Enforcement and Legal Action: If the Adopter fails to meet the spay/neuter requirements, AlphaBritz Cattery reserves the right to seek the return of the kitten, initiate legal proceedings, and/or recover associated costs, including legal fees, in order to enforce the terms of this Agreement. The Adopter understands and agrees that AlphaBritz Cattery has the right to take legal action against the Adopter for failure to comply with this Agreement, regardless of the Adopter’s state of residence.
14. Acknowledgement:
    1. By adopting a kitten from AlphaBritz Cattery, you acknowledge and agree to have your kitten spayed or neutered by 7 months of age. If opting for early spaying or neutering, you understand the associated costs, risks, and the availability of the procedure as early as 12 weeks of age in our care. You also understand that failure to comply with this agreement may result in legal action and/or the return of the kitten.