Registered Owners of all GCCFI registered cats/kittens accept the jurisdiction of the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy of Ireland and undertake to abide by this general code of ethics.

1. Owners should think carefully and be advised before getting a kitten. A breed should be chosen which is suitable to the lifestyle of the new owner. Only keep as many cats as can be cared for properly.
2. Warm and comfortable housing must be provided for cats and kittens allowing ample opportunity and space for exercise and play. Drinking water must be available at all times and cats must be fed regularly and adequately. This would mean twice each day for adults and four times a day for new kittens (up to 3 months) reducing to 3 meals at 4 months and at 6 months two meals for the rest of their lives. Breeders will supply written details of all dietary requirements and will also give advice and guidance concerning responsible ownership when cats/kittens are moving to their new homes.
3. Some cats need more grooming than others do and this will keep the coat in good condition and will be a check for fleas and other parasites. Longhair cats need daily grooming to prevent the formation of knots and matted fur which can cause the cat considerable discomfort. Prospective buyers of Longhair cats should be made fully aware of the need for grooming.
4. If a cat/kitten shows signs of illness it is imperative to seek Veterinary assistance.

5. Cats bought as pets, not for breeding, should be neutered at the age recommended by your Veterinary Surgeon. Some cats are registered on the Non-Active register which means that in no circumstances should they be bred from. It is not possible to register the progeny of such cats with the GCCFI.
6. Breeders agree only to sell cats where there is a reasonable expectation that they will have a happy and healthy life. Breeders should make an offer at the time of sale to help with the rehoming should future circumstances require that a new home has to be found for the cat. A reputable breeder will always give this commitment.
7. Owners should not sell any cat to commercial cat wholesalers, retail pet dealers or directly or indirectly allow cats to be given as a prize or donation in a competition of any kind.
8. Breeders must not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed nor falsely advertise cats nor mislead any person regarding the health or quality of the cat and must draw the attention of purchasers to the implications of the Non-Active register when selling pet kittens.
9. When kittens are sold on the Active register, the breeder should be willing to offer advice and support to the new owners. Owners should not breed cats in any way that would be deleterious to the cat or the breed.
10. Owners should give some consideration to finding the best means to identify the cat in case it should become lost. A microchip can be inserted painlessly by a Veterinary Surgeon, which will give the cat a number, which can be registered and checked if the cat is found. Collars with identification can be worn but are not altogether safe as they may become entangled or break or come off over the cat’s head so there is no means of identification.
11. New owners must be provided with all relevant Governing Council of the Cat Fancy of Ireland documents by breeders/owners when selling or transferring a cat.
12. When a cat or kitten is advertised or sold as a pedigree cat or kitten the breeder shall at the time of sale, provide the purchaser with a properly completed pedigree signed by the breeder, carrying 3 generations at least, showing all the breed numbers and registration numbers, also the Breeder’s name and address.
13. If, at the time of sale, the cat or kitten is registered, the seller shall provide the purchaser with a transfer form duly completed and signed by the seller, unless it is jointly agreed in writing by both parties, at the time of sale, not to do so.

The GCCFI requires that no kitten be permitted to go to a new home before 13 weeks of age. At least seven days prior to this, the kitten must have completed a full course of vaccinations, including a health check, given by a Veterinary Surgeon. The Breeder must ensure that kittens are house-trained inoculated and in good general health.