We have provided a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ below to provide answers to any questions that may arise.
If you have a specific question which has not been answered below, you are able to email info@gccfcats.org and we will ensure your question is answered.
I breed my cats infrequently, is the scheme for me?
The majority of people who register their cats with GCCF do not breed large numbers of litters. 64% of people who register litters with GCCF breed only one or two litters per year. However, we need all breeders, large or small, to be part of the scheme – even if you only ever sell one or two kittens outside of your family in a lifetime. Irresponsible breeders and kitten farmers may use the excuse that they breed infrequently and so do not need the scheme – but if all of those people who are genuinely in this position sign up then disingenuous breeders will no longer be able to trade.
What experience is required to become a Breeder Scheme member?
Many scheme breeders have a wealth of experience and will have bred for many years, and we do require breeders to have bred at least one litter prior to
Does GCCF profit from the scheme?
The Breeder Scheme exists to improve the health and welfare of cats; it is certainly not a way for GCCF to make money. The money that GCCF receives goes back into the print, marketing and administration costs of running the scheme.
Further developments, such as the implementation of a network of breeder assessors and our aim to make the standards of the scheme mandatory for all breeders by law, means that GCCF is continually investing in developing the scheme further.
What are breeder scheme accolades?
The breeder scheme accolades reflect feedback received from customers who have purchased kittens. They are asked to provide a star rating and this will be displayed against the breeders name on the scheme breeders list and on the “Find A Kitten” list.
What happens after membership has been accepted?
Once accepted for membership, scheme breeders may use the scheme logo on all of their literature and for advertising. They can advertise kittens for sale free of charge on the Breeder Scheme pages on the GCCF website.
Scheme breeders are required to follow the Breeder Scheme Standard and uphold the highest standards for their breeding practices. Renewal is required every 12 months, and you must remain a member of a breed club relevant to your breed.
What should the kitten pack contain?
Scheme breeders must provide a kitten pack for each kitten going to a new owner. The kitten pack should contain the following:
- Scheme breeder’s contact details
- Breed club contact details
- Written advice on socialisation, feeding, exercise, worming regime and immunisation measures, as well as copies of any health or other relevant certificates
- Pedigree certificate
- Registration documents
- Insurance cover note
- Microchip registration details
How much will I have to pay?
The annual payment costs £65. This covers the associated costs for covering the assessments every three years, as well as the marketing and administration costs.
Who are the assessors?
Our assessors are well established within the GCCF and have backgrounds in conducting assessments. They also have an extensive knowledge of the GCCF and the Breeder Scheme Standard, and have undergone training to complete the assessments to a satisfactory level.
What happens if Scheme breeders breach a requirement/rule?
The action taken following a breach will depend on the severity.
Scheme members who are found to not meet the Breeder Scheme Standard during an inspection will be issued with an Improvement Action Report (IAR). This requires them to implement a discussed improvement, and submit evidence of this within the given timeframe to clear the IAR before being approved on the scheme.
If a complaint regarding a scheme member is received by the GCCF Investigations Committee, we will await the outcome of the investigation. If the complaint is upheld, your Breeder Scheme membership may be suspended, or a further assessment may be requested to check that any breaches have since been resolved.
Severe breaches of the Breeder Scheme Standard or GCCF Rules may result in your membership being terminated.
I breed in my home, will this be penalised?
Most breeders breed in their homes, often surrounded by their family and other pets. It is anticipated that most breeders applying to join the scheme are doing so without any additional facilities. This is definitely not something that is penalised.
I don’t show, can I still be on the Scheme?
Showing and breeding go hand in hand and we support all breeders to take their cats to show and to encourage their new owners to show too. However, we recognise that they are two separate parts of the GCCF.
The Breeder Scheme does not stipulate that a member must show or have shown any cats, and not doing so will not impact your acceptance to the scheme.
I register with GCCF and another registry (TICA, FiFE, CFA, etc) can I still be on the Scheme?
All cats used for breeding, and all of their litters, must be registered with the GCCF. Litters must be GCCF registered first before any dual registrations to other registry bodies can be made.
It will be your responsibility to ensure that the relevant paperwork for cats imported from another registry is kept in line with the Breeder Scheme Standard.
Do I need to be council licenced?
No, this is not a requirement for the Breeder Scheme. You should always check with your local authority to confirm if your breeding practices require council licencing.
I already have a council licence, do I need to have an assessment completed by the GCCF?
You will still need to undergo an assessment with the GCCF in order to join the Breeder Scheme. The GCCF and local councils do not share information in this way, so we cannot confirm anything that they may have already observed in their assessment of your premises. Equally, there are GCCF/pedigree specific criteria that our assessors will be looking for that may not have been pertinent to council licencing.
If you already hold a council licence, you should find our assessment a breeze!
How long will the assessment take?
Breeder Scheme assessments typically take between 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. There are several factors that may impact the length of the assessment. These include but are not limited to; number of cats, size of premises and whether the relevant paperwork is ready to view.
Can I be on the Scheme if I also breed a breed not recognised by the GCCF? For example, Scottish Folds?
You may only breed GCCF recognised breeds as a member of the Breeder Scheme. You are welcome to have unrecognised breeds as pets or for show in other registries, but you are not permitted to breed these breeds and be associated to the GCCF Breeder Scheme.
Do I have to insure the kittens before they leave for their new homes?
Yes. It is mandatory in the Standard to provide an insurance cover note for kittens in the first few weeks at their new homes. We recommend our partners, Agria, who provide suitable cover notes that are provided with your registration documents following the completion of a litter registration.
I’ve previously been found in breach of GCCF rules and paid a fine to clear my suspension, will this prevent me from joining the Scheme?
This will be considered on a case by case basis when the application is received by the GCCF Office. Previous suspensions and fines are considered as part of the initial checks on a breeder before proceeding with an application to join the Breeder Scheme, and may prevent you from joining the scheme.
I have two addresses, do both need to be assessed?
If you operate, or intend to operate, your breeding practices from multiple addresses, all premises will need to be assessed. This includes something as minor as taking a kitten to your second address for the new owner to collect, as it is closer for them geographically.
If the above does not apply to you, then an assessment of the second property is not necessary.
Can the GCCF “demand” an assessment for any reason?
We may request a further assessment if we have been informed of a breach of GCCF Rules or the Breeder Scheme Standard. However, our assessors will never turn up on your doorstep unannounced. Any assessments will be agreed with you prior to proceeding.
Failure to agree to a request for an assessment may result in suspension or termination of your membership.
