Time to breed your queen?  
Here are some tips to help you make the right decision

• Contact the owner of the stud of your choice well in advance. Usually, a prior "booking" is necessary.
  
  
• Establish vaccination requirements. Some stud owners insist on complete and up-to-date Feline Leukaemia (FeLV) inoculations, in addition to routine vaccinations.
  
  
• Do make sure that your queen's boosters are current. If not, she should be vaccinated at least two weeks prior to mating to encourage optimal levels of antibodies which she will pass on to her litter.
  
  
• Make sure your queen has been dewormed before mating. This will ensure a healthy queen, healthy kittens and will prevent an unwanted infestation of the stud.
  
  
• Recent feline leukaemia and other viral blood tests may be requested by some stud owners.
  
  
• Request a copy of the stud's pedigree; a self addressed and stamped envelope is appreciated. Present your queen's pedigree and certificate of registration. Clues to the possible genetic make-up of your queen will be evident from the pedigree. Careful study of both pedigrees is essential to ensure that the mating is compatible. Also, if analysis of the two pedigrees reveals excessive in-breeding, it may be advisable to choose a different stud. This can and will prevent many heartbreaks, e.g. congenital abnormalities.
  
  
• Check the number of matings permitted on the stud fee. Most stud owners permit a second "courtesy" mating if the first is not successful. Mating fees are settled when the queen is collected. The stud owner will supply a Mating Certificate, with an official copy of the stud's pedigree, on payment. The mating certificate should indicate the date of first mating and possible due date of the litter. The certificate must reflect the Cat Register's Stud Number and must accompany the application for registration document and individual kitten pedigrees for the litter when sent for registration.
  
  
  Stud Owners Note:
  Do Check Transfer Certificates for "Not for Breeding" Clauses!
  This will avoid unnecessary embarrassment when you later discover that the queen should not have been bred.
  
  
• Advise the stud owner if your queen has been on contraceptives - such as Ovarid or any one of the injectable types. It is advisable to "tease" or allow one full free call prior to mating as synthetic hormones may interfere with conception.
  
  
• DO NOT take or send queens who are not in perfect health.
  
  
• DO NOT take or send queens to stud if there has been recent ill health; or if you or your veterinarian suspects the possibility of an infectious or contagious disease in your home or cattery.
  
  
• DO NOT take or send queens infested with fleas, ear mite or ringworm.
  
  
• PLEASE, do clip the queen's claws before going to stud. A nervous or highly strung queen may react viciously in the presence of a strange cat and wound the stud causing an abscess requiring costly veterinary treatment.
  
  
• Prior to mating your queen, cattery inspection is recommended:
  a) check other cattery residents to satisfy yourself that they are in good health, you will not want to "import" viruses, bacteria or a fungus into your own home or cattery
  b) make sure the security arrangements are adequate, i.e. double gates - escape traps
  c) that the stud quarters are clean and well aired
  d) check heating arrangements in winter where required (If conditions are not to your liking, you will be able to "change" your mind and go elsewhere.)
• If your queen is traveling by air for mating - make sure she is met by a responsible person. Find out arrangements are convenient for the stud owner.
  

DO NOT forget to include:

a) copy of her vaccination certificate;
b) Rabies movement permit, if applicable,
c) copy of the recent blood tests if requested;
d) copy of her transfer certificate.
e) copy of her pedigree

Supply any additional information the stud owner may request. Also note her favourite foods. However, some honeymooning cats totally disregard nourishment when they have "other matters" on their minds!

DO LET the stud owner know when the kittens are born; the number, colours and sexes to enable the stud owner to keep accurate records.

If you are a novice and need advice or assistance - DO NOT be embarrassed or shy to ask questions. We were all novices once.