Release and Departure Dates

A question often asked of us is “When can I get my kitten, can I get it sooner?”.

The answer to this question depends upon several factors, some of them out-with our control.

We cannot release a cat until it:

• Has been fully vaccinated.

• Has recovered from a spay or castration.

• Is fully healthy.

All departure estimates in our adverts, invoices or communications are given with the above in mind.

Normally there is no issue, but occasionally there can be delays.

The primary reasons for delaying arranging delivery or collections are detailed below “Departure Delays".

Vaccination Appointments

All TICA registered cats and kittens are fully vaccinated against feline enteritis (panleucopaenia) virus (FPV), feline calicivirus (FCV) and, if required, feline herpesvirus (FHV). This involves a course of two vaccinations, given three to four weeks apart.

Kittens in the UK by law can only be vaccinated after 9 weeks of age for their 1st vaccine, and after 13 weeks of age for their second vaccine, with a three to four weeks gap apart. As part of our Club Pedigree registration, kittens MUST BE vaccinated twice before departure.

Kittens vaccination schedule is arranged by our vets and usually are done in groups. Our vets arrange the schedule, we don’t.

We usually wait one week post second vaccination, so ensure the kitten has not had an adverse reaction to their vaccination, before we will release them.

All kittens are usually vaccinated before they are 16 weeks of age, hence why we mention our kittens leave around 4 months of age.

Departure Delays

Having two different vaccine brands is seen as ‘off licence’ and is common practice when there is a shortage of vaccines. There are no issues with the effectiveness of this, or with insurance companies accepting two different vaccines, provided that the vet issuing the second vaccination is fine with it.

There are occasional shortages of vaccines and, on a few occasions, this has resulted in delays in scheduling vaccinations until our vet can ensure they can provide both vaccinations.

Recovery from Spay or Castration

Normally a male cat recovers from their castration within a few days.

Due to its more invasive nature, a spay takes a week for the female to recover.

Is Fully Healthy

There is always a small risk of infection following neutering surgery, and this can delay things by a week or two.

Vaccinations are given to build an immune response. Due to their young age kittens can take an adverse reaction to a vaccine, and this can delay departure by a week or two.

Kittens, by virtue of being young animals, can pick up infections. These may delay things by a few days.