So this is something we plan to do in the future... like years from now
Some clubs here state clearly that they do not "recognise" other clubs or the cats that are registered with them (eg. and sorry to bring it up, CFA does not recognise Waratah). Is it the same for international associations? If we decide to import, I don't want to make the mistake of investing in a kitty who may not be recognised here, kind of defeats the purpose. Also are there any tricks or tips that can help you determine who is a reputable breeder and if the cats they are offering are truly breed quality?
In the UK you have to re-register the cat when it is imported if you want to register the kittens with GCCF. We only have 2 registration bodies, GCCF and TICA which makes it much easier but GCCF are quite particular about imports. You would need a detailed pedigree with no out-crossing for at least 5 generations as I understand it and some out-crosses are totally banned. I think your best bet would be to contact the registration body you wanted to register your kittens with and see what they would accept and what you would need to prove.
Hi Jo,
when you are importing it is only your registry's policy that affects you, not the original registry from which the cat is being transferred. So, you need to check with Waratah, if that is who you are affiliated with, and see if they accept all other registries, I suspect that they do, at least for the major ones like TICA, GFA, FIFe and GCCf, etc. Then you import, receive a certified pedigree and transfer the registration and ownership. It is simple to check with your registry before you commit to buying a cat overseas to ensure that it will be accepted and registered, you certainly wouldn't bring it in and then ask if you can register it.
The much bigger problem you will face unless you are well financed is the cost. From North and South America, most of Europe, the UK and most other countries you must go through the full rabies vaccination and testing regime which is expensive and can take 7 to 12 months or more and so the cat is staying where it is for a considerable period of time, probably at your expense, you will have all of the rabies vaccination and testing costs which add up very quickly, the cost of the cat, the shipping cost and quarantine for probably a minimum of 30 days when it arrives in Oz which is also expensive. Depending on where the cat is from you could be paying well over $6000 and probably a lot more. You need to fully investigate just what costs are involved before you make any commitment to purchase, otherwise you may be in for a big shock.
By the time you are ready to consider importing you will probably have established a network of contacts who can suggest reputable breeders, etc. To some extent you have to do your own research and have trust in the breeder you choose, just as you would expect them to trust you if the roles were reversed.
Cheers,
Mike
Thanks Mike! I had an idea importing would be costly, but that is certainly a lot to consider! Is Nth/Sth America the only countries that have the rabies vaccine/testing regime? Hopefully we will have a financial "safety net" by the time we are ready to import, and being such a big investment I certainly want to make sure I am getting a healthy and quality cat. Flights, quarantine, testing... phew! Its good to be aware of these things
[Hi.
As I said, the Americas, most of Europe, the UK and most other countries are considered Rabies risks and the full rabies protocol is required before you can import from any of them. Quarantine will also be required. You can import from New Zealand, Sweden, Norway, Finland and a few other countries without going through this process. AQUIS probably has a list on their web site but you can at least expect to double the cost and then some if you import from a Rabies country.
Of course these things change frequently too and some of the rabies free countries can change between now and when you consider importing. Just do you homework thoroughly.
Mike
Research your breeders and pedigrees BEFORE approaching the cattery of your choice . Some will assist and be more than happy to help you with quarantine time periods , others simply will not want to . We have imported twice in 2 years from the UK and Canada , both at a cost yes but to be honest good bloodlines are worth the price .. the Canadian boy arrived well but older and he happens to celebrate his first birthday TODAY , he only arrived to us late March so a long long wait from a small kitten to a big boy he is today .................
Breeders will advertise their affliates , our Canadian boy is registered with TICA and his paperwork arrived last week all in order and ready to be transferred over to GCCFSA here in SA
I kept every piece of correspondence with both the breeders and freighters .. would highly recommend both if considering the UK or Canada , they were brilliant and the below company kept us up to date through his entire 27 hours flying ...
Worldwide Animal Travel
Vancouver International Airport
1143 – 4871 Miller Road
Richmond BC
Canada V7B 1K8
Tel: 604-303-7384 Ext 21
Fax: 604-303-7354
Direct Email: ruthpt@telus.net
Website:
http://www.animaltravel.com
& from the UK which was door to door service
JCS Livestock
A division of James Cargo Services Ltd
9 Galleymead Road
Colnbrook
Slough
Berkshire
SL3 0EN
Tel:- +44 (0) 1753 682244
Fax:- +44 (0) 1753 683407
E-mail:- debbie@jcslivestock.com
Web:-
http://www.jcslivestock.com
Did all the ground work , import permits etc etc .. took all the worry away would I do it again yes I would . Yes , you might not get what you think you should but research breeding catteries , look at other high profile catteries and what lines they support its usually a good guide
Good Luck
Thanks Ragsrus! Canada and UK were actually some places I was considering so really good info! Happy birthday to Prince
He looks like a beautiful big boy and is sure to do you proud. Hmmmm so I'd better start planning/researching now if we are to import within the next few years
I will definitely keep those breeders in mind since you are happy with your new additions (if you don't mind that is!)