SVERAK General Breeding rules

General

All cats with a FIFe pedigree can be used for breeding unless restrictions are specified by:

• FIFe’s Breeding and Registration Rules (→ § 3, 6, 7, 8, or 9), or
• national regulations regarding health issues. FIFe member federations must not impose additional stricter restrictions on breeding or registration.

Breeding Males

Before a male cat is used for breeding, he must have a veterinary certificate confirming that his testicles are normal and have both descended into the scrotum. A male cat, owned by an individual member of a FIFe federation, must not be used for matings that will result in non-pedigree kittens, i.e., matings where the kittens will not receive an official pedigree from either a FIFe federation or a non-FIFe organization.

Breeding Females

Female cats must not have more than a maximum of two litters within 12 months and a maximum of three litters within a 24-month period unless written exemption has been obtained in advance from a veterinarian and/or a FIFe federation. A female cat that must be delivered by cesarean section more than once must no longer be used for breeding. A female cat must not be mated by another male within three weeks of the previous mating.

Microchip

All breeding cats must be identifiable by a microchip. The chip number must be documented in the studbook. Exceptions are made for males that are not registered in FIFe.

The general breeding program for Egyptian Mau cats is a carefully planned and managed process aimed at preserving the breed’s unique characteristics, ensuring genetic diversity, and maintaining health standards.

Here are the key aspects of a typical Egyptian Mau breeding program:

Goals and Objectives:

Preservation of Breed Standards: The primary goal is to maintain the breed’s distinctive traits, such as their spotted coat, green eyes, and athletic build.

Genetic Diversity: Ensuring a wide genetic pool to avoid inbreeding and its associated health risks.

Health and Temperament: Breeding healthy cats with good temperaments to produce kittens that are not only physically sound but also well-adjusted and friendly.

Selection of Breeding Cats:

Pedigree Analysis: Breeders carefully examine the pedigrees of potential breeding cats to ensure they come from diverse bloodlines and meet breed standards.

Health Screening: Prospective breeding cats undergo rigorous health checks, including tests for genetic disorders and common feline diseases.

Temperament Assessment: Cats with calm, friendly, and sociable temperaments are preferred to ensure that these traits are passed on to their offspring.

Mating and Pregnancy: Controlled Mating: Breeding is usually controlled and planned, often involving travel or coordination between breeders to match suitable cats.

Monitoring Pregnancy: Pregnant queens (female cats) receive regular veterinary care to monitor their health and the development of the kittens.

Raising Kittens: Early Socialization: From birth, kittens are handled and exposed to various stimuli to ensure they become well-socialized pets.

Health Care: Kittens receive necessary vaccinations, deworming, and regular health checks to ensure they grow up healthy.

Record Keeping: Detailed records are kept of each kitten’s health, development, and pedigree.

Adoption Process: Screening Potential Owners: Prospective adopters are often carefully screened to ensure they can provide a suitable home for the kittens.

Education: New owners are educated about the specific needs and care requirements of Egyptian Mau cats.

Contracts and Guarantees: Many breeders have adoption contracts that include health guarantees and clauses to ensure the cat is returned to the breeder if the new owner can no longer care for it.

Continuous Improvement:

Feedback and Monitoring: Breeders often keep in touch with new owners to monitor the progress and health of the cats, using this feedback to improve their breeding programs.

Participation in Shows: Showing cats in breed competitions helps breeders gauge their cats against the breed standard and receive valuable feedback from judges. Ethical Considerations: Ethical Breeding Practices: Ensuring breeding practices are humane and prioritize the welfare of the cats.

Avoiding Overbreeding: Limiting the number of litters to prevent overbreeding and ensure each cat receives adequate care.

Collaboration and Community:

Networking with Other Breeders: Sharing knowledge and resources with other breeders to enhance breeding programs.

Membership in Breed Clubs: Many breeders are members of breed clubs and associations that provide guidelines, support, and certification for breeding practices. The breeding program for Egyptian Mau cats is a dedicated effort to maintain and enhance the breed’s unique qualities while ensuring the health and well-being of each cat. Through careful selection, monitoring, and responsible practices, breeders strive to produce cats that are true to the breed standard and make excellent companions.