Master Glossary Essential Certificates

Master Glossary
 
Breeding Basics
 
- Active Kitten: Sold with full breeding rights
- Non‑Active Kitten: Sold strictly as a pet only; breeding forbidden by contract
- Queen: Female breeding cat; Dam: Mother of a litter
- Stud: Male breeding cat; Sire: Father of a litter
- Litter: All kittens born in one birth
- Induced Ovulation: Queens release eggs only after mating
- DEFRA Code of Practice: UK’s official welfare standards for breeders
- TICA: The International Cat Association — global registry for pedigrees
- SBT (Stud Book Tradition): 4+ generations removed from wild ancestor — fully stable traits
 
Hybrid & Generation Codes
 
- F1: 50% wild ancestor (Serval/ALC)
- F2: 25% wild
- F3: 12.5% wild
- F4: 6.25% wild
- SBT: ≥F5 — fully domestic for registration
- Hybrid: Cross between wild + domestic species (Savannah = Serval × domestic; Bengal = ALC × domestic)
 
Coat & Genetics
 
- Agouti Gene: Controls tabby vs solid pattern
- Apb / Charcoal Gene: Gives Bengals their dark “charcoal” look
- Glitter Gene: Makes fur sparkle/shimmer
- Rosettes: Two‑toned spots (doughnut/cluster types)
- Marble: Large swirling markings
- Ocelli: White “eye spots” on back of Savannah ears
- Melanistic: Almost black, pattern still visible
- Snow / Seal Lynx/Seal Sepia: Light‑coloured Bengal variants
 
Health & Welfare
 
- Screening: Tests for HCM, PRA‑b, PKDef — essential for Bengals/Savannahs
- ENS: Early Neurological Stimulation — gentle handling of newborns for better confidence
- Queening: The act of giving birth
- Kittening Box: Safe, quiet space for labour
- Biosecurity: Hygiene rules to stop disease spread in catteries
 
Legal & Documents (UK)
 
- Pedigree Certificate: TICA‑issued proof of lineage
- Kitten Contract: Binding rules on care, neutering, breeding bans
- Breeding Licence: Required from your local council for commercial breeding
- Microchip + Change of Keeper: Mandatory by UK law — update details when ownership transfers
- Handover Pack: All paperwork, food guide, vet records, support info
 
 
 
Certificates You Should Receive
 
When buying a kitten, always ask for:
TICA Pedigree Certificate (original or copy)
Vaccination Record Card
Veterinary Health Check Certificate
Microchip Confirmation + Transfer Form
Genetic Test Results (HCM/PRA/PKD for parents)
Signed Sales & Breeding Contract
Neutering Agreement (if non‑active)
 
 
 Quick UK Legal Note
 
- Pure Serval / F1 Savannah: Usually need a DWA Licence (Dangerous Wild Animals Act)
- F2–F4: Generally no licence needed in most UK areas — check your local council rules
- Bengals: Usually no licence needed — early generations may vary

 Essential Certificates