Kitten Contract

ASHTON’S ANGELS RAGDOLLS

UNIVERSAL KITTEN PURCHASE & PLACEMENT AGREEMENT

Placement Classification

☐ Companion/Pet/Retired Adult — Spayed/Neutered Prior to Transfer

☐ Approved Breeding Female

☐ Approved Breeding Male

1. PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT

This Universal Kitten Purchase & Placement Agreement (“Agreement”) establishes the terms governing the purchase, placement, ownership, care, transfer, breeding status, and responsibilities associated with a kitten or retired adult cat placed by Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls (“Breeder”).

This Agreement applies to all kittens or retired adults placed by Breeder, whether the kitten or cat is placed as a companion/pet or as an Approved Breeding Cat.

Unless this Agreement expressly identifies a kitten or cat as an Approved Breeding Female or Approved Breeding Male, the kitten or cat is a companion/pet animal and is permanently non-breeding.

The terms of this Agreement are intended to remain applicable throughout the cat’s lifetime to the extent a provision expressly creates an ongoing obligation.

2. PARTIES

This Agreement is between Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls (“Breeder”) and the person or persons identified on the physical agreement as Buyer (“Buyer”).

2.1 KITTEN-SPECIFIC INFORMATION

The following information shall be completed on the physical Agreement at or immediately before the time of transfer and shall be incorporated into and form part of this Agreement:

• Buyer name(s)
• Buyer address
• Buyer telephone number
• Buyer email address
• Kitten/cat registered name
• Kitten/cat call name
• Date of birth
• Sex
• Color and pattern
• Sire
• Dam
• Registration information, where applicable
• Microchip number
• Purchase/adoption price
• Deposit paid
• Balance due
• Date of transfer
• Other transaction-specific information applicable to the individual placement

The physical Agreement containing this information and the wet signatures of the parties shall constitute the executed agreement for the specific kitten or cat being transferred.

3. PURCHASE AND PLACEMENT

Buyer agrees to purchase or accept placement of the kitten or cat identified in this Agreement subject to all terms and conditions contained herein.

The kitten or cat remains the property of Breeder until the applicable purchase/adoption price has been paid in full and the kitten or cat has been physically released to Buyer.

Payment alone does not create breeding rights unless breeding rights are expressly granted in this Agreement.

Physical possession of the kitten or cat does not eliminate or terminate the contractual obligations contained herein.

4. CONTRACT REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE

Buyer is provided access to this Agreement through the Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls website before making a deposit or full payment.

Before submitting a deposit or full payment, Buyer shall affirmatively acknowledge electronically that Buyer has reviewed the Agreement.

An acceptable acknowledgment may be provided by email, Instagram direct message, text message, electronic form, website acknowledgment, or another electronic communication method approved by Breeder.

Buyer may ask questions or request clarification before making payment.

By submitting a deposit or full payment after providing the required acknowledgment, Buyer confirms that Buyer has had an opportunity to review the Agreement and agrees to be bound by its applicable terms.

Buyer understands that the physical Agreement signed at pickup memorializes and identifies the specific transaction and kitten/cat being transferred.

5. SIGNATURE AT PICKUP

The parties shall execute the physical Agreement by wet signature at the time of physical pickup/release of the kitten or cat.

The pickup signature confirms and memorializes the agreement previously accepted electronically and through payment and identifies the specific kitten or cat being transferred.

Buyer is not required to physically sign this Agreement before paying a deposit or the full purchase price unless Breeder separately requires otherwise.

Because wet signature by Buyer at pickup serves as verification that the Buyer has received and taken possession of the kitten or cat, if Buyer refuses to sign the Agreement at pickup, Breeder may decline to release the kitten or cat.

6. DEPOSIT

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, deposits are non-refundable.

A deposit reserves the kitten for Buyer and may prevent Breeder from offering the kitten to another purchaser.

If Buyer voluntarily cancels the purchase, fails to complete the transaction, or otherwise becomes unable or unwilling to take the kitten, the deposit may be retained by Breeder.

If Breeder is unable to complete the placement for reasons attributable solely to Breeder, Breeder may provide a refund or other mutually agreed resolution.

A deposit does not create ownership or breeding rights before the requirements of this Agreement have been satisfied.

7. PAYMENT

The purchase price must be paid in full before the kitten or cat leaves Breeder’s care unless Breeder has expressly agreed otherwise in writing.

Breeder accepts cash and cashier’s check for the balance of the adoption fee upon pickup.

Deposits must be paid on the Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls website after acknowledging this contract. If a deposit is made via this website without first verbally consulting Breeder, as stated in the directions for deposits, Buyer understands that placing the deposit constitutes acknowledgment of the terms of this Agreement and all provisions will then be in full effect.

Buyer may not withhold payment because of a disagreement concerning a non-material matter.

8. KITTEN CLASSIFICATION

Every kitten or cat shall be classified in this Agreement as either:

1. Companion/Pet;
2. Approved Breeding Female; or
3. Approved Breeding Male.

Only the classification expressly stated in this Agreement controls.

A kitten or cat shall not be considered an Approved Breeding Cat merely because:

• the kitten is intact;
• the kitten has a pedigree;
• the kitten comes from breeding parents;
• the kitten possesses desirable physical characteristics;
• the kitten appears suitable for breeding;
• Buyer intends to breed the kitten;
• Buyer has previously discussed breeding with Breeder; or
• another person represented that breeding rights existed.

Breeding rights must be expressly granted by this Agreement or by a subsequent written agreement signed or electronically approved by Breeder.

9. COMPANION/PET KITTENS/RETIRED ADULTS

Unless expressly designated as an Approved Breeding Female or Approved Breeding Male, every kitten/cat is adopted strictly as a companion/pet.

Pet kittens are permanently non-breeding and are spayed/neutered before transfer.

A pet classification cannot be converted into breeding status based solely upon Buyer’s later request, the cat’s development, pedigree, physical characteristics, or reproductive capability.

10. SPAY/NEUTER REQUIREMENT FOR PET KITTENS

All companion/pet kittens shall be spayed or neutered before leaving Breeder’s care unless Breeder expressly agrees otherwise in writing.

Buyer may not waive, postpone, or reverse this requirement.

A kitten designated as a companion/pet may not later be converted into a breeding cat.

11. APPROVED BREEDING CATS

Breeder may, in its sole discretion, approve certain kittens for breeding.

An Approved Breeding Cat must be specifically identified in this Agreement as either:

☐ Approved Breeding Female

☐ Approved Breeding Male

Approval for breeding is conditional and does not create unrestricted breeding rights.

Breeding rights are subject to every restriction contained in this Agreement.

Breeder may decline to approve an otherwise intact kitten for breeding for any reason related to health, genetics, temperament, conformation, bloodline, breeding-program goals, welfare, or other legitimate breeding considerations.

12. BREEDING FEMALE FREQUENCY

An Approved Breeding Female shall not produce more than one litter during any twelve-month period.

For purposes of this provision, the twelve-month period is measured from the birth of one litter to the birth of the next litter.

The twelve-month period is not measured from mating, conception, or placement date.

If a veterinarian recommends a longer recovery period or spay/neuter because of age, health, pregnancy, delivery, litter size, body condition, reproductive history, complications, or another medical or welfare concern, Buyer shall follow the veterinarian’s recommendation.

The twelve-month interval is a maximum breeding frequency, not a requirement to breed.

Buyer shall not intentionally circumvent this provision by transferring a pregnant female, arranging breeding through another person, or otherwise causing the cat to produce a litter in violation of the required interval.

13. BREEDING FEMALE WELFARE

Buyer shall prioritize the health and welfare of an Approved Breeding Female over production of kittens.

Buyer shall not intentionally breed a female when a reasonable veterinarian has determined that pregnancy or delivery would create an unacceptable health risk.

Buyer shall provide appropriate prenatal, pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum veterinary care.

Buyer shall provide appropriate emergency veterinary care when pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum complications occur.

14. APPROVED BREEDING MALES

An Approved Breeding Male shall be used responsibly and in a manner consistent with accepted veterinary and ethical breeding practices.

Buyer shall:

• maintain appropriate veterinary care;
• perform appropriate genetic and health testing;
• maintain accurate breeding records;
• avoid breeding to known serious hereditary conditions where reasonably avoidable;
• monitor the male’s health and welfare;
• maintain appropriate reproductive records; and
• discontinue breeding if continued breeding presents a material health or welfare concern, especially when recommended by a veterinary professional.

Buyer shall not use an Approved Breeding Male in a manner that creates unreasonable risk of injury, disease transmission, or irresponsible reproduction.

15. GENETIC AND HEALTH TESTING

Buyer shall obtain genetic and health testing appropriate for the cat’s breed, bloodline, sex, age, and intended breeding use.

Testing shall include conditions reasonably relevant to responsible Ragdoll breeding.

Buyer shall not knowingly breed an Approved Breeding Cat in a manner likely to perpetuate a serious hereditary disease when responsible breeding alternatives are reasonably available.

This pertains to cats testing positive for HCM, PKD, PG, and other genetic disorders.

Buyer agrees to use available genetic and health information responsibly when making breeding decisions.

16. DISCLOSURE OF GENETIC INFORMATION

Buyer shall provide Breeder with material information discovered regarding inherited, hereditary, congenital, or genetically relevant health conditions affecting:

• the kitten;
• the kitten’s parents;
• offspring;
• siblings;
• close relatives; or
• the breeding line.

Buyer shall not intentionally conceal material genetic or hereditary information from Breeder.

This obligation is intended to protect the health of future generations and maintain accurate breeding-program records.

17. BREEDING RECORDS

Buyer shall maintain reasonably accurate records concerning breeding activity, including when applicable:

• mating dates;
• pregnancy;
• delivery;
• litter dates;
• number of kittens;
• sire and dam;
• significant reproductive complications;
• genetic testing; and
• material hereditary health findings.

Breeder may reasonably request information necessary to verify compliance with this Agreement.

18. BREEDING PROGRAM STANDARDS

Buyer agrees that breeding shall be conducted responsibly and with the welfare of the cats as the primary consideration.

Breeding decisions shall not be based solely on maximizing the number of litters, kittens, or breeding income.

Buyer agrees that responsible breeding includes appropriate attention to genetics, health, temperament, conformation, reproductive welfare, kitten socialization, and lifelong placement.

19. RETIREMENT FROM BREEDING

Breeder or Buyer may determine that an Approved Breeding Cat should be retired from breeding because of age (not more than six years of age), health, reproductive complications, temperament, welfare concerns, or other legitimate reasons.

Once retired, the cat should be spayed or neutered unless a veterinarian determines that alteration would create an unreasonable medical risk.

Breeder may recommend retirement when continued breeding would reasonably present a health, genetic, welfare, or breeding-program concern.

20. BREEDING RIGHTS ARE CONDITIONAL

Breeding rights are conditional privileges associated with responsible ownership and compliance with this Agreement.

A material breach may result in termination or withdrawal of breeding rights to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Withdrawal or termination of breeding rights does not relieve Buyer of any other continuing obligations under this Agreement.

21. NO AUTOMATIC TRANSFER OF BREEDING RIGHTS

Breeding rights do not automatically transfer when an Approved Breeding Cat is sold, gifted, rehomed, transferred, or otherwise placed with another person.

Buyer shall not transfer breeding rights to another person without Breeder’s prior written authorization.

Breeder requires the subsequent owner to execute a new breeding agreement before breeding rights are recognized.

A cat may therefore be transferred as a companion/pet without breeding rights even if the cat previously possessed breeding rights.

22. TRANSFER OF APPROVED BREEDING CATS

Buyer shall notify Breeder before transferring an Approved Breeding Cat to another person or breeding program.

Breeder may request reasonable information regarding the proposed recipient, including:

• identity;
• contact information;
• location;
• breeding program;
• veterinary practices;
• housing conditions; and
• intended use of the cat.

Buyer shall not intentionally transfer an Approved Breeding Cat to a person or program Buyer knows or reasonably should know intends to violate this Agreement or engage in abusive or irresponsible breeding practices.

Where breeding rights are involved, the transfer shall not be considered approved until Breeder provides written authorization and any required new breeding agreement is executed.

23. NO UNAUTHORIZED THIRD-PARTY BREEDING

Buyer shall not permit another person to use an Approved Breeding Cat for breeding in a manner that would violate this Agreement.

Buyer is responsible for reasonable efforts to prevent unauthorized breeding of the cat.

Buyer shall not loan, lease, co-own, place, or otherwise make an Approved Breeding Cat available for breeding in a manner that circumvents this Agreement.

24. NO COMMERCIAL STUD SERVICING

An Approved Breeding Male shall not be publicly advertised as available for commercial stud services.

Buyer shall not use the Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls name, logo, branding, photographs, reputation, or other identifying materials to advertise stud services.

Buyer shall not represent that Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls endorses, supervises, guarantees, or is affiliated with Buyer’s stud services unless Breeder has expressly authorized that representation in writing.

25. INDOOR-ONLY REQUIREMENT

All Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls cats shall be kept indoors.

A cat may have outdoor access only through a secure catio, enclosed outdoor structure, harness/leash system, carrier, or other controlled environment that prevents free roaming.

Buyer shall not allow the cat to free-roam outdoors.

If Buyer allows their Ragdoll cat to roam outdoors, Buyer assumes all responsibility for potentially adverse consequences, such as fleas, contracted illness, theft, injury, loss, predation, or death.

26. DECLAWING PROHIBITION

Buyer shall not declaw the cat.

Routine declawing for convenience, furniture protection, appearance, or behavioral management is strictly prohibited.

Nothing in this provision prevents a medically necessary procedure recommended by a licensed veterinarian to address a serious medical condition.

27. VETERINARY CARE

Buyer shall provide appropriate veterinary care throughout the cat’s life.

Buyer shall maintain:

• routine wellness examinations;
• vaccinations as medically appropriate;
• parasite prevention;
• dental care;
• emergency care;
• reproductive care where applicable; and
• treatment for illness or injury.

Buyer agrees to follow reasonable veterinary recommendations concerning the cat’s health and welfare.

28. INITIAL VETERINARY EXAMINATION

Buyer shall have the kitten or cat examined by a licensed veterinarian within 48 hours of receiving the kitten or cat, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Failure to have the kitten or cat independently health checked upon pickup could result in Buyer forfeiting the applicable health guarantees.

The examination is intended to independently verify the health and condition of the kitten or cat at or near the time of transfer.

Buyer shall follow veterinary recommendations.

Buyer shall notify Breeder promptly if the veterinarian identifies a potentially serious, congenital, hereditary, or pre-existing condition.

29. HEALTH GUARANTEE

Breeder represents that, to the best of Breeder’s knowledge, the kitten is in appropriate health for placement at the time of transfer.

Buyer must have the kitten checked by a veterinary professional within 48 hours of pickup to independently verify the health and condition of the kitten upon pickup. Not performing this check will result in health guarantees being waived by the Buyer.

Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls King and Queen are genetically tested to guarantee no presence of HCM or PKD genes. They are also tested to ensure Type A blood.

Breeder guarantees no genetic disorders in offspring and guarantees health for the first two years of life. This guarantee does not cover non-genetic conditions or death or illness caused by Buyer or circumstances outside of Breeder’s control.

The health guarantee does not constitute a guarantee that the cat will never become ill, develop a disease, experience an accident, or require veterinary treatment.

If the kitten should unexpectedly pass away within the first two years of life, a necropsy is required to be performed.

If the cause of death is determined by a veterinary professional to be genetic, including HCM or PKD, the Breeder will provide a replacement kitten as soon as one becomes available.

Transportation and veterinary costs will not be covered by Breeder for the replacement kitten since all necessary genetic testing has been performed to ensure prevention of this circumstance to every extent possible.

Additionally, FIP is not and has not been present in Ashton’s Angels King or Queen, but should a kitten/cat develop FIP, there is now veterinary treatment available for this rare illness that is highly effective, which would be the responsibility of Buyer to administer.

The kitten shall receive veterinary care and age-appropriate preventive care while in Breeder’s possession. This constitutes all early-life veterinary care that includes, but is not limited to, physical exams, fecal panel testing, Rabies vaccine, FVRCP vaccines and boosters, treatment for acute illness, follow-up appointments, and spay/neuter, when applicable.

Buyer acknowledges that the veterinary care provided by Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls before the kitten is determined to be healthy and strong enough for adoption and transfer can cost up to $1,000 per kitten or more. These costs do not include the additional costs of toys, litter, and food.

Buyer understands that no breeder can guarantee that a living animal will never develop illness, disease, congenital abnormalities, or other medical problems throughout its life.

Buyer acknowledges that veterinary care may be required for various illnesses throughout the pet’s life.

30. CONDITIONS EXCLUDED FROM GUARANTEE

Breeder is not responsible for conditions caused by:

• accidents;
• trauma;
• environmental exposure;
• improper nutrition;
• obesity;
• neglect;
• abuse;
• failure to provide veterinary care;
• infectious exposure after transfer;
• failure to follow veterinary recommendations;
• stress-related conditions;
• ordinary developmental variation;
• conditions that could not reasonably have been detected before placement;
• conditions arising after transfer that are unrelated to a pre-existing condition;
• injury caused by other animals;
• poisoning or toxic exposure after transfer;
• unauthorized breeding or pregnancy;
• complications resulting from Buyer’s breeding decisions; or
• any condition directly caused or materially contributed to by Buyer’s actions or omissions.

Nothing in this section excludes a condition that is expressly covered by an applicable written health or genetic guarantee where such exclusion would conflict with that guarantee.

31. VETERINARY DOCUMENTATION

Buyer shall provide veterinary documentation reasonably requested by Breeder when necessary to evaluate a health concern that Buyer claims may be related to a condition existing before placement.

Such documentation may include examination records, diagnostic testing, laboratory results, imaging, pathology, genetic testing, and veterinary opinions reasonably relevant to the claimed condition.

Buyer authorizes Breeder to request reasonable clarification concerning veterinary findings where necessary to evaluate a claim under this Agreement.

32. SERIOUS ILLNESS OR DEATH

If the kitten dies unexpectedly or experiences a serious unexplained medical event within the applicable health-guarantee period of up to two years of age, Buyer shall notify Breeder promptly.

Except where immediate veterinary action is required to prevent suffering or death, Buyer shall provide Breeder with an opportunity to participate in determining the appropriate diagnostic process.

Where reasonably necessary to determine the cause of death or evaluate a potential hereditary condition, Buyer agrees to permit an appropriate veterinary necropsy.

If a necropsy is necessary to determine whether a condition may affect the breeding program, Breeder may request that the necropsy be performed by an appropriate veterinary diagnostic facility and results shared with Breeder upon completion.

Buyer shall not intentionally dispose of, cremate, or otherwise make a necropsy impossible when a necropsy is reasonably necessary to determine whether the death may implicate a contractual genetic guarantee, except where immediate circumstances or law prevent compliance.

33. HEREDITARY CONDITIONS

If Buyer discovers a potentially hereditary condition in the cat, Buyer agrees to notify Breeder promptly and provide reasonable veterinary documentation.

Buyer shall not intentionally conceal a confirmed hereditary condition that could materially affect breeding decisions, offspring, or the breeding program.

Buyer shall provide reasonable cooperation in determining whether a condition may have hereditary implications.

34. MICROCHIP

The kitten shall be microchipped before transfer with the Breeder’s information to ensure that a kitten that is abandoned, lost, or stolen is returned to Breeder upon identification.

Buyer shall not intentionally remove, disable, or alter the microchip.

Buyer agrees to maintain accurate registration/contact information for the microchip after transfer while recognizing Breeder’s continuing return-to-breeder rights under this Agreement.

35. IDENTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION

Buyer agrees to provide accurate ownership, breeding, registration, pedigree, and parentage information when registering or showing the cat.

Buyer shall not intentionally falsify or misrepresent:

• parentage;
• pedigree;
• breeding status;
• ownership;
• registration information;
• breeding history; or
• origin of the cat.

Buyer shall not represent the cat as having been bred by another cattery or breeder when doing so would falsify its origin or pedigree.

Buyer shall preserve accurate historical breeder information in all records where such information is required or customarily maintained.

36. NUTRITION

Buyer shall provide the cat with appropriate nutrition and access to clean drinking water at all times.

Buyer should make dietary changes gradually and seek veterinary guidance when medically appropriate.

37. SOCIALIZATION AND ENVIRONMENT

Buyer shall provide a safe, clean, stimulating, and appropriately enriched environment.

The cat shall receive appropriate human interaction, socialization, exercise, rest, and enrichment.

38. PROHIBITION ON ABANDONMENT

Buyer shall not abandon the cat.

Buyer shall not intentionally leave the cat without appropriate food, water, shelter, veterinary care, or supervision.

39. SHELTER SURRENDER

Buyer shall not under any circumstances surrender the cat to an animal shelter, rescue, municipal facility, or similar organization.

Buyer must first provide Breeder with a reasonable opportunity to assist with placement or reclaim the cat.

In an emergency where immediate surrender is necessary to protect the cat’s safety, Buyer shall notify Breeder as soon as reasonably possible.

Nothing in this provision requires Buyer to delay necessary emergency treatment or an emergency action required to protect the cat from immediate harm.

40. RETURN-TO-BREEDER REQUIREMENT

If Buyer is unable or unwilling to keep the cat at any time during its life, Buyer shall first contact Breeder.

Breeder shall have the first opportunity to:

1. take the cat back;
2. assist with placement; or
3. approve an alternative placement.

Buyer shall not sell, give away, abandon, surrender, or permanently transfer the cat to another person without first complying with this provision.

This provision does not require Buyer to delay emergency veterinary treatment or immediate action necessary to protect the cat.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, return of the cat does not automatically entitle Buyer to a refund of the original purchase price.

41. NO COMMERCIAL RESALE

Buyer shall not purchase a kitten from Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls for the purpose of commercially reselling the kitten for profit.

Buyer shall not operate as an unauthorized broker, dealer, or intermediary using Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls kittens.

Any permitted transfer must comply with the Return-to-Breeder Requirement and applicable breeding-rights restrictions.

42. BUYER’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEGAL AND HOUSING REQUIREMENTS

Buyer is responsible for determining whether ownership, breeding, intact animals, number of cats, cattery operation, or related activities are permitted by:

• lease agreements;
• homeowners’ associations;
• municipal ordinances;
• county regulations;
• state law;
• zoning requirements;
• licensing requirements; or
• other applicable rules.

Buyer shall not purchase an Approved Breeding Cat without first determining that Buyer can lawfully maintain and breed the cat.

Breeder is not responsible for Buyer’s failure to investigate or comply with applicable laws, leases, regulations, licensing requirements, or housing restrictions.

43. BREACH OF AGREEMENT AND LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

43.1 Material Breach

A material violation of this Agreement constitutes a breach.

Material breaches may include, without limitation:

• violating breeding restrictions;
• breeding an Approved Breeding Female more frequently than permitted;
• failing to follow required recovery periods;
• unauthorized breeding;
• unauthorized transfer of breeding rights;
• facilitating unauthorized third-party breeding;
• falsely representing breeding rights;
• circumventing the classification or breeding restrictions;
• materially violating genetic or health obligations;
• unauthorized commercial stud advertising;
• concealing material hereditary or genetic information;
• falsifying breeding, pedigree, parentage, registration, or ownership information;
• commercial resale;
• abandonment;
• unauthorized shelter surrender;
• prohibited declawing;
• intentional neglect or abuse;
• unauthorized transfer; or
• other material violations of this Agreement.

43.2 Protection of Breeder’s Breeding Program and Reputation

Buyer acknowledges that an Approved Breeding Cat or a pet may represent a significant component of Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls’ breeding program, bloodlines, reputation, and goodwill.

Buyer acknowledges that breeding cats may have substantial monetary value and may be sold for approximately $5,000 or more, depending upon the individual cat, pedigree, bloodline, breeding rights, quality, health, and other characteristics.

Buyer further acknowledges that an Approved Breeding Cat may retain an association with Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls through:

• pedigree records;
• registration records;
• registered name;
• breeding records;
• historical breeder information;
• photographs or publications;
• offspring pedigrees;
• descendant records; and
• other identifying information.

Accordingly, conduct occurring after transfer may create reputational or commercial consequences for Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls even though the cat is no longer physically controlled by Breeder.

The parties acknowledge that harm arising from a material breach may include, among other things:

• impairment of the value of a bloodline;
• impairment of the breeding program;
• harm to breeding-program development;
• loss of future breeding opportunities;
• reputational harm;
• loss or impairment of goodwill;
• association of Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls with conduct outside Breeder’s control;
• harm caused by continued appearance of the Ashton’s Angels name in pedigrees, registered names, breeding records, or descendant pedigrees;
• loss of control over representation of the breeding program or bloodlines;
• harm to relationships with breeders, registries, prospective buyers, and other members of the breeding community;
• costs of investigating and documenting violations;
• administrative and communication costs associated with addressing violations;
• difficulty correcting misinformation associated with the breeding program; and
• other commercial, reputational, breeding-program, and consequential harms that may be difficult to quantify precisely after a breach occurs.

43.3 Contractual Liquidated Damages

The parties acknowledge that the damages described above may be difficult or impracticable to calculate with precision at the time a breach occurs.

Accordingly, for a material breeding-related breach of this Agreement, Buyer agrees to pay Breeder Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) as liquidated damages, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, plus reasonable attorneys’ fees and recoverable costs where permitted by law.

The parties intend this amount to constitute a reasonable pre-estimate of damages that may result from the specified material breaches and not a penalty or punishment.

The parties specifically acknowledge that the liquidated amount is intended to account for the combination of economic, breeding-program, bloodline, pedigree, reputational, goodwill, administrative, and other difficult-to-quantify harms described in this Section.

The parties acknowledge that the purpose of liquidated damages is to establish an agreed measure of compensation for specified breaches where actual damages may be difficult to determine, rather than to guarantee that Breeder will sustain a separately measurable $10,000 loss in every individual case.

The liquidated-damages provision applies only to the extent it is enforceable under applicable law.

43.4 Breaches Involving Approved Breeding Cats

The $10,000 liquidated-damages provision applies to a material breach involving an Approved Breeding Female or Approved Breeding Male, including:

1. breeding in violation of this Agreement;
2. producing more than one litter during a prohibited twelve-month period;
3. failing to follow a veterinarian’s longer medically recommended recovery period;
4. breeding after breeding rights have been terminated or withdrawn;
5. unauthorized transfer of the cat or breeding rights;
6. facilitating unauthorized third-party breeding;
7. falsely representing that breeding rights exist;
8. circumventing breeding restrictions;
9. material violation of genetic or health-testing obligations;
10. unauthorized commercial stud advertising or servicing;
11. concealing material hereditary or genetic information;
12. falsifying breeding, pedigree, parentage, ownership, registration, or breeding-history information; or
13. another material breeding-specific violation of this Agreement.

43.5 Breeding Program and Cattery Name Protection

Buyer acknowledges that the Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls name may remain historically associated with an Approved Breeding Cat through pedigrees, registrations, registered names, breeding records, publications, photographs, and descendants.

Buyer shall not materially violate this Agreement while representing, advertising, registering, breeding, or otherwise identifying the cat as originating from Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls.

Buyer shall not represent that Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls:

• approves Buyer’s breeding practices;
• endorses Buyer’s breeding program;
• supervises Buyer’s breeding program;
• remains affiliated with Buyer’s breeding program; or
• guarantees Buyer’s breeding practices,

unless Breeder has expressly authorized that representation in writing.

Nothing in this provision prevents Buyer from accurately identifying Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls as the original breeder when such identification is required or appropriate for pedigree, registration, historical, or breeding records.

Buyer shall not use Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls’ name, logo, branding, photographs, or other intellectual-property or identifying materials to create an impression of current affiliation without written authorization.

43.6 Other Available Remedies

Payment of liquidated damages does not authorize Buyer to continue violating this Agreement.

Where legally permissible, Breeder may seek other appropriate legal or equitable remedies, including injunctive or equitable relief necessary to prevent continued or threatened violations.

Breeder shall not recover duplicative damages for the same injury where applicable law prohibits double recovery.

Nothing in this Agreement waives rights or remedies that cannot lawfully be waived.

43.7 Acknowledgment of Materiality

Buyer acknowledges that the following are material terms of this Agreement:

• breeding classification;
• breeding frequency;
• breeding rights;
• transfer of breeding rights;
• genetic and health responsibilities;
• testing;
• breeding records;
• responsible breeding practices;
• bloodline protection;
• accurate pedigree and origin information; and
• protection of Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls’ reputation and goodwill.

Buyer acknowledges that an Approved Breeding Cat is placed subject to these restrictions and that compliance with them is a material condition of placement.

The parties intend the liquidated-damages provision to apply only where legally enforceable and not as a punitive penalty.

44. BREEDER’S RIGHT TO DECLINE PLACEMENT

Breeder may decline to complete a placement before transfer if Breeder reasonably determines that:

• the home is unsafe;
• the Buyer harasses, threatens, or behaves in an inappropriate way towards the Breeder;
• Buyer materially misrepresented information;
• Buyer intends to violate this Agreement;
• Buyer intends to use the kitten for unauthorized breeding;
• Buyer cannot lawfully maintain the cat;
• Buyer cannot provide appropriate care;
• circumstances have materially changed; or
• placement would not be in the kitten’s best interests.

Deposits are non-refundable as stated above.

Catteries do not produce kittens on demand. Catteries are at the mercy of natural processes of development and successful mating of live animals.

A Buyer’s disagreement with these circumstances does not permit Buyer to be unprofessional, rude, harassing, threatening, or abusive toward Breeder.

If deposits are placed while there is not an active pregnancy or kittens, Buyer recognizes that Breeder is not in control of when the next successful mating may occur that results in the birth of live kittens.

Breeder shall not be obligated to provide a kitten by a particular date unless expressly agreed in writing.

45. NO GUARANTEE OF FUTURE BREEDING SUCCESS

For Approved Breeding Cats, Breeder does not guarantee:

• fertility;
• conception;
• litter size;
• pregnancy;
• delivery;
• ability to produce kittens;
• show quality;
• breeding quality;
• offspring quality;
• temperament of offspring; or
• economic return from breeding.

Buyer understands that live-animal reproduction is inherently unpredictable.

46. NO GUARANTEE OF SHOW OR BREEDING QUALITY

Unless expressly stated in writing, placement as an Approved Breeding Cat does not constitute a guarantee that the cat will meet every future show, breeding, registry, or conformation standard.

47. BREEDER’S RIGHT TO RETAIN INFORMATION

Breeder may maintain records concerning:

• pedigrees;
• health;
• genetic testing;
• breeding history;
• ownership history;
• placement;
• registration;
• communications;
• contractual compliance; and
• other information reasonably necessary to maintain breeding-program records.

Breeder may retain copies of the executed Agreement and transaction records for business, breeding-program, legal, tax, registration, and recordkeeping purposes.

48. COMMUNICATION AND DOCUMENTATION

Buyer agrees to communicate promptly and honestly with Breeder regarding significant matters involving the cat.

Electronic communications, photographs, veterinary records, registration records, payment records, contract copies, screenshots, and other relevant documentation may be retained by either party as evidence of communications, representations, payment, acknowledgment, or contractual performance.

Where a health, genetic, breeding, transfer, or contractual issue arises, Buyer agrees to provide reasonably requested documentation necessary to evaluate the matter.

49. ELECTRONIC UPDATES TO STANDARD AGREEMENT

Breeder may periodically update, revise, clarify, or replace the standard form of this Agreement for future transactions.

Updates may be published electronically, including on the Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls website.

An updated website version shall not retroactively modify an already executed physical Agreement unless the parties separately agree in writing to such modification.

The version of the Agreement acknowledged by Buyer before the applicable deposit/payment and executed at pickup shall govern that particular transaction.

50. NO ORAL MODIFICATION

No oral statement, text message, social media conversation, or informal communication shall modify this Agreement unless the communication constitutes a written modification expressly approved by Breeder and, where legally required, agreed to by Buyer.

Informal communications concerning routine care, scheduling, transportation, pickup, photographs, or other administrative matters shall not be interpreted as modifications to the substantive terms of this Agreement.

51. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES AND RECORDS

Electronic signatures and electronic acknowledgments may be used where permitted by law.

The Buyer must acknowledge this Agreement prior to placing a deposit.

Electronic communications and acknowledgments may include email, Instagram direct messages, text messages, electronic forms, website acknowledgments, or other identifiable electronic communications accepted by Breeder.

The parties agree that electronic records may be retained as evidence of acknowledgment, communication, payment, and contractual performance.

The physical wet-signed Agreement executed at pickup constitutes the final executed transaction document for the specific kitten or cat being transferred.

52. BUYER ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Before deposit/payment, Buyer shall affirmatively acknowledge:

☐ “I have reviewed the contract on the Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls website.”

☐ “I understand and agree that a material breach of the provisions of this Agreement may subject Buyer to Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) in liquidated damages, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.”

Buyer understands that questions should be asked before making payment.

Buyer acknowledges that the deposit or full payment constitutes acceptance of the applicable Agreement terms after Buyer has provided the required acknowledgment.

Buyer further acknowledges that the physical Agreement will be completed and wet-signed at pickup and will identify the specific kitten or cat being transferred.

53. BREEDING-SPECIFIC ACKNOWLEDGMENT

If the kitten is designated as an Approved Breeding Cat, Buyer additionally acknowledges:

☐ “I understand that breeding rights are expressly granted only through this Agreement and are subject to all breeding restrictions contained in this Agreement.”

☐ “I understand and agree that a material breach of the provisions of this Agreement may subject Buyer to Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) in liquidated damages, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.”

☐ “I understand that an Approved Breeding Cat may remain associated with Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls through pedigree, registration, registered name, breeding records, and descendants, and that responsible use of the cat is therefore a material condition of placement.”

☐ “I understand that breeding rights do not automatically transfer to a subsequent owner and require prior authorization from Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls.”

☐ “I understand that an Approved Breeding Female may not produce more than one litter during any twelve-month period and that a veterinarian may require a longer recovery period.”

54. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Breeder and Buyer concerning the kitten or retired adult cat unless another written agreement is expressly incorporated into this Agreement.

The physical kitten-specific information completed at transfer and the applicable placement classification are incorporated into this Agreement.

No prior verbal representation, advertisement, social-media conversation, text message, email, or other communication shall supersede the written terms of this Agreement unless expressly incorporated or modified in accordance with this Agreement.

55. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, unenforceable, or unlawful, the remaining provisions shall remain in full effect to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Where legally permissible, an unenforceable provision shall be interpreted or limited to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable.

The parties intend that the remaining provisions continue to operate independently to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

56. GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

Any legal dispute shall be handled in a court of competent jurisdiction as permitted by applicable Texas law.

Nothing in this provision is intended to require a venue or forum prohibited by applicable law.

57. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP

By signing this Agreement upon transfer of the kitten or retired adult cat, Buyer acknowledges that Buyer has received an opportunity to review the terms and understands that owning a cat is a long-term responsibility for the duration of the cat’s life.

Buyer agrees to provide the cat with:

• appropriate food;
• clean water;
• safe housing;
• veterinary care;
• appropriate sanitation;
• enrichment;
• companionship;
• humane treatment;
• appropriate exercise;
• appropriate grooming;
• responsible reproductive management where applicable; and
• lifelong care.

Buyer understands that the cat’s welfare takes priority over convenience, financial considerations, or breeding production.

Buyer understands that this Agreement creates continuing obligations that may remain in effect after the kitten or cat leaves Breeder’s physical possession.

58. SIGNATURES

By signing this contract upon pickup by wet signature, the parties acknowledge that the kitten or retired adult cat identified in the physical agreement has been transferred to the possession of Buyer, subject to all terms of this Agreement.

The physical agreement shall contain the kitten/cat-specific identifying information and transaction information applicable to this placement.

Buyer acknowledges that the kitten or adult cat has been released after meeting the health and placement requirements established by Breeder for the kitten or cat to have a healthy and strong transition to its new home.

Buyer understands that a professional veterinary examination is required within 48 hours of pickup for independent verification of the cat’s health at the time of pickup.

Not performing this examination will result in health guarantees being waived by Buyer.

FINAL RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Buyer understands that this kitten or cat is being placed as a living companion and/or approved breeding animal and agrees to provide responsible, humane, lifelong care.

Buyer further understands that:

• companion/pet kittens are permanently non-breeding;
• breeding rights exist only when expressly granted;
• breeding rights are conditional;
• breeding females may not produce more than one litter in any twelve-month period;
• veterinary recommendations may require a longer recovery period;
• breeding cats may not be transferred with breeding rights without authorization;
• the cat may remain associated with Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls through pedigree and historical breeding records;
• the Buyer must contact Breeder before rehoming, surrendering, selling, giving away, or otherwise permanently transferring the cat;
• the Buyer may not intentionally falsify pedigree, parentage, ownership, registration, breeding, or origin information;
• the Buyer may not represent that Ashton’s Angels Ragdolls endorses or remains affiliated with a subsequent breeding program without written authorization; and
• material violations of this Agreement may result in liquidated damages of $10,000.00, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.