Beyond Beautiful Kittens: Our Breeder Code of Ethics & Why It Matters
When you step into the world of pedigreed cats, you’ll notice that behind every well-loved kitten is a breeder who lives by a code—not just a passion. At WinterForest, this code is our compass. It shapes how we raise our kittens, how we choose their future families, and why we invest so deeply in every relationship.
Why a Code of Ethics?
The Code of Ethics isn’t a fancy set of rules—it’s a promise. A promise to our cats, to you, and to the integrity of the breed. Breeding responsibly means more than pairing cats; it means safeguarding health, temperament, and future generations.
Our Guiding Principles (TICA’s Breeder Code of Ethics in a Nutshell)
As proud members of TICA, we adhere to these core principles:
Prioritize Health & Welfare: Breed cats in a way that promotes physical and emotional well-being.
No Misrepresentation: Always be honest about health, lineage, and any known issues.
No Sale to unknown families: Kittens go only to loving homes, never into a commercial chain.
Provide Proper Care: Ensure kittens are raised in a healthy, socialized environment before leaving.
Respect Age Guidelines: Never release kittens before they are developmentally ready (usually after 14 weeks).
Maintain Records: Keep accurate pedigree and health information for transparency.
Commit to Education: Continuously learn and support ethical breeding practices.
Take Responsibility: Be there for every kitten we place—for life.
(Adapted from TICA’s Breeder Code of Ethics)
How Kittens Are Allocated (And Why It’s Not Just First-Come, First-Served)
At WinterForest, we look beyond “who asks first.” Our kittens are family, so finding their future homes is about fit, not speed. We consider:
✔ Lifestyle & Expectations – Is this a quiet home or bustling with kids? Do you travel often?
✔ Experience & Commitment – First-time owner or seasoned cat parent? Both are welcome—but we’ll guide you every step of the way.
✔ Personality Match – Just like people, kittens have quirks. Some love a busy household; others prefer calm snuggles.
When you reach out, it’s not a transaction—it’s the beginning of a conversation. We’ll share insights about the breed, answer every question, and learn about your home. This helps us match you with the right kitten—not just a kitten.
Sample of a TICA code of ethics.
We have redacted our cattery number as well as sensitive information from the sample.
Ready to Start the Journey?
If your heart is set on a Siberian (or one of our other breeds), don’t wait until kittens are on the website. The best way is to build a relationship early. Most of our kittens are reserved by families who’ve been in touch long before a litter is born.
Start by sending us a message. Tell us about your home, your dreams, and what drew you to this breed. From there, we’ll guide you through the steps—introducing you to upcoming litters, sharing kitten updates, and keeping you connected until the right little fluffball is ready to join your family.