Pedigree with Proof: What Registration Papers Say About Your Kitten’s Origins

Written By SL

At WinterForest Siberians, we believe that the foundation of every good breeding program is built on honesty, traceability, and responsibility. Every kitten that leaves our care—whether show or companion—is a product of meticulous planning and certified lineage.

And with every kitten comes something that should never be treated as optional:
Registration paperwork.

We proudly register all of our litters with TICA (The International Cat Association) and/or CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association).
Every pet kitten goes home with a pedigree certificate, and every retiree or show-quality kitten receives their full registration slips—included at no additional cost.

What Does Certified Pedigree Actually Mean?

A certified pedigree verifies that your kitten is the product of a planned, ethical, and transparent breeding program. It means:

  • Their parents are registered, recognised, and approved by a legitimate registry

  • The breeder has registered the entire litter with TICA and/or CFA

  • The cat’s lineage is traceable, with a recorded genetic background

  • You are receiving a kitten from a cattery in good standing

“Paperwork isn’t extra—it’s essential.”
 — WinterForest Siberians

Why Some Breeders Don’t Offer Papers

Sadly, not all breeders operate to this standard. The reasons some avoid or upcharge for paperwork are often deeply concerning.

1. Unregistered Litters

Breeders may skip registering a litter entirely when they’ve:

  • Used unregistered or disqualified cats

  • Breached ethical or registry breeding rules

  • Bred outside the regulations set by the governing body

Without registration, there’s no accountability.

2. Exorbitant Charges for Registration Slips

Some charge large fees—anywhere from $500- $1000—for paperwork that should be included. It’s a tactic designed to deter you from asking, or to hide something behind a paywall.

“If a breeder makes paperwork seem like a burden, they maybe hiding something.”
— WinterForest Siberians

3. Discounted Kittens Without Papers

A kitten “with no papers” is a kitten bred without accountability. While the price may seem appealing, the cost is often paid in other ways.
Supporting such practices only fuels the cycle of untraceable, irresponsible breeding.

If You Haven’t Received Your Kitten’s Papers…

If you were promised paperwork and have not received it, you are entitled to follow up. You should request:

  • The litter’s registration number

  • Verification of the parents’ registry status

  • A clear timeline or reason for the delay

If the cattery is evasive or repeatedly delays delivery, they are maybe operating outside of registry guidelines.

Are Delays Ever Justified?

Yes—and only for valid, ethical reasons. At WinterForest, there may be a short wait before receiving your kitten’s registration certificate if:

  • You are required to confirm spay/neuter (as mandated by registry agreements for pet homes)

  • Final documentation is still in process (e.g., international paperwork or registry backlog)

These are protective measures—not stalling tactics. Your paperwork is never withheld indefinitely, and never monetised.

“Registration isn’t paperwork. It’s peace of mind.”
— WinterForest SiberiansMake it stand out

Exercise your choice.

Choosing a kitten from a cattery without paperwork doesn’t just mean “no papers.” It usually means:

  • No verified lineage

  • No registry oversight

  • No accountability

  • No proof of ethical breeding

At WinterForest, our paperwork reflects our values. It’s not an extra—it’s the baseline.

What You Receive from WinterForest Siberians

With every kitten—whether companion or show—you will receive:

  • A pedigree certificate with TICA and/or CFA

  • A registration slip (for retirees or full rights homes)

  • Full transparency of the litter’s registration

  • Support and guidance in transferring ownership into your name

  • A documented beginning to your kitten’s story

Because Lineage Is More Than Lines on Paper

Your kitten’s pedigree is a record of responsible breeding, of health-tested lines, and of ethical decisions made long before they were born. It is your assurance that what you’ve chosen is not just beautiful—but authentic and well-bred.

At WinterForest Siberians, we don’t charge extra for that peace of mind.
We build our program on it.

“When you choose a kitten with papers, you’re choosing a legacy rooted in care, ethics, and truth.”
— WinterForest Siberians

SL
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