policies

A-Kerr's Bengal cats established 1989

A-Kerr's Bengal cats

established 1989

A-Kerr's Bengal cats... it's easy to spot the difference!

Question: What is the highest priority at A-Kerr's Bengal cats?

Answer: The individual kitten/cat and you.

Philosophy...

I began breeding in 1989 to show my sons living, true to life examples of being responsible to something other than oneself. Animals are reliant on daily human care and support regardless of what else is going on in one's life. This is a continual responsibility. In the process of the lesson for my sons, the cats became a reminder for the whole family. We went to shows, created an ideal cattery situation, and learned a lot about the breed, cat people, and most importantly, each other.

Along the way, I became very involved in the breed. I do not place many cats in breeding programs, for a variety of reasons, but basically because of the way my cats are raised and loved. They are very bonded to people and give such unconditional love that is an essential part of life rarely experienced. In catteries, cats are often housed separately or differently due to the breeding cycles and basic interest in enticing mates... breeding cats do not make the best pets.

The main focus of my breeding program is: health, temperament, and appearance. Temperament is number one to me... health I leave up to my veterinarian and through the selection of vigorous lines, beauty is apparent in the awards won and in the individual cats and kittens, but temperament and personality are most important to me. Interestingly, I find that as I have selected for temperament, I have also improved the health and vigor of my cats. And, win more awards...

Basically, I breed Bengal cats because I love people. It is my way of staying in contact with the world and offering something that becomes a dynamic of change and love. These cats are intelligent, loving, and interactive... they are incredible companions and partners to many people around the world. I have placed hundreds of kittens through the years and you benefit from this experience. Most of my waiting list is composed of owners wanting a second, third, and yes even more Bengal cats! They are addictive.

In order to make sure that I provide everything possible for you and for the individual cat, I adhere to the following practices. Over the years this is added to and perfected. I offer this service to you... you will note that it has within it a series of checks and balances that allow you a window into the process of selection of the appropriate kitten.

Libbie

HERE IS WHAT CATS AND KITTENS RECEIVE

	Intensive handling. Kittens are massaged, carried, and bonded to human touch through daily handling from birth.
	Health care. Veterinarian in depth evaluation. Each kitten is seen at least three times at Powell Vet Clinic. Checked for soundness, vaccinated, and tested.
	Quality foods. Kittens receive a high quality diet keeping them healthy and growing strong.
	Optimal environment. Kittens are raised in our home, live in an active household designed to allow them to grow confident and social. They are handled daily and receive individual attention.

YOU RECEIVE

	Experienced communications. Books and charts to help you understand the owning of a cat and the selection of the right one for you.
	Access to veterinarian records on your cat/kitten. Your veterinarian must have direct contact with Powell Vet Clinic if any questions on health arise. This is an important part of our agreement. This is through a phone call, 614-436-9922.
	Video and photos. You are brought into the selection process with video of the cattery and available kittens. This allows you to see the personality. Photographs show the color and pattern. I provide an honest, professional evaluation of your kitten. If you want more photos or videos, they are done for you and I will do all I can to assist you in your selection.

CATTERY QUALITY ASSURANCE

	First Bengal Cattery to receive OUTSTANDING CATTERY AWARD from The International Cat Association. Kept current annually. Was notified by TICA that I am the longest holding cattery of this award of any breed!
	First Bengal cattery to receive Cattery of Excellence from American Cat Fanciers Association. Kept current annually.
	Breeder of Distinction awarded from The International Bengal Cat Society. Kept current annually.
	Veterinarian inspected on an annual basis and surprise checks.
	Visitors are WELCOME. You get to see every cat and kitten, handle the adults, and play with the babies. One of the most heard comments is how impressed people are with the facilities, the lack of odor in our home, and the attention given to detail.
	Feline Behavior classes from Ohio Wesleyan University visited here.
	Ohio State Veterinary Club visited to discuss cattery setups and critique the health care given.

A-KERR'S BENGAL CATS GUARANTEE TO YOU

	Written guarantees on health and temperament
	Veterinarian approved cattery
	Shots administered by vet.
	FeLV, FIV free kittens
	Random testing for corona virus. *
	Complete health record given.
	Your veterinarian given access to your kitten's records by my veterinarian.
	Clear and honest evaluation of kittens
	One year fatal congenital health guarantee.
	Five year limited congenital health guarantee.
	Feline Behavior Counseling
	Kitten's complete vaccination record
	Early spay and neuter
	Phone consultation through your veterinarian and mine on any questions concerning your kitten's health.

*Though I cannot guarantee each individual kitten is free of corona virus, as an estimated 80-95% of cats in multicat households have corona virus, I can guarantee replacement of any Akerrs kitten that contacts FIP. That is the best anyone can do. See www.orionfoundation.com for more information.

LIBBIE KERR

FELINE OFFICES AND APPOINTMENTS

President The International Bengal Cat Society, 1993- 94

Incorporated TIBCS

Code of Ethics

Legislation Committee and many others set up to work for the Bengal future.

Award for Outstanding Service, 1994, 2003

Executive Board of TIBCS, 1993-1996.

Cat Fanciers Federation, Breed Committee Chair, 1993-96

American Cat Fanciers Association, Breed Committee Chair, 1997-2006.

The International Cat Association, Breed Committee, 1996-1999

The United Feline Organization, Breed Committee, 1998-1999.

International Committee Chair for TIBCS, 1997 – 2006

The International Bengal Cat Society, Breeder of Distinction Committee, Code of Ethic Committee, Education Committee, International Committee 2002-current, TIBCS Legislative Committee 2002-current,

The International Cat Association Breed Section Member, 1991-current

American Cat Fanciers Breed Section Member since, 1997-current.

Instrumental in getting Bengal cats reinstated in ACFA in 1997.

Cat Writer's Association Member, 2001- current

Co-moderator, yahoogroups.com FIP list 2000-2005

Moderator: www.yahoogroups.com bengalcatgenes

EDUCATION

	BS in History/Psychology/English with teacher certification from Ohio State University, 1971.
	Miscellaneous post graduate studies... ongoing.

COURSES RELATING TO FELINE

	Feline Behavior The Inheritance of Temperament, Cornell
	Feline Behavior: Ohio State University.
	International Feline Genetics Seminar, Philadelphia, 1998
	Feline Behavior Seminar, Ohio State University, 1999.
	Students from OSU and OWU visit the cattery to study feline behavior.
	Information assistant on several feline lists.
	Feline Genetics Course from Cornell University,

I am a published author and speak on issues concerning cats, cancer, and other cat-astrophies! I have received community service awards for my work in education and in writing. Like all volunteers, I have received far more rewards in just being of service … and enjoy helping and assisting others to grow as individuals. I am currently working on a several new projects that will be completed someday.

Questions to ask breeders and A-Kerr's Bengal cats answers.