ELYSIAN 
BENGALS

Natural Rearing is a concept where the breeder helps to raise their breeding cats’ kittens as naturally as possible, by following the simple guidelines of nature. Natural rearing includes:

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• Feeding a species appropriate diet-this is one that is raw and includes meat, organs and bones, emulating prey animals consumed in the wild.

• Limiting exposure to noxious chemicals-this includes using alternative flea and tick medications as well as cleaners that are not chemically based

• Limiting vaccinations-this includes understanding the pros and cons of vaccinating, by titer testing, not over vaccinating and following the state and local laws for specific vaccinations

• Letting our mothers raise their kittens-we do not take their kittens away early (unless for cause i.e. the health and safety of the mother or kittens). They are weaned when the mother weans them and although they have their own room, they are not confide to cages or lack of fresh air and natural sunlight.

• Access to clean air, clean living conditions, clean water, clean food and room for exercise and enrichment provided by their mother and litter mates as well as the breeder

Natural Rearing does not mean we do not:

• Use conventional medicine when necessary

• Follow the laws in the case of vaccinations or are against the concepts of vaccinations

• Clean our cattery or the spaces that our cats and kittens occupy

• Treat our cats and kittens if they have fleas, ticks, parasites etc.

• Consult a veterinarian

As a member of the Natural Rearing Breeder Association (NRBA), I state that:

• I have been feeding my cats and kittens exclusively a raw meat, bone and organ diet for a minimum of three years.

• I am committed to feeding/rearing my cats on raw meat and bone diet and do not feed processed kibble or canned foods as a supplement or treats.

• I do not vaccinate except where required by state law.

• I do not use chemical products in, on or around my cats such as commercial wormers, flea preventions, floor cleaners, lawn pesticides, etc.

• I breed my cats with care and attention for the preservation and improvement of my chosen breed.

• I test my breeding program in an objective venue such as conformation showing, work, tests and/or trials, etc.

• I research health, temperament, and conformation for each litter I breed.

• I ensure that my cats that are offered for stud and the queens that are accepted for stud service are in good health and free from communicable diseases and sound structurally as well as mentally.

• I rear the kittens in a human home where they will get a maximum of human contact and socialization.

• I provide health and temperament information on my breed in general as well as on my specific cats or kittens to all prospective kitten buyers.

• I provide all required documentation with each kitten, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the registry the litter is registered with.

• I personally and carefully screen each prospective kitten buyer to ensure that the home is appropriate for the breed and the individual kitten and make every effort to place kittens in homes where they will continue to be raised “naturally”.

• I remain available to my kitten buyers for the life of the kitten to mentor if need be and provide education in natural rearing.

• I take back kittens at any time during their life if necessary, ensuring that each cat I breed has a home for its lifetime.

• All kitten placements are done by me, the breeder, never by third parties such as brokers, dealers, or wholesalers, nor through auctions, or as prizes.

• I will sell no kitten or cats to a commercial facility, kitten broker, pet shop, kitten farm or their agent.

• I refuse to sell any kitten or adult cat to a buyer who cannot or will not provide evidence of ability to properly care for the animal.

• I hold myself responsible for the welfare of every cat breed and/or sell.

• I will conduct myself at all times in such a manner as to reflect credit on the sport of purebred cat showing and Natural Rearing of my specific breed.

• I am a member in good standing of a breed-related, show-related, feline education-related, or rescue-related club or organization.

• I can provide three references (with phone numbers and/or mailing address) if requested by the Natural Rearing Breeders Association.
   

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