When you collect a pedigree kitten from a serious, NRR-registered breeder, you should receive a package of documentation. Many new owners glance at the papers without understanding what they actually say. Here is a walk-through.
The pedigree
The pedigree is the most fundamental document — an official proof of breed and origin, issued by NRR. It shows the parents, grandparents and typically three to five generations back.
You can optionally look up ancestors' health results on PawPeds — an open, internationally used database for pedigree cat health data.
Vaccination record
The kitten should have received two vaccine doses against panleukopenia, calicivirus and herpesvirus (typically at 8 and 12 weeks) before leaving the breeder. The vaccination record documents this.
What to check: - Vaccination date and the kitten's age at the time - Which vaccines were used (manufacturer and vaccine name) - The vet's signature
The next vaccination — the annual booster — is your responsibility as an owner.
DNA tests for hereditary diseases
Depending on the breed you will receive one or more DNA test certificates. These test for known genetic mutations:
- HCM (MyBPC3 mutation): Maine Coon and Ragdoll
- PKD (polycystic kidney disease): Persian, British Shorthair
- PRA (progressive retinal atrophy): Bengal, Abyssinian
- GSD IV: Norwegian Forest Cat
Results are shown as N/N (no mutations found), N/Mutation (carrier, one copy) or Mutation/Mutation (affected). As an owner, N/N is the best result.
Echocardiography (HCM screening)
For breeds with a high risk of HCM (heart disease), the breeding animals' parents should have been examined with echocardiography — an ultrasound of the heart performed by a specialist vet.
Note: a negative HCM echo means the animal had no measurable cardiac changes *at the time of testing*. It is not a lifelong guarantee. HCM can still develop — which is one of the reasons regular vet follow-up is recommended for heart-susceptible breeds.