Deposits

[Eolsurion]

But one thing I am always telling buyers, do NOT send any money without signing a contract! This contract should define the terms on when you would learn of your ability to choose and when you would know which was your kitten...

I agree whole heartedly, I think it would be a very scary proposition otherwise.

I would actually recommend not going through a breeder that requires a pre-birth deposit. That way you have the most control over exactly which kitten you get. I think it is about buying the kitten that steals your heart in photos, vs hoping to get a good kitten out of what's left of a specific litter.

I think pre-birth contracts worked when there where only a few breeders and supply was so low vs demand. There are so many breeders now that don't require pre-birth deposits and honestly I fall in love with so many kittens advertised as available ...

I hope that everything works out well for you and that you someday decide to get a second or third sv and this advice may help.

 

[Lori Greer]

Does anyone know what the protocol is on prebirth deposits? I have my deposit down on a kitten, but was unable to pick one out immediately due to a breeder getting first choice.
My kitten is 8 1/2 weeks old, but I still haven't heard anything. I am getting anxious as I am trying to prepare and was hoping to visit the kittens before pick up, but find it pointless if I don't know which one is mine. Does anyone know how long these things usually take?

I don't take prebirth deposits so can't advise on that. BUT, it does take a few months to really see how kittens are developing so maybe the breeder is just wanting a bit more time? Have you asked if they have made a decision yet?

 

[shelby]

I also have individuals that wish to send a holding fee before a litter is born. One was only a few months ago. I assured them that I would let them know as soon as the babies were born. I did so,,,they asked for a contract to look over. There were two females and they decided to take both girls(they saw pictures at 1 week old). I had to insist that no deposit be sent until they were at least two weeks old. The very day they turned 2 weeks old..I did receive the deposit. They are a wonderful family and everyone is happy with the sisters that joined them on Mother's Day;>) I will say I think it is more stressful to take a deposit on a very young kitten. I can't even imagine taking a deposit on one that is yet to be born. They are fragile little souls (as any babies are) at birth and anything can happen. I watch them and worry until they reach that two week milestone. For my sanity ...LOL NO PRE-BIRTH DEPOSITS;>) I do appreciate the trust and confidence in me to do as I say I will,but I just prefer to wait;>) Kristen is anxiously awaiting confirmation on her baby ...not knowing what is going on. Hopefully all is well and the breeder is very busy taking care of her precious little one. I hope to hear soon that all is well and her dream baby has joined her;>) I will say..try to keep that same faith through this that you placed when that deposit was given . Hopefully you will hear good news in the next few days.

 

[Patty]

I had a customer insist on giving me a pre-birth deposit with my F2 litter this time. I didn't want to do it, but he insisted, so he gave me a very small deposit and then ended up backing out once the babies were born. Said he was having financial problems. Lesson learned!

 

[shelby]

I also agree that it is hard to choose sometimes. Once they start growing and getting around it is difficult at times to make that choice. I did not decide which male was my keeper until the boys were three months old;>) I did have someone waiting, but I had not taken a deposit. They were anxious, but fully understood that I was not going to rush my choice. All ended well as they actually ended up with the baby that was their favorite to begin with;>) Once I told them who was available they were here within the week to pick him up;>)

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Ah yes, choosing the right kitten. Nadiya's babies are causing me angst, I think I've chosen but then I waver! LOL!

But nobody has a deposit on them, so I am allowed to waver ;-)

 

[shelby]

This is what I was going through;>) LOL

 

[The Kasbah]

I haven't signed any contract, and they haven't mentioned if there was one. They said the prebirth deposit was transferable to different litters. I think a deposit on a certain kitten is more, but I'm not really sure. I am sure I am just overexcited and they will let me know when things die down a bit. Thanks for your help

You do not have a signed contract? So, are you saying that without anything in writing spelling out the terms of your agreement, you gave someone money...on an unborn kitten, no less? Please correct me if I am misinformed...but this seems like it was a very bad idea. Paying for anything that is not yet born is risky...but couple that with the fact that you have nothing whatsoever in writing and I'd say you have a few super compelling reasons to be nervous.

I hope I am wrong, but this doesn't pass the smell test for me...

 

[Kristin]

The kittens were born when I put the deposit on, it was just to ensure that I would get a kitten
My breeder emailed me today and I got my first choice (YAAAY!!!!) I put pictures up in a different thread...Zeddie has been picked.
Thanks for the advice!

 

[Pam Flachs]

Great news! I'm sure you'll keep us updated with news of when she is coming home...she is a gorgeous little gal