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Question for breeders only

admin

Paige
Staff member
My name is April and I purchased my kitten Tank from you in August. It has been the best 6 months with him in my life and he is my pride and joy. I took him to vet because he has been very lethargic and not eating much. After spending $900 in vet bills, they have diagnosed him with FIP.

After reading articles upon articles and getting many vet's and breeder's opinions. Being that he has always been the only cat in my household, I have been told he may have got it from your cattery. I am not here to make demands of any sort... I just want you to hear my story so it can be prevented in the future.

I don't want anyone to have to go through the emotional pain I have had to go through with this. And not to mention the financial burden this is to have spent thousands of dollars for a kitten that I only get to have in my life for 6 months. I am so emotionally and financially invested into him, that it just doesn't feel fair to me or my darling Tank. If he spent years with me it would've maybe been a bit easier to let go, but it's hard to see my 9 month old baby so weak.

Again, I am not pointing any fingers or making any conclusions... I am just going based on what I have been told.

Please respond via email or phone call; As I have taken off work to nurture him through his last days here, I am available all day for the next 2 days.

Thank you,
April Zimmer

April, I don't know who told you FIP may have come from the breeder's cattery...I did not see that suggestion here, nor do I believe it. If that were true, almost every breeder would be accused of proliferating FIP in their catteries...

I know you are upset and grieving, but I don't think this is the way to approach the breeder...you are automatically putting that breeder on the defensive...

you also do not need to wait seven weeks as far as I know - I don't know who told you that either...

as for breeders only in it for the money...uh, does it seem like we are only in it for the money? We have many breeders answering questions on this forum, offering advice and support...if any of us were in this for the money, we wouldn't spend so much time on this forum...
 

John Popp

Site Supporter
Hi April,

I simply feel awful for you and each time I pick up any of our cats and kittens I hug them a little harder and hold them a little closer.
 

admin

Paige
Staff member
Thank you. If I could post on here what I wrote in the email and get your opinion on that as well that would be great.

AprilAnn, I was reminded that we do not allow personal correspondence on the forum between anyone...it can be a violation of privacy, but at the least it is awkward...
 

Brigitte Cowell

Moderator
Staff member
I am just in denial of all of this. I can't stand to see this happen to him, especially since he is only 9 months old.

I am not sure on how to approach the breeder about this. I also have no idea if my breeder is even compassionate... Do breeders get to the point where it's just about the money, or do they still have a deep love for all their animals? I did send an email on Saturday and I am still waiting to hear back from them.

I don't want to sit here and ask for a refund or a new kitten. I feel that it's rude and demanding, but at the same time I'm losing my baby. Even if they were willing to compensate me with a new kitten I would have to wait 7 weeks because I was told the virus stays dormant and can affect new animals that you bring in the house. Would also have to rigorously clean everything, and 7 weeks would give me enough time to prepare.

But again my question remains... How do I approach my breeder?
The best way to approach your breeder at this stage is to let them know what is going on with your kitten and share just how distraught and heartbroken you are. Give them the opportunity to react so that you can see if they are as upset as you are (I know that I would be) or if they just want to talk about what liability they feel.

When you are still dealing with the diagnosis, you don't need to right now deal with the issue of replacement, and the timing of any such thing.... just make sure they are informed. They may well have some input into what tests etc they think are a good idea...
 
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