Poll for all Kitty people...

[MoshiMom]

My beloved Mr. Moshiyoto (Applehead/Traditional Siamese Cat) was put to sleep today. He had a >90% diagnosis of FIP. He was 20 weeks old. I am so sad today, but, I have a question to pose to ya'll. My Veterinarian had referred me to Texas A&M Veterinarian school and they also agreed with my Veterinarian on FIP diagnosis based on their exam and tests. The ONE thing that I got that was not the same was this----Is it safe to get another kitten from this breeder? She has told me that she would "replace" my kitten whenever I am ready. I am very scared and nervous of getting another sick kitten. I paid $550 for this beautiful kitten that was just a bundle of joy and energy when we got him and then slowly went downhill. I love Siamese cats and have always had one.

My Veterinarian says, "no", Texas A&M said, "should not be in issue to get another kitten from this breeder".....What would ya'll do???

Thanks!
Crystal

[bitterrootbullies]

Originally Posted by MoshiMom

My beloved Mr. Moshiyoto (Applehead/Traditional Siamese Cat) was put to sleep today. He had a >90% diagnosis of FIP. He was 20 weeks old. I am so sad today, but, I have a question to pose to ya'll. My Veterinarian had referred me to Texas A&M Veterinarian school and they also agreed with my Veterinarian on FIP diagnosis based on their exam and tests. The ONE thing that I got that was not the same was this----Is it safe to get another kitten from this breeder? She has told me that she would "replace" my kitten whenever I am ready. I am very scared and nervous of getting another sick kitten. I paid $550 for this beautiful kitten that was just a bundle of joy and energy when we got him and then slowly went downhill. I love Siamese cats and have always had one.

My Veterinarian says, "no", Texas A&M said, "should not be in issue to get another kitten from this breeder".....What would ya'll do???

Thanks!
Crystal

I wouldn't get one from this breeder!
amanda

[cichlidfreak]

I would NOT get another kittie ffrom this breeder but you DO have the right (I believe) to demand the $$$ you paid instead of anothre cat... If they are willing to replace the cat then they should be willing to replace the cash.
Sorry if this sounds harsh... I recently got 2 gt's (fish) from a pet store and they had ich ( a fish parasite) and they died shortly after starting treatment.
I was told to go get more gt's from them since they practically owed them to me... we got 2 more gt's from a different store but now they too have ich (that was left over from the other fish) but have a way less serious case and are taking treatment well... (probably cuz they just got it, not had it for a long time like the others)
Long story short They DO owe you but it is wrong of them to offer another potentially infected kittie to you!

[MoshiMom]

Unfortunately, the contract is they replace the cat, not the money...It is so hard! I am just going to have them test the cat and send me the results on the corona virus and some other tests that may show the cat is susceptible to mutating the FIP...Nothing is 100% with FIP unfortunately--only death....It is going to be awhile before I am ready for another kitty, though....

[latergatorj]

In the breeder's defense, I would like to say I very much doubt that s/he intended to sell a kitty with FIP. Breeders of purebred kitties- typically only break even with how much they sell their kitties for. It costs a lot to take your pregnant cat to the Veterinarian for checkups, and for each of the kittens, not to mention feeding them and making sure that your kitty line is fresh (by buying new cats to breed).

I'm saying this from experience since my family and I bred my first burmese kitty. We did not make any money off of it and we sold them for the same amount we purchased my first burmese for. But that was okay with us, we wanted the experience of kittens and the miracle of life.

The fact that this breeder now has a kitten attributed to them that died of FIP- has hurt them emotionally (because breeders are not in this for the money... they love their kittens and cats), their reputation, and makes it less likely that they'll be able to sell or even buy new kitties from other lines to make theirs lines stronger. If we were to boycott these breeders completely, breeders would be less likely to breed these beautiful cats and many breeds would die out.

Offering a new kitten in exchange... verses a refund... is a standard policy for breeders. It helps them show that they are good breeders, they care about the kitties they sell, and it shows others that even if one of their kittens dies, it doesn't mean all of them will. It helps them re-establish their reputation.

Moshi, I replied to your original question via email as asked.

[cichlidfreak]

I really don't know a ton about cats and dogs, esspetially with the breeding issues... I was only giving my opinion and nothing eles... I do really hope everything works out better for you in the long though

[MoshiMom]

Thanks ya'll! I am eventually going to get another kitty from the breeder because--a.) she does owe it to me and b.) I truly love Siamese cats and can't imagine my house without that yowl and little "puppy dog" cat running around!

[latergatorj]

:-P I miss the yowl as well.

:-) I am also only giving my opinion. Always better to have more perspectives, knowledge, and opinions than not enough.

[Tucker'sMom]

I would ask to have the new kitten tested before you take it. IMO