6 weeks ago I got into contact with a Massachussetts member of your association. After some emails back and forth we agreed that I would purchase a male pet-quality kitten from her. I sent her the deposit, she accepted it and sent me a contract-like receipt. She updated me regularly with pictures and information, stating every time that I would love him. We agreed that I would pick him up this upcoming weekend before Christmas. Now I just received another email from her in which she writes that she changed her mind, that she will keep him as a breeding cat and that she will mail the deposit back to me. I am of course very disappointed. Is this normal breeder's behaviour? Is there anything I can do?

-- Anonymous, December 14, 1999

Answers

First, this person obviously is trouble - forget about a kitten from a "problem breeder". Even if you have an enforceable contract, why bother with a legal remedy when there are so many reputable MC breeders. Just ask for the money back (hopefully she will return it). Also, I hope you are not in a hurry to get the kitten by Christmas, since you should be very deliberate and careful in your selection. You also should expect the breeder to be selective in placing a kitten with you, because (reputable) breeders are concerned about the eventual well being of their kittens. Afterall, if everything goes well, you may have this kitten/cat for 15 years or more.

I suggest you visit cat shows and catterys in your area, and look at the kittens, cats, and the conditions at the catterys. At the shows, look at the different types and colors of the exhibitors' kittens and cats (there are different looks/types) and talk to the exhibitors at the shows as most will periodically have kittens for sale (some maybe at the show). If you are from Massachusetts, there is a show in Milford on March 11th at the Milford Armory. Other shows schedules Nation-wide can be found on the Internet at:

http://www.flash.net/~debreed/calendar.htm http://www.cfainc.org/shows/show-schedule.html

Breeder locations/information can be found at:

http://www.mcbfa.org/members/ http://www.breedlist.com/na/mai-na.html

Good luck.

-- Anonymous, December 16, 1999

Totally agree with Pat's answer to you. I can understand your disappointment but I would avoid that breeder anyway. Get your deposit back. Personally, I think she should add interest onto it but you will be lucky to get that! Another place to look for cat shows in your area is at www.tica.org/frames.htm then go to the link on the left-hand column called "cat show schedule". Good luck in finding another perfect kitty. Excellent and ethical breeders are out there and I am sure you will be suited soon.

-- Anonymous, December 16, 1999

I disagree with the above answers. By all means, she should offer you a different kitten or send your money back(sans interest). Sometimes a kitten turns out better then initially thought or something happens to one or both of the parents and a breeder may decide they want/need to keep the kitten. This does not mean they are a bad person necessarly, nor that future dealings with them would result in the same ending.

-- Anonymous, June 30, 2000