We recently traveled to what we thought was a well known breeder to view and purchase a Main Coone. We flew 2000 mi and found these cats in very poor conditions. She must of had 35 cats in a electrified fence area outside 24 hrs/day. These cats were infested with ear mites and fleas. We also suspect they were full of worms ie only feeds them raw meat and had distended bellies. In addition to the out side cats she had at least seven full sized cats in a cage that was 3ft by 2ft and six kittens in another. Aside from the 3doz chickens, 2 goats and 5 dogs! I do not know much about breeders but I never thought they could be allowed to be registered with MCBFA or any other registry with cats that are this filthy. She has know record of who is being breeded with whom (I would guess a lot of in breeding). Can she be reorted to some kind of authority? Can I report our experience to associations? Any information would be helpful. Her adult cats are very unique and buetiful but live in conditions that NO animal should live in. There is know shelter from the elements and she states that NONE of her cats are to be vacinated or recieve ANY medicines??? Maybe I am meowing up the wrong tree hear but these cats need rescuing!!

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2000

Answers

Response to Awfull breeder conditions!!??

This situation sounds terrible, of course, and should be addressed immediately so an investigation can take place. Firstly, for the INSTANT benefit of the cats, I see no reason why you should not report this breeder to HER local SPCA. You can find the telephone number through directory enquiries, I am sure. If your information is correct I would imagine the SPCA would make an immediate visit. Secondly, as you have not said which associations she belongs to (or perhaps you don't know which), you could report the breeder to the Cat Fanciers Association (e-mail at cfa@cfainc.org) and The International Cat Association (e-mail at ticaeo@xanadu2.net) so that those associations can see if the breeder is listed with them. Are you SURE that this person is a breeder member of the MCBFA? It is quite difficult to be accepted as a breeder member of that organization and it requires a probationary period and several hoops to jump through. Of course, she might SAY she is a member or she may have been an approved member some time ago whose breeding conditions have since gone downhill. Overall, I would suggest you immediately contact the SPCA and they can investigate and take the cats into care, if necessary. If this occurs, other breeders and cat fanciers may well come to the assistance of the cats by fostering or adopting them. A good way to alert MC lovers to problems like this is to join a MC discussion list such as mcats@onelist.com Just go to onelist.com and register yourself onto the mcats list. I am sure the members there will be most concerned with what you have found.

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2000

Response to Awfull breeder conditions!!??

I think I know the breeder you are talking about (Florida right?). Please report her right away to anyone who will listen. On another list I came across someone who bought a cat from her that had a lot of health problems. They also said the cat's conditions were terrible. When first looking for a Maine Coon kitten I spoke with this breeder but she came across as a bit crazy and didn't like what I heard (I luckily found another breeder who is great). Her web site shows how she keeps her cats - outdoors with no protection. And yes, she does claim to be a member of the MCBFA, how she did this I don't know.

-- Anonymous, February 07, 2000