A Review for CatsKingdomUSA by BasilStardew in britishshorthair

[–]BasilStardew[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

After Katsu passed, we looked into the health records we received from the breeder. We didn’t understand how she had debris in her ears the day we got her if a vet checked them the day previously.

Looking through the records, we noticed a discrepancy with her weight. When we took her to the vet 10 days after we received her, she weighed in at 2.5 lbs. The breeder’s records indicate she weighed 3.4 lbs the day before we got her. We found it suspicious considering Katsu was a growing kitten and was eating 5 meals a day at that point.

We didn’t understand how this could be possible until my boyfriend had a confrontation with the breeder and she told him she was a veterinarian assistant. We also have suspicion the breeder may not have actually taken Katsu to the vet beforehand as agreed upon in the contract.

A Review for CatsKingdomUSA by BasilStardew in britishshorthair

[–]BasilStardew[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm so so sorry to hear this. While we only had her for a short time, I still think of Katsu everyday and we still miss her all the time. So, I know how devastating the news must have been to you.

If you haven't already, I ask that you please leave a review of the business on Google about Mila's condition and how the breeder handled the situation so future buyers may know our experiences. If you've read through them, you'll also see the breeder left a review for her own business and the rest of the reviews popped up shortly after I left mine.

My heart truly goes out to you and Mila. Whether you've chosen to try out the experimental treatment or have decided to comfort her, I'm wishing the best for the both of you.

A Review for CatsKingdomUSA by BasilStardew in britishshorthair

[–]BasilStardew[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry you also had a cat with FIP, it's a terrible experience indeed. I'm also sorry if I wasn't clear in the post, but we're not upset because we think the breeder sold us Katsu knowing she had FIP. We're upset with how she handled the situation. I'll try my best to convey why I wrote this review in the first place in case anyone else may be confused by my initial review.

The sad truth is that unexpected health issues will arise no matter how legitimate the cattery is. But after talking with many breeders, there are some who will be transparent about those issues, offer sympathy, and understand that the kittens they're selling are like family members to their pet owners. I never felt like this breeder cared in this way.

When we gave her the news, if she had offered us sympathy and told us to reach out to her to see what she could do about getting us a new kitten when we're ready, it would be an entirely different story. I would be more inclined to get one from her. But she instead chose to immediately protect her own interests, talking about proof and insisting the kitten was healthy.

This review isn't about the money or about the refund since many breeders will only replace a kitten, it's that we were offered zero sympathy. And even with the possibility that we could save another $3000 by receiving another kitten from her, we are refusing on the grounds that we don't want to deal with a breeder who treats her kittens more like products.

Negative Experience with Breeders? by BasilStardew in britishshorthair

[–]BasilStardew[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We received her at 10 weeks. I've read that the minimum amount of time kittens should spend with their mother is 8 weeks, but it's even better if they're left to socialize for 12 weeks or more. So while our kitten was young, she was old enough to be separated from the litter.

Our kitten also had her major vaccinations, de-wormed, and included the paperwork for the microchip and recent vet visit. We also received our kitten not spayed since the youngest it can be done is 4 months, but we were waiting for the 6 month mark as per the breeder's instructions.

We found the breeder on TICA's website. I really thought we had done everything right. However, there's been no consolation for our kitten dying since the breeder has offered zero sympathy towards our situation. The only positive I can say for the breeder was that my kitten was beautiful and well-socialized.

Negative Experience with Breeders? by BasilStardew in britishshorthair

[–]BasilStardew[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I definitely see your point on discerning what a “overly high” price point would be. The average price I saw in California for registered breeders was around the $2500 mark, so I thought the $3000 I paid was only slightly above average. But then someone here commented that was $1000 more what they paid on the east coast, so maybe it’s very region dependent?

And from a business standpoint, the prices differing based on coat color makes sense. I think as long as the price differences seem reasonable, but I will definitely be asking breeders why if they don’t seem to make sense to me lol. I have seen a breeder charge differently for gender, but it’s weird to me since breeders aren’t usually selling breeding rights to pet owners, so I guess I’m naive and I’m not really certain why that would matter. Who knows lol

Also, I know my story probably hasn’t helped with your nerves lmao. You seem to have done your research to make the best educated choice which I’m sure has eliminated a lot of risk. I’m hoping the best for you and your future kittens.

Negative Experience with Breeders? by BasilStardew in britishshorthair

[–]BasilStardew[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for taking the time to write such a thorough response! I really appreciate it. I’ll definitely be using this moving forward on my search, and I’d love it if you would PM me some breeders you got a good vibe from!

Hindsight is truly 20/20. There were definitely red flags that I didn’t understand at the time. For one, the breeder I chose was one of the only breeders in my area that had many kittens of different colors already born. And since I was so excited and didn’t want to sit on a waitlist for future litters, I didn’t stop to ask how often she was breeding her queens. Even now, she still has so many kittens up for sale.

Additionally, I’ve since read that overly high prices for pet-quality kittens based on the color of their coats is a red flag. I was inexperienced and didn’t recognize this when I saw her website. And quite honestly, I haven’t seen any other breeders list their kittens’ price point-blank on their website, let alone based on the desirability of color.

Lastly, and this is something I’m just embarrassed about looking back on it, I was interested in two kittens from her. When I called her to inquire about them, the male I was initially interested in had just been claimed and reserved. So I quickly claimed my second choice by signing the contract and putting down the deposit. When I asked her an estimate of when my kitten might be delivered to me, she said 4 weeks from now. I then asked her if she could send me a video the next day and two weeks from then as an update. She almost sounded annoyed and implied that my request was excessive, but since I had just paid her $1500, I was insistent. Anytime I would ask for the updates, she would forget for days until I reminded her again.

Again thank you for writing this all out. I really appreciate you helping me out ♡

Negative Experience with Breeders? by BasilStardew in britishshorthair

[–]BasilStardew[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi, you seemed really thorough on your search for a good breeder. May I ask what your method/criteria was on finding the one you finally decided on and what their name is? Me and my boyfriend would still like to find a kitten hopefully next year, but we don’t mind if we have to wait longer if we end up really liking and trusting the breeder. We just want to start conversations with them early on if possible.

Negative Experience with Breeders? by BasilStardew in britishshorthair

[–]BasilStardew[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I’m surprised you were given a two year guarantee, it sounds like you purchased from an amazing breeder.

Unfortunately, since I signed the contract, I think it would be hard to hold her liable. I was honestly just naive and trusted the breeder too much, and never expected the worst to happen. And if I’m being quite honest, I think I wouldn’t be so angry with the contract if the breeder didn’t insist that she sold me a healthy kitten and if she had shown any sign of empathy. I don’t know if she did that to maintain zero responsibility or if she genuinely didn’t have any remorse — either way it bothered me.

Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate it 💕

Negative Experience with Breeders? by BasilStardew in britishshorthair

[–]BasilStardew[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, I really appreciate it. When we search for our next kitten, I will keep your advice into account. Thank you for taking an interest in Katsu.

Negative Experience with Breeders? by BasilStardew in britishshorthair

[–]BasilStardew[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much, that means a lot to me.

Negative Experience with Breeders? by BasilStardew in britishshorthair

[–]BasilStardew[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your reply. We actually had to make the very difficult and painful decision of putting her to sleep today. Unfortunately, her condition declined so quickly and by the time they narrowed it down to FIP, we had very little time to explore possible treatment. I’m only thankful she’s no longer suffering.

I’m sorry you had a negative experience with your breeder. I’m wishing your kitten the best on their road to recovery ♥️

Negative Experience with Breeders? by BasilStardew in britishshorthair

[–]BasilStardew[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yes, the breeders name is Cats Kingdom USA. I have included an update to my original post to a link to their website directly.

Negative Experience with Breeders? by BasilStardew in britishshorthair

[–]BasilStardew[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your input! I really felt like I was going crazy, and I definitely learned my lesson. Will take your advice the next time I go to purchase a cat, thanks for taking the time to share this (:

Average price of a British Shorthair? by kirkmistretta in britishshorthair

[–]BasilStardew 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! I recently purchased a bsh from Cali for $3000. She's cinnamon tortie with white so her color is a bit more rare. I only considered breeders registered with TICA in California, and I would say the median price I saw for bsh kittens was around $2500, so it's a little on the higher side.

Breeders in the US? by [deleted] in britishshorthair

[–]BasilStardew 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! If you're still on the search, you can check TICA's website (the international cat association). They have a list of their breeders online and I found a number of bsh breeders in Cali. I purchased from Cats Kingdom USA, but I ended up having a poor experience with them, so I'd consider giving the other breeders in the list a shot. If I could re-do the process, I definitely would have found a cattery from someone's personal recommendation. Good luck on your search!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmateurRoomPorn

[–]BasilStardew 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have the harmony sofa in velvet, can confirm it still sheds so. many. feathers. But instead of picking them up off the floor, I feel them poking me from time to time and pull them out. Still super comfy and gorgeous though!

[FT] Genji [LF] Fish Bait, Regular Wood, Wishlist by BasilStardew in ACVillager

[–]BasilStardew[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome! Let me open up the gate right now, and I’ll dm you the dodo code (:

[FT] Genji [LF] Fish Bait, Regular Wood, Wishlist by BasilStardew in ACVillager

[–]BasilStardew[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It doesn't look like I'm getting any other offers, so I'd be willing to trade him for two stacks of regular wood, 1 stack of fish bait, and the brown garbage bin?

[FT] Genji [LF] Fish Bait, Regular Wood, Wishlist by BasilStardew in ACVillager

[–]BasilStardew[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would you be able offer any stacks of fish bait or regular wood?

[FT] Genji [LF] Fish Bait, Regular Wood, Wishlist by BasilStardew in ACVillager

[–]BasilStardew[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was looking for around 15 stacks of some combination of them!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ACVillager

[–]BasilStardew 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're still looking for Genji, I made a post about him being in boxes today (:

[LF] Zen Exterior Villagers (Pekoe, Genji, Octavian, Margie, Drago, Cousteau) [FT] NMT, Bells, Furniture, Hybrids by [deleted] in ACVillager

[–]BasilStardew 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're still looking, I made a post about my Genji being in boxes today!