Like Pulling Teeth

She lied and should be reported. Beyond the lying, though, is the basic fact that millions of homeless cats - many of them purebreds - are killed in shelters every year. Breeders like this one are directly responsible for many of these deaths. Breeding must be done only by the most ethical and responsible people. The cats' lives depend on this.

While I certainly respect everyone else's opinions on this, I feel compelled to say that I don't think you should "report" this person. You have what she promised you now, right? Yes, she misrepresented the cat's age and that wasn't a good thing for her to do, but the end result is still the same - you have what you wanted. Is this really the hill you want to die on?

~gf~

Originally Posted by gayef

While I certainly respect everyone else's opinions on this, I feel compelled to say that I don't think you should "report" this person. You have what she promised you now, right? Yes, she misrepresented the cat's age and that wasn't a good thing for her to do, but the end result is still the same - you have what you wanted. Is this really the hill you want to die on?

~gf~

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You know, my hubby and I have discussed it, and I've gone over it time and time again in my head. I just can't get away from the idea that there are people out there that wouldn't be as forgiving, and would take their disappointment out on the poor kitty if they were put in the same position. I mean, maybe they'd sell him to the first joe they met without making sure it was a good home just to recoup their money and then go buy a younger kitty, or something far worse. Thank GOD we're not that way. If it had to happen, then I'm glad it happened to us. I can see your point and for a few moments I really thought I could let it drop, but honestly due to the fact that she might do it again to someone who might be mean to the kitty about it, I don't know that I could sleep if I didn't do what I could to stop that.

I offered her one last chance to explain the discrepancy, in as non-accusing way as possible, just in case there actually is a valid explanation (maybe she sent a blue slip for an earlier litter accidentally, things like that). Our action will depend upon her response to that email. If she comes clean, I'll consider not reporting it. If I get more delays or no answer at all, I think I can trust that she's been dishonest and I'm certain the CFA should be made aware of it.

Any other parting thoughts? I figure I'll give her at least 3 days to respond, but after that...

I commend you for being the bigger person here ... I would give her at least 10 days to reply.

I haven't done an extensive search of the CFA web site for breeder sanctions and infractions, but something tells me there may not be a lot you can do or more specifically, that CFA will do for you even if you do decide to file a complaint. I'll keep looking and see what I can find out for you along these lines.

For now, sit back, enjoy your gorgeously stunningly deliciously handsome boy *grin* and wait to see her reply. And if you would be so kind, please keep me posted on this - I really am interested to see how this ends.

~gf~

Where did that other post go? I started to reply at work but my boss walked in

Anyway I was going to suggest to her not to say anything to her breeder about planning to notify the CFA until all other options have been exhausted, to keep from making her angry and even more uncooperative like mine became. I wonder if she's directly asked her to apply for duplicate copies for her. They do that, right? If she refuses to, maybe she should contact the cfa first and if they can't do anything then file a suit since as breeder cats, she'll be actively losing money due to the lack of registration papers.

We're not expecting much, but even if they just send her a "we know what you did" letter I hope it will be enough to keep her from doing it again. In the meantime, I'm afraid to even file the blue slip... I mean, what if it's not even for his litter? Can we ever find out for sure? Should I file it on the gut feeling that she just simply lied about his age? I suspect I'll never find out from her. There are 3 scenarios to explain the discrepancy I suppose, but I can only think of one that doesn't mean that she lied and she won't admit to lying. Especially not after she got so nasty and stated "how dare you call me a liar"... (which I never did, I just told her what the CFA said in reference to not finding the daddy's registration record)... nope, I'll never hear from her again.

Pity.

I must agree with GayeF. Even if you put in a complaint with CFA, I doubt there is anything that will be done. I think you should be glad you got the papers and enjoy your beautiful cat.

CFA is simply a registry for breeders - it isn't there to police them. A lot of the info on papers is done on the honor system. I hate to say it, but I could probably register the kittens from a breeding between my TV and my toaster if I paid for it.

I'm sorry if this sounds a little flip, but the words "registered" and "papers" (especially *CFA papers*) have a magical effect on people. They lead people to believe that what they are buying must be legitimate and high quality. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Registered simply means "recorded". Somewhere, someone has the cat's name, color and date of birth written down. Registered certainly doesnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t mean healthy and it certainly doesn't mean quality (almost every pet shop kittenmill kitten has CFA papers).

It's very unfortunate that this woman was dishonest with you (we all know she was being dishonest - she's probably just not used to being called on it). I'm sure her doings will catch up with her eventually. In the meantime, you have a beautiful cat that hopefully will give you years of love and companionship. Hopefully, you can chalk this up to experience. For the most part, the best breeders don't always have kittens available - beware of the ones that do. It is often worth the wait to get a quality kitten.

I just wanted to let you know I'm in love!

He is so handsome!

Mika says thanks, Yosemite... you should see him when he's hamming it up!

Originally Posted by CathyG

CFA is simply a registry for breeders - it isn't there to police them. A lot of the info on papers is done on the honor system. I hate to say it, but I could probably register the kittens from a breeding between my TV and my toaster if I paid for it.

I'm sorry if this sounds a little flip, but the words "registered" and "papers" (especially *CFA papers*) have a magical effect on people. They lead people to believe that what they are buying must be legitimate and high quality. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Registered simply means "recorded". Somewhere, someone has the cat's name, color and date of birth written down. Registered certainly doesnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t mean healthy and it certainly doesn't mean quality (almost every pet shop kittenmill kitten has CFA papers).

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Although I do agree that the CFA is fundamentally a "list maker", and that due to the honor system style, a registration doesn't mean it's certified by any means for any thing... however I do have to disagree that they wouldn't want to ensure the integrity of the "list" once a problem was pointed out, otherwise they'd have no legitimacy as an organization at all. I do, however, doubt they go around swatting this type of fly; I don't expect much action to be taken if any, and I'm not demanding any... although it would be nice if they could encourage her to simply tell us the truth, I'm not even asking for that.

My only hope is that they keep the incident on file so that if more problems occur they will know to remove her from "the list", and this is how my letter will be presented. But in any case if what comes around goes around, then it certainly doesn't hurt to give it whatever nudge I have the power to.

I sent you a private message - check your mailbox

Originally Posted by Sooz123

That's not what I intended by the post at all. I've removed the statement that I was going to post the name if it turned out poorly... it was more just venting than truth anyway. No locations have been disclosed anywhere here so it can't be connected by cross referencing posts.

I'm still interested on any other take people might have on the situation. It's quite worrysome to me.

I don't believe she mentioned the "guarantee" to me before, so I'm not worried about it. I think she used it in her last email as just another dig at me. The registration is what I'm concerned about, and don't understand the attitude I'm getting from her at all!

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I don't see how she can promise a life time guarantee without a contract. Usually, a contract says how long the cat is guaranteed for-and I don't think I ever heard of a breeder offering a life time guarantee anyway.

Well, here is exactly what she said, word for word as copied from her email, and it's the first I had heard of any guarantee. I think at this point, the "guarantee" is kind of a moot point, as I take full health responsibility the moment I bring any animal home anyway...

"I guarantee my cats for their entire lifetime as long as they have the proper care and vet care, but with the terrible problems and ugliness there has been between us I do not extend that guarantee to you."

Is it me or is she implying that I was the one being ugly? I could theoretically post the transcript of our conversation, but it seems to me she was the one who blew up. Oh well, it doesn't matter now. I'll send my letter to get closure, and it'll be a done matter... with the exception that I intend to tell anybody who asks me to avoid her.