Finding a respectable breeder question

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thespring

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If a breeder is a member of MCBFA and has a "TICA outstanding cattery" and "CFA cattery of excellence" award would they be a trustworthy place to check out? Or if a cattery does not state anything like the above, is that a sign they could be back yard breeders?

I don't have Maine Coon Breeders in my country let alone area so I have to look abroad. However, I've become more and more cautious after reading some of the terrible stories people have about some irresponsible breeders. It's unbelieveable how some people would try any trick.

One things for certain, I will not have the kitten shipped to me but will go personally to pick him up.

I know I should be looking for registered cats and a sale agreement with a health guarantee but what makes a good health guarantee?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
 
kitytize

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If a breeder is a member of MCBFA and has a "TICA outstanding cattery" and "CFA cattery of excellence" award would they be a trustworthy place to check out?
This means they have been checked out by a vet and passed the inspection. I know a cattery who carries those but in my opinion she has way to many breeding cats to properly socialize the kittens.

Or if a cattery does not state anything like the above, is that a sign they could be back yard breeders?
No

The best way to know if someone is backyard breeder is to visit the cattery yourself. Everyone has a different opinion on a backyard breeder. I personally would want my kitten from a small breeder who had time to socialize the kittens. I would look for clean living quarters and make sure the cats looked healthy and that the breeders were tested for any genetic health problems.
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thespring

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I see what you mean.
Thanks for your reply!

I was also wondering if a three day health guarantee following purchase was an acceptable period? It seems awfully short to me...
 
gayef

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The Cattery of Excellence award is given once per year, after an inspection by a veterinarian. The inspection takes all of about an hour at most and is completed. So, what the cattery conditions are the rest of the year is anyone's guess. IMO, the Award only tells you that the cattery was clean and tidy on the DAY of the inspection. It doesn't hold much, if any, water with me.

Not sure here, but could it be that the breeder requires the kitten to visit the vet within 3 days? My contract requires a vet visit after the kitten has been placed in the new home within 3 days to 1) ensure continued good health in the new environment, 2) introduce the kitten to the vet and staff and 3) to be able to discuss spay/neuter options and vaccines (if necessary) with the vet.

My health guarantee covers genetic issues and runs for a period of one year.
 
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thespring

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The contract states that the cat has a three day health guarantee from the time of delivery and should the cat become ill during this time it gives us five days after veterinary diagnosis for a refund or replacement.

Should a life threatening genetic disorder arise, then the breeder will an option of refunding difference between purchase price and pet price or replacing the kitten. Says nothing about the period...

Nowhere in the contract does it say anything about a one year run.

Thoughts?

Which breed do you breed gayef?
 
gayef

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I breed CFA registered Old-Style Siamese cats.

Hrmmmm, I like the idea of the guarantee being for 3 days after the kitten leaves the cattery, but honestly, it isn't enough in my mind as there are all sorts of baddies that can take ten days to two weeks to actually incubate and develop into illness in the host. But, most breeders won't even give that much so you are probably ahead of the game there.

The genetic guarantee should always have a period of time attached. You might want to clarify that with the breeder before making any purchase.
 
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