Return of kitten to breeder.

spursfatboy

Hi,
Desperate for some advice please. 
My son has been desperate for a pet for ages and as a family decided to get him a cat. Research was done on a suitable breed that would suit our household. We found a registered pedigree breeder of Ragdoll cats. 

I worked all the extra hours i could to save up to afford the kitten which was purchased mid December. I paid over £1k for the kitten which was to be a Christmas gift for my son. 

The kitten was brought home and settled in straight away. He has been well looked after and pampered, vet checked and all vaccinations up to date etc. He quickly became a part of the family. 

Unfortunately, it seems my son has developed a significant allergy to cats. We have come to the difficult decision that the kitten can no longer remain with us as my son is struggling every day. 

My partner signed a contract with the breeder, one of the points being that should we no longer be able to keep the cat, it is to be returned to them. My partner has arranged for the kitten to be returned this week. 

My son is heartbroken at the return if his furry friend. 

My partner received a message from the breeder saying there was no guarantee around return of funds and that the cat might be adopted out. 

As the kitten is less than 6 months old and in perfect condition, i do not forsee any issue with the kitten being resold. 

I am not naive enough to  think that i would get back the money i paid for the kitten but given the amount paid and the resale potential, i would hope for some in return. 

I have seen 4 year old cats of the same breed on sale for the same price i paid let alone kittens 

Am i unreasonable to feel that i should receive some return? The contract states the cat must be returned to the breeder, but i could easily find a loving home for the kitten myself and receive back most of the cost i paid  

Any advice?

gettingtheresometime

Has the allergy to the cat been medically confirmed?

comeandgo

Does the contract even mention that they will return any money?  

sheramber

The time to query the contract was before buying it. 
If you do not agree with the terms then don't buy.
A good breeder accepts responsibility for any animals they breed and should care about what happens to them. Hence the contract.

Pollycat

spursfatboy said:

My partner signed a contract with the breeder, one of the points being that should we no longer be able to keep the cat, it is to be returned to them. My partner has arranged for the kitten to be returned this week. 

So what does the contract say about return of monies paid if you have to return the cat?

teddysmum

To give your son hope : our ex-neighbours bought a collie cross, but their early teenage son developed such allergy that an ambulance was needed  at times. When in his late teens, testing ours and others dogs, the allergy had gone away, so they could have a dog again. I know he was fine for the next two years so don't know how it worked long term.

Apintplease

Im allergic to dog hair and cat hair

Ive always had cocker spaniels until the passing of the last 4 years ago

Since then Ive had two cats

Ive just got a new dog

I take an antihistamine every day, that may work for your son

its usually the dander we become allergic to so daily out door brushing will help

TripleH

Does the contract say you 'must' return the kitten to the breeder?
Does it specify if the kitten has been neutered?
Is there mention of refunds at all?
Personally I cannot see much of an issue getting an older kitten to a younger one (in some way it might be more beneficial) obviously with the welfare of the animal in mind.
I know with our Burmese, we weren't allowed to use the boys for breeding (we could but they couldn't be registered) which was a condition of the breeder who provided cat who sired them. The problem being they are both registered officially as boys even though the eldest one turned out to be a girl.
Apologies for the ramble, but if the cat is a purebreed the restrictions may apply only to unneutered cats to minimise diseases caused by inbreeding perhaps? 

donnac2558

I have owned Burmese for many years when buying from the same breeder each time.  My cats passed away through cancer and 12,18 and 17.   I had to sign a contract.   Cat must be neutered males and females and if any problems must be returned to the breeder.  The contract never mentioned return of money.

This contract seems to be the standard no matter what breed of cat.

sheramber

TheOP has not logged on since February.

I expectt eh situation has been resolved one way or another before now.