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I purchased a kitten from Holly in January 2022, it was a devastating experience and I wish to warn others. Holly breached several rules when selling my registered pedigree kitten - my kitten was given to me early and completely unvaccinated (Holly told me the GCCF had “cleared” those things). (The GCCF have since confirmed they did not, hence her suspension). My kitten was unwell and needed veterinary treatment within 16 hours of us getting home (but fortunately made a full recovery). Holly does not let owners see their kitten’s Mum or see where the kitten has been raised. She bundled my kitten out and into my carrier on her doorstep. She claims this is due to Covid and to protect the volunteers in her cattery (please see https://m.facebook.com/groups/1632817370120905/permalink/5115115925224348/ to see how she cares for her volunteers). Holly has broken these rules repeated times and is currently suspended from the GCCF (see photo). She attempted to hide selling her kittens early by withholding the transfer of owner slip and posting it to new owners once the kitten is 13 weeks old (the correct age for sale). I have since learnt she is well known for the fatal FIP cat virus and have since found out a litter mate of my kitten died at 4 months old. Holly has a terrible terrible reputation in the British Shorthair cat world. She does not breed cats to the correct breed standard and my kitten has an extreme brachycephalic (flat) face and consequently has breathing problems on exertion (e.g when playing) and also suffers with constant watery eyes. She has had to have her nostrils and nasal passage surgically widened and the Vet also attempted to clear / flush her tear ducts but could not because they were so constricted. I informed Holly of these issues and she was dismissive and has even repeated the exact same mating with my kitten’s Mum and Dad.
Desired outcome: Warn others
Photos added.
Holly Smith / McManus Drambuieberry Silver British Shorthairs Swindon
I purchased a kitten from Holly Smith / McManus in January 2022, it was a devastating experience and I wish to warn others. Holly breached several rules when selling my registered pedigree kitten - my kitten was given to me early and completely unvaccinated (Holly told me the GCCF had “cleared” those things). (The GCCF have since confirmed they did not, hence her suspension). My kitten was unwell and needed veterinary treatment within 16 hours of us getting home (but fortunately made a full recovery). Holly does not let owners see their kitten’s Mum or see where the kitten has been raised. She bundled my kitten out and into my carrier on her doorstep. She claims this is due to Covid and to protect the volunteers in her breeding cattery (however there have also been hundreds of complaints and a lot of upset from those volunteering in her cattery - see post on Facebook Swindon Community Notice Group on 6th July from Mia Dimino). Holly has broken these rules repeated times and is currently suspended from the GCCF (see photo). She attempted to hide selling her kittens early by withholding the transfer of owner slip and posting it to new owners once the kitten is 13 weeks old (the correct age for sale). I have since learnt she is well known for the fatal FIP cat virus and have since found out a litter mate of my kitten died at 4 months old. Holly has a terrible terrible reputation in the British Shorthair cat world. She does not breed cats to the correct breed standard and my kitten has an extreme brachycephalic (flat) face and consequently has breathing problems on exertion (e.g when playing) and also suffers with constant watery eyes. She has had to have her nostrils and nasal passage surgically widened and the Vet also attempted to clear / flush her tear ducts but could not because they were so constricted. I informed Holly of these issues and she was dismissive and has even repeated the exact same mating with my kitten’s Mum and Dad.
Now banned for life
Yes :) this should show everyone everything they need to know! Thanks for posting. Unfortunately she will continue to breed with TICA or unregistered. I met someone else at a cat show a couple of weekends ago who had a cat of hers that he took home at 8 weeks old. Yet she SWORE my cat was the only one she did this with. No reputable breeder gets suspended for life whatever lies she comes up with as to the reason for this.
Your right, 4 posts now on pets4homes, TICA need informing
Sadly I don’t think TICA have welfare guidelines / rules in the same way GCCF do :(.
What was Swindon council’s opinion ?
I believe Holly has stopped breeding! I was about to reach out to complain about my cat who has had double hip surgery and now needs knee surgery due to bad breeding standards! Devastated!