MakeBelieve Ragdolls review: FIP 4

Yikes, I just put a deposit on a kitten. This is disheartening...

I am sorry to hear that you lost your kitten. Coronavirus is a benign virus which causes colds in humans ( human specific) bovine, dogs the list goes on. Coronavirus itself is not deadly, BUT if a kitten has a compromised immune system it can turn to FIP, which can NOT be confirmed on a living animal. The only test to confirm a kitten has Coronavirus is a fecal or one derived directly from body cavity fluids confirmed via PCR DNA/RNA test, that test alone does NOT confirm FIP, simply that the cat has been in contact with the Coronavirus and is shedding it, please note the coronavirus is not one single virus it is several different strains of a cold: type of virus umbrellaed under the name Caronavirus, which is why any antigen or DNA/RNA test can not quantify a predisposition to FIP or confirm FIP, as only 1 strain can turn into FIP, unless the aforementioned mutate to FIP. It is estimated nearly half of all domestic felines will have some sort of positive result if tested for Corona Virus, with varying numbers greater than that in catteries or high number households and rescues. The FIP itself is not what kills a cat or kitten it is the kitten or cats bodies immune systems overreaction which causes death, which cannot be predicted.

While you should of received a healthy kitten from the start, it is more than probable that this kitten was positive for Coronavirus, and it mutated while in your care, and highly unlikely that it had mutated prior as it is not a spontaneous event. Unless you had your vet do a thorough exam and testing within the first few days in which you had the kitten for DNA/RNA status of Coronavirus. That previous sentence is not to insinuate that you are somehow at fault as the buyer, but a statement, that neither the breeder, you or the vet can control if the particular strain mutates.

Ideally one would hope that every precautionary test has been run on her cats, and her kittens, but because of the elusive and unpinpointed nature of the Coronavirus(s) there is little protocol besides hygiene that can eradicate it in the breeding environment. It is imperative of any kitten buyer to do their due diligence when they buy a kitten, both before and after acquiring their kitten, responsibility alone does not solely fall on the breeder as once the kitten leaves they cannot control a mutation or a particular strain of virus from changing, as they themselves are not god. In turn if they have had a kitten who had any form of URI prior to placement, I believe it should be disclosed to the buyer, so they may make an informed decision. It is also very important to make sure a cattery in which you buy a kitten or cat from comes from one in which has low numbers or cats.

This person seems reasonable but doesn't at all reflect my experience with Deb! I have two of Debs kittens and they are

just wonderful, happy, healthy kittens! Big gorgeous floppy dolls and so sweet, I could not be happier with my kittens!

As far as staying in contact, we had a good deal of contact back and forth all along from deposit to delivery meeting and

on that note, we even had a great talk during the meeting. She really went above and beyond with my kittens and I

actually enjoyed my interactions with Deb. I'm very glad I went to Deb for my kittens, they adjusted right off and were

box trained from the get go. It made us all laugh how the kittens just seemed to be getting a kick out of using the box,

just adorable!

Health contracts from breeders covered congenital issues. FIP is caused by a virus. Health guarantees don't cover viruses. It is not a congenital problem. The breeder can't control what viruses your cat is exposed to once it leaves their home. Why would this be the breeders responsibility? The cat became ill after it left their home and while it was in your care.