(05-08-2010 09:59 AM)JanH Wrote: [ -> ]The breeder should know about the labs. Dr. Meurs is at http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/deptsVCGL/test.aspx
If the breeder cannot get a blood sample drawn by her vet or wants to wait for a swab kit from Dr. Meurs to take the sample rather than getting a swab from her vet, then she can collect samples on q-tips herself and send then to UC Davis' lab. Their web site is http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/cat/HCM.php
As for the remedy, specifying it also does not get it for you. It is only a promise to give that remedy. That means you have to rely on the breeder to perform if the problem arises. It is not that easy to enforce such provisions in the event of default, particularly if there is distance between you and the breeder. The best protection is choosing with whom you deal.
Jan, I truly thank you for all of your wise advice & help on this matter. And taking the time to give me that link & detailed info is appreciated! Okay, I am quite happy to learn this about the Qtip swabbing she can do all on her own and then send them off!
I didn't realize that entering a provision into the contract makes it only a promise to deliver that requested remedy. That changes things considerably because of the expense involved. Not only am I paying the adoption costs for Phoenix, but I am also paying her mileage costs to meet me half way for the pick up on the adoption day (it's not cheap either).....but I was more than willing to do all of this because I wanted Phoenix that much. I had no problem justifying the costs until all of this started happening.
(05-08-2010 11:03 AM)Laura Wrote: [ -> ]The pedigree is not an issue. It really is just a matter of filing the paperwork along with a small fee. If it's to be a pet and not a breeder, I see no reason to bother with having it and only did it for one of my two Ragdolls. That was just out of curiosity to see what it was all about. Now, I wouldn't bother with it.
Whew.....you have relieved my mind considerably on the Pedigree. Thanks so much!!
There is a big advantage in picking up a kitten. You actually see the household, other cats and environment and, although difficult at that stage, one can back out.
Many do not bother to send in the blue slip to register the kitten and it does not make a lot of difference. However, GETTING the blue slip is EXTREMELY important. Getting a kitten from a reputable breeder with papers from a recognized registry is the only way to know you are in fact getting a Ragdoll.
(05-08-2010 11:27 AM)JanH Wrote: [ -> ]There is a big advantage in picking up a kitten. You actually see the household, other cats and environment and, although difficult at that stage, one can back out.
Many do not bother to send in the blue slip to register the kitten and it does not make a lot of difference. However, GETTING the blue slip is EXTREMELY important. Getting a kitten from a reputable breeder with papers from a recognized registry is the only way to know you are in fact getting a Ragdoll.
So true there's an advantage in picking up a kitten. The breeder said the others have come to her house to select their kittens from this litter, and I'm the only one at a distance. I tried to do business with some here in Wisconsin, but communications were poor to non-existant from the start and I was turned off by that. Another poster here from Wisc. had the same experience.
Okay....perfect to know. I will plan to get the blue slip for peace of mind in knowing I am getting a Ragdoll.....if I follow-thru with this adoption. I just heard from my breeder today, and still no word on the DNA testing, and so I'm emailing her the info on Dr. Meurs. Hope it goes well!!! THANKS Jan!
Wow, it's unbelievable someone with a house full of tiny kittens would be careless enough to use a recliner without checking under it.
We don't even recline in our chairs and the boys are huge. That's a sad situation.
(05-08-2010 03:02 PM)KatLeen Wrote: [ -> ]Wow, it's unbelievable someone with a house full of tiny kittens would be careless enough to use a recliner without checking under it.
We don't even recline in our chairs and the boys are huge. That's a sad situation.
Hi KatLeen.....I know what you mean. It's heartbreaking to even think about what happened to Phoenix.
The good news is the breeder said it's okay if I want to call her vet to ensure all is fine with him (as Laura suggested). And I just got new pics of Phoenix.....my heart just melted because he has gotten even cuter and fluffier. Now, I just need to get those HCM DNA results.
New pics?? Where are they, LOL. Good luck with Phoenix (great name btw). I hope it all works out! I know there are a few people on the forum from WI. Echo is one, can't recall who else?
Would love to see your new pics.
I'm glad to hear the breeder is fine with you calling the vet. That's a really good sign. I think this is going to work out just fine - and you and Phoenix will live happily ever after. I can feel it!
I'm sorry to hear you have been going through all this. I know it's not nice especially as you have grown so emotionally attached to Pheonix, and you probably want him even more now because of what he's been through and knowing you can love him more than anyone else. I think you will be very happy with Pheonix and it will all work out for the best!
Jan, I read the website of Dr. Meurs and noticed it said a kitten must be off nursing for 24 hours to get true HCM DNA genetic testing results. It says otherwise a kitten may have some DNA from the mother's teat in their mouth. Also, I see it costs about $60 or so. Phoenix was born 2/27.....so would he even still be nursing?? He is eating dry and wet food food of course.....so it's possible he is no longer nursing. I wanted to go into this suggestion to the breeder with a good knowledge base. And obviously, I could just ask my breeder about this, but felt compelled to check here first. I surely don't want little Phoenix pulled from his mother for a full 24 hours just to satisfy my need to know these test results. Edited to add: So then I would either wait for his parents testing results, or suggest the breeder do the QTIP swab testing for the parents instead of Phoenix, if he is still nursing.
My question then to anyone here that knows......is when does a Ragdoll kitten stop nursing entirely....what age are they weaned for good? Thanks so very much for the help on this. Oh, and I did research at what age a kitten is weaned from their mother, but understand for Ragdolls it's different......longer...more weeks of nursing than say, a domestic kitten would experience. Not sure this is accurate though.
______________________________________________________
KITTY, thanks! I hope to be posting Phoenix's pics later today.....so cute! I knew Echo was from Wisconsin, but didn't realize there was someone else. Good to know!
Thanks LAURA for all of your wise advice. Yes, positive thoughts are the way to go. I think it will be fine too....especially with the welcoming of me calling the vet! :-)
Thanks so much, LOUISE! Not much longer to go and hopefully Phoenix will be home!!! Just so exciting.....I can't wait to love and care for him. It's quite amazing actually how one can fall in love with a kitten from the very first picture and of course all of the info the breeder has given me on his personality has been great too.