Death From Genetic Defects Can Be Tough To Prove

The purpose of this blog is to help people learn from my experiences in purchasing a purebred kitten and to carefully read any contracts that you sign when making a purchase.
On May 27, 2010, we purchased an Exotic long hair kitten from the Dreamquete Cattery in northwest Indiana. The kitten, Rusty, was more timid than most kittens, but after a couple of weeks in our home he started to become acclimated to living with us. By October 25, Rusty’s appetite had waned to nothing and completely stopped eating. On October 27, Rusty had a complete blood count test to reveal that he had an elevated white cell count where there were many immature white blood cells in his system. Rusty’s condition worsened despite the fact that he was on Convenia and doxycylin and was being fed with a dropper. On Monday, November 1, after examination by 2 additional veterinarians, it was determined that Rusty had become anemic and was suffering considerably. Rusty’s life had to be terminated prematurely at 10.5 months old as the treatment was very expensive and there was no guaranty. Three different doctors examined Rusty and could not determine what was causing his illness.
Besides the heartbreak that we suffered, we learned a very valuable lesson about health guarantees and the requirement of a necropsy report in the event that a kitten dies within the first year after delivery to get a replacement. We were offered a full credit for the price we paid for Rusty towards the purchase of another kitten from Dreamquete. We did not pursue a necropsy report as that would not bring back precious little Rusty. We decided we would purchase a new kitten from a different breeder.
After conferring with several breeders, we did find a precious exotic shorthair to take Rusty’s role as Smokey’s companion. Smokey, a lovely black male Persian, has been devastated by the loss of Rusty since Rusty was already here when Smokey came home. Smokey and his brother Lucky get along great. We love Lucky, but we still feel the void as Rusty is no longer with us.
Our vet of 30 years told us to contact the breeder and let her know that she should stop breeding with her cats. The vet believed it was congenital.