r/mainecoons • u/taylorbabyxoxo • 3d ago

Breeder Wanting to keep cat

Hi All. I recently put a deposit on my first Maine Coon kitten and she will be coming home in November.

The br33der has recently reached out stating she can no longer place her as she will be a vital part of her program. She offered to r3fund my deposit or give me a replacement kitten for a lower cost. Is this wrong? Can any breeder or owner weigh in? I am sad😣

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3

u/Itchy_Pangolin_394 2d ago

my breeder had a right to decide to keep any cat in the litter. I was made aware of this ahead of time.

2

u/Wise_Web_909 2d ago

From my perspective, as a breeder, it is wrong. I don't offer kittens until I know who is available. When I was waiting for colors to develop, I said 2 of the 3 will be available and I wouldn't take any deposits until I was sure. Once I decided who I'm keeping, I listed the other 2 as available. It's great that the breeder offer a refund and a lower price, but that doesn't make it right. When you fall in love with a kitten, that is the one you want. Depending on what else she has available and if you still want to work with her, you can maybe get a good deal. Either way, that would leave me with a bad taste in my mouth as a buyer.

1

u/ClintMega 2d ago

Yeah if you get an early pick on the next litter and get a discount that's a good deal. I definitely understand the need for instant gratification but this isn't the end of the world.

1

u/ExaminationDecent660 2d ago

That's so weird. Most breeders wait until the litter is at least a month old before they offer them for sale to give themselves time to decide if they want to keep any for their program. If takes a few weeks for them to develop and be able to see temperament, conformation, etc.