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Was a potential future client for a future kitten. Asked for advice on how to blend my 3 cats (2 resident cats, 1 kitten). Was seeking constructive, supportive, non-judgmental advice. Even apologized in advance for any "noob questions." I included in my query that I bathed my cats and the kitten. I bathe my cats every 3 weeks, and they enjoy it.
Found the response acerbic and negative. Pets and pet parenting are a sensitive subject, and if a family seeks out family therapy or an individual goes to an attorney, the last thing they'd want/expect is to feel condescension.
Not speaking to the quality of her cats or anything. They could be fantastic. This is just something I wanted to warn the public about, if they cared about customer service with breeders/business.
TIAMARIA CATTERY RESPONSE:
"Stop showering them and bathing them. That's going to traumatized them. Also this kitten was just shipped, she is under enough stress without baths and other cats. You're going to make a situation that wouldn't have been bad with patience horrible. The breeder should have instructed you to isolate your new kitten, until it is comfortable with you. Your kitten could get sick from the stress. The other cats are hissing at each other because of the showers you gave them. You have to just chill out and separate them. This takes a couple weeks. Hopefully it won't take longer because of everything that has happened"
MY RESPONSE:
"I may have made a mistake bathing the kitten, but I don't think my cats are hissing at each other because of the baths. They have baths every 2-3 weeks and enjoy them, especially the blow drying. It is our first time having multiple cats, so we are inexperienced. It seems like I've upset you or taken too much of your time by reaching out. Thanks for the advice anyway.
I feel much worse about the situation after reading your response. I was seeking constructive, supportive advice but I sensed condescension with words like "traumatized, " "horrible, " "chill out."
I get the vibe of what you're saying. At first, I was wondering if I was being over sensitive (I hate that), so I shared it with a few attorney friends to check myself/reaction. They felt my sentiments, and we agreed that when someone comes with a bad situation (which is what often happens with someone hiring an attorney), successful individuals often try to make clients or potential clients feel better than worse, so the client trusts in them, they build a relationship, and the client will want to work with them again, versus the opposite.
I try to be a peacemaker. So, I don't mean to be in your face. I just wanted to enunciate I felt very somewhat judged and negative after the response, particularly with the judgment call on whether my cats like baths or not/how to parent them. I feel it's always a sensitive issue with pets or children and judgment calls are best to be avoided. I couldn't help imagining had this situation happened with a kitten I purchased/would have purchased with you in the future, and had I sought your advice, receiving this kind of reaction. I suppose it no longer matters.
We decided to hire a cat behaviorist. Thank you for your time in trying to help anyway. I appreciate it and everything thus far.
P.S. If you ever came to me for legal advice, I would not have responded with condescension. I try to respond as if I was in their shoes while being helpful. That is how I behaved with XYZ when he had a legal question. I would do that for anyone."
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I have had my share of experience with the Siamese/Balinese breeder community, and I ONLY recommend Louis Azcarate of Permes Cattery & Marie Desmond of Balichaton for the Siamese/Balinese breed.
I recommend these breeders for health, temperament, and care of kittens. I do not trust cat breeders in general, but I trust Louis and Marie.
I thank everyone for their interest and advice in this case, particularly Laurabell Cattery. I thank Avante Cattery, Laurabell Cattery, and GlasSlipper Cattery, for attempting to lend some insight into the situation, as well as JLPhillips. I recognize you all took a slice of time out of all your days to take time into responding with fervor. You did not have to do that, but took time to, and it's always nice for someone to go out of their way for others. I appreciate everyone's efforts.
To clarify, I don't think there's anything wrong with any professional's opinion, but there can be something wrong with how it is delivered. As clarified throughout the passage, that is the real complaint. As explicitly stated, this was not a complaint or testament to the quality of her kittens or her care; as stated above, they could be great. This is only the complaint against professionalism and the treatment of a potential client; it was written for other potential clients who would like to research their options, not other breeders or those who have already purchased. So for those who would like to criticize the complaint or whatnot, they should be directed towards their evaluation of the breeder's professionalism or treatment of the potential client. As that is and was the only potential client complaint. Other attacks seem somewhat irrelevant.
I am fairly even-keeled in judgment. So, I do not think any of her advice was specifically incorrect or correct. However, as stated in my original complaint, there is something amiss with client treatment. Although GlasSlipper Cattery may disagree, it is and can be a sensitive topic akin to parenting to many cat-parents. While JLPhillips seems to believe such a response is appropriate and acceptable, as a professional myself, it is certainly not the kind of response I would give to a friend, someone I am on friendly terms with, or even a stranger seeking my advice--whatever my profession is. A response akin to Laurabell Cattery's would be entirely appropriate and exactly what is welcome and likely expected from a professional and cat-lover.
Thank you very much, Laurabell Cattery.
I am a professional and everyone in my circle operates as such. It's hard to deal with and understand many breeders. I've interacted with. I've only had pure professional experiences with a few so far, Louis and Marie, both in WA. Because of the various odd experiences I've had with breeders, I thoroughly develop a relationship with them months prior to a purchase. See my other complaint in FIP kittens. That has made me extremely careful as a client and I seek to get to know breeders very well prior to a purchase. I would like to disclose that I did not email the cat's breeder because they are also difficult to correspond with via email--far more difficult than TiaMaria was, and I had a negative email experience with them as well during and after the cat's purchase that made me uncomfortable. I emailed TiaMaria Siamese because she did know this detail about meand my situation and I felt we were close enough she would respond sensitively. TiaMaria knew my situation, my history, and also that I was a potential client for a chocolate Balinese in the future.
Again, this is written for other potential clients, not other breeders or already-clients. I'm sure other potential clients who read this as well as other cattery responses can and will formulate their own opinions of the said cattery, as well as the catteries and individuals presented.
There are only a few bullet points to make, and I'll sum them up in response to all 4 points above. I will try to keep it as concise and short as possible, though it has already become lengthy.
1) As clearly stated from the post title and within the post, this cat was not purchased from TiaMaria. There was and is no insinuation that it was. I was a potential client. And this post was written FOR other potential clients, not other cat breeders or those who would prefer to comment on what they perceive is politically correct or incorrect. Their beliefs or lambasts towards me are irrelevant for both those who have already purchased and myself who will not purchase.
2) When seeking out advice, one does not and should not object to hear anything contrary to what they are doing. That should probably be expected. That being said, there are ways to present the objection. For myself and many other cat-owners, cats can be akin to family members and children, and thus, it is appropriate to state that one is looking for the same professionalism from a cat breeder as they are from a psychiatrist or an attorney. I do not think it's an impossible preference, as Louis Azcarate of Permes exhibits the same kind of professionalism. Anyone can be a professional if they take their career that seriously and are that passionate about it. Doctors, psychiatrist, and attorneys are not only professionals. Being an artist or a cat breeder is also a profession, if one chooses to make it one.
Because of my research and relationships made with breeders prior to purchase, I am and was able to vehemently defend Louis Azcarate in a post filed against him. Not in a way that insults others or the poster, but in a way that addresses the poster's actual stated claim and in a way that can show the context of the cat world and what it is/what kind of people and people skills we as clients have to deal with typically-- and how given the grim context, Louis is an above the run of mill experience.
3) About emails--a few of you who have commented may not understand what emails are or how they work in context with the modern world. Emails are not phone calls, nor are they texts. Emails are sent at the sender's leisure, and are responded to by the responder's leisure. Responders take no offense to the time emails are sent, and senders take no offense at the time when emails are received. Any real professional can explain the important difference.
Investment bankers, financial advisers, attorneys, businessmen, anyone in the financial sector, etc. We get emails all the time. Do we complain they are from 3-5am? No. Those in the financial sector, typically investment bankers, do not have the luxury to wait until decent hours to respond. That's the nature of their profession; they usually must respond immediately, the hours are not an excuse for lack of social skills. Fortunately, the rest of us have the luxury to respond at our ease, and do so when we can. Is TiaMaria obligated to respond to an email at the exact time an email is sent? There is no obligation.
Professionals should never underestimate another or be rude for any reason, and I was under the impression with my interactions with TiaMaria that she regarded herself as a profession and prided her professionalism very much. As I said, if an attorney or psychiatrist treated someone similarly in a session or response to their email, regardless of what time the professional chose to respond or what the matter was about, that response is unprofessional and would likely result in loss of a potential client. And that is exactly what happened. We have to take this out of context of the cat world and into the client's world--most of whom don't know as much about cats. Further, who can afford minimum $1000 per cat? More often than not, a professional or maybe someone with a trust fund. (explicit statement: that does not exclude the possibility of a non-professional saving money for the purchase).
So, what kind of treatment would a professional prefer? Most likely being treated professionally, for they treat others and have treated the breeder in that way as well.
In summary, while an argument can be made for 3-5am texts or phone calls being inappropriate, neither a professional nor most lay people can say the same for an email.
4) I did not lambast TiaMaria. For a lambast, one can examine most the other cat breeder complaints out there on ComplaintsBoard, or my other one on the breeder who sold an FIP kitten (click "other posts by poster). This information is put it out there for other clients to judge for themselves. They could concur with GlasSlipper that seeking advice for a new kitten is not as sensitive as seeking advice for a child or family member; they could concur it was being over-sensitive. That's up to their own prescience and devices. It's nothing either can control. This is just out there so it may aid other potential clients can formulate their own opinions.
Again, I appreciate the interest from other cat breeders and even other clients for their input and excerpts on their own experience. However, this was not written for other cat breeders nor was it written for other clients who have already purchased a kitten. I reiterate, this was written for other potential clients or future clients who prefer to research their breeders prior to purchase. This may be able to give them insight or a better 360 degree view on who they purchase from. Their preferences and plans to purchase and from whom are their own decisions entirely. If they would like to continue their purchase with TiaMaria, who is to stop them.
There is a reason ComplaintBoards exist. Research is optional, choosing to listen is optional, choosing to respond is optional, and choosing to back out or proceed with a purchase is optional.
Although some of you seem very offended, I don't take it to heart, and don't take my responses or input to heart, if you disagree with them. Your opinion and experiences are your own, as are mine. I am not offended by some of the emotional responses because I can understand all your opinions and affinities for a friend or a good experience you may have had. But just because one individual has a pleasant experience doesn't exclude the possibility another had an unpleasant experience.
This was written for other potential clients. Thank you for your time, everyone.
@MyBaliSi Cattery
Most people know to ask multiple people for advice and pool the advice together to form the best judgment, which is what I did. It was an assumption on your part to assume TiaMaria was the only one I asked. That's not the case, but TiaMaria is the only one that responded in such a manner. "Hmmmm?" Perhaps that might have been phrased in a question format, versus statement, as your assumption was factually incorrect.
Further, I am a law student. And in this situation, there is no consequence that can be brought for posting said "private email." Emails are hardly private, and a quick subpoena will conjure every and all email sent from any individual's IP address. If TiaMaria has a problem, or MyBaliSi has a large enough problem with "posting of a private email, " they may consult an attorney or even attempt to file a case. which would likely not be advisable considering we cost $600/hr, and the case would get thrown out. I suppose if she really wanted to, she could file a perjury case, which would of course get thrown out, as her attorney would file a subpoena on our conversations, as well as mine would, the judge would review the case and throw it out as it's not perjury; it is exactly what she had written. She or MyBaliSi Cattery can spend $600 for every hour the attorney works on the case, that's up to them. I suppose the paperwork and filings in the process would bring more attention to the situation and case, which I wouldn't oppose.
As stated in my post that hasn't gone up yet, this was written for other potential clients, not other breeders or already clients. And it said nothing to the quality or health of her cats. That's again another reading and interpretation error on the reader's part.
Finally, MyBaliSi, one attorney said in response to her email, "that's cat breeders for you. can't expect much." I actually disagreed with that attorney and said it doesn't have to be that way, and anyone can be professional in any setting.
I welcome your response, however, MyBaliSi, as other potential clients may see your response and form their own opinions as well. As for other attorneys, well, they already had a laugh.
"The lack of understanding/believing an email sent at any time is just the perfect metaphor for the lack of understanding the current times, social media usage, branding, marketing and customer service. This neither helps their business nor their friend. Rather, it hurts their own business image."
-- comment over lunch from a Professor of Integrated Marketing Communications,
and a Sloan MBA-student specializing in Branding and Marketing.
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The public can likely agree it is a perfect metaphor for the cattery names that hold those beliefs. MyBaliSi has clearly demonstrated those beliefs, confusing in her last post an email for "a phone call." Avante Cattery seemed to hint at it by disclosing the time of email as if it were relevant. JLPhillips hopefully does not run a business, though we can't be sure. Laurabell Cattery is unclear as to her beliefs, but was savvy enough to avoided major confrontation or offense, but only post some articles without stating her beliefs as convictions. In this whole post, from a business standpoint, while it was best for all businesses not to represent themselves, at least Laurabell and GlasSlipper can be respected for being able to remain less emotional and attempt to offend less rather than more.
Those who cling onto the fact of what time an email was sent only demonstrates the professor and MBA-candidate's expert opinions above. Further, IF TiaMaria sought to only receive emails at a certain time, she does have an iphone. She has the option to silence email notifications but still receive phone calls/texts overnight. To pin that on the sender is not only absurd but shows the business owner's lack of understanding of current social media usage, branding, marketing, and customer service.
In any case, if for any reason, she was incapable of knowing how to silence her email notifications overnight, and it was relevant to TiaMaria Siamese that emails ONLY be sent during business hours, she could have disclosed it on her site to only email during office hours, or to all potential customers. However, she did not.
For the public and clients who seek to research potential breeders, this is a great resource not only to see other client opinions and experiences, but also to see the said cattery and even other catteries in how they choose to represent themselves and their brand as well as treat others. As the Professor of IMC puts best, "the client or potential client who posted such complaints doesn't lose much, but the businesses who post and represent themselves do."
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@MyBaliSi - It would be an assumption to say "Marie was nice" = "Marie did not help." Marie is and always has been helpful. She neither complains at the time I send emails, nor does she feel that emails are the same as phone calls or texts. She responds in the morning when she is alert, awake, and free to respond. Louis responded promptly that he was away but would help shortly. It's unfortunate you assumed the worst of each individual, when in fact they have only been the most helpful, professional, and friendly over the years.
Neither breeder would ever come to the conclusion that an email was a "harassment, " as you've stated. Particularly, neither would state any email sent at any hour requesting help on a cat-related situation would be harassment. Perhaps that is why they are regarded as well-branded professionals.
As to your rhetorical question, it's unclear what you seem to be asking myself, the public, or yourself, so I can leave it at that. However, I never "called" Maria; again, that is another confusion or lack of understanding what an email is and how it differs from a phone call or text.
And as for an "uproar, " well, I never asked any of these breeders or MyBaliSi to respond. Those who chose to comment and respond choose to involve themselves and make something an uproar. But for myself and other clients, it is only welcome that other catteries respond and do not understand how search engines work. They only popularize the website hit with each post and drive it higher up in search engine priority. The publicity doesn't hurt me, it can only represent or hurt the businesses that represent themselves. So, as to whether "don't you feel a bit silly?" That question shouldn't be directed towards me.
@Laurabell Cattery - Laurabell Cattery has not been clear as to it's stated beliefs or understanding of emails and social media communication; the posting of an article found online could be interpreted as a) an article that could support that "privacy" should be upheld or b) that she is unsure and is seeking clarification. I do not jump to conclusions about what Laurabell could have meant or means to say; I go only off facts and what I know. It cannot be explicitly said based on the information available to me where Laurabell stands on the issue.
If you were seeking clarification for the legality behind an email being posted online, I can clarify. An email is not private information because it's been shared with another. Parties involved are free to do what they please with the information, which is why any written statements are extremely important and should be thought out carefully before being sent or posted online, as it does represent one's brand image and can be used to demonstrate professionalism, or lack thereof.
Some corporations, particularly financial institutions, have disclaimers at bottom of emails if they are private and have legalities set up to enforce and protect that privacy, but TiaMaria Siamese is neither a corporation nor a litigation team nor do they contain such disclaimers in their emails. For further information, you may contact any law firm, even local, or professor at the university, who will be able to verify this for you. If you seek free information, I recommend writing a professor at a university who will usually oblige to answering questions, as that is what professionals do and how they build and market their own brand and expertise.
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Thank you to all who have taken time to represent themselves and show a more full image of their brand, philosophy, and business as well as popularize the post. Other prospective clients and those who research catteries will appreciate the efforts as well.
Scarlet,
How did it work out for you and your new kitten?
I don't have a single thing to say about the complaint--it's all been said over & over in the blog.
I have a different question: I am in the process of purchasing a balinese kitten from TiaMaria breeder in VA. I am beginning to get nervous as Maria has not asked me for any references, asked where the cat will be living, if I am allowed to have a cat in my apartment, (how much space it will have), whether the cat will be living with other cats, etc. Mostly she's asking me for down payments, one after another. I understand this is often standard procedure for breeders. However, I do know that 1) I asked for pictures of my kitten--which she said she couldn't send because of possible damage to the cat's eyes from the flash (again, perhaps a plausible explanantion); 2) asked to visit (after my cat was 6 weeks old)--which at first she first said I could do then said I couldn't because there would be younger cats there which couldn't be disturbed and 3) repeatedly asked for a copy of the contract (which does have many things I must do) which she said she would send me after I had the cat neutered at 6 months (and long after I'd paid the final deposit). She also stated that I need to pay the full fee for the cat by the time my cat is 6 weeks, which is one week from now, 6 weeks before I actually get to take my cat home. I'm wondering if all of these stipulations are standard. Mostly, I'm wondering if I will ever get a cat and, if I do, if she will be an a actual balinese, healthy and have her vaccinations and be well taken care of during her first 12 weeks of life. Any advice would be appreciated from those who have dealt with Tia Maria would be appreciated.
Did you get your kitten?
This is surely to be drama board instead of complaint board. This is my last posting and is in reply to a post, replying to mine.
I appreciate your offer to an attorney, but my sister, a seasoned attorney of over 40 years will help if needed. I posed a simple question about "private messages being made public without permission";. Maybe it's a matter of ethics, not legalities. Trust goes a long way. I fear for the future lawyers of today if this is an example of ethics in our legal system.
I really don't know how I would have responded had I been woken up several times during the night. I know my head isn't clear instantly when it does happen. Maria has circumstances in her life that require her to be available to a dying family member 24/7. She has no other choice but to leave herself vulnerable to any person who will show no consideration of the time zones. Certainly cats that are killing each other would be in that decision making, not hissing cats.
You said that you did ask Louis and Marie for advice. Louis didn't answer and Marie was nice. Hmmmm...so the 2 people you recommend to the world didn't even help you.
Well, I have the utmost respect for both these breeders, but to come down so hard on the only breeder you harassed in the middle of the night that answered you is beyond me. Don't you feel a bit silly causing such an uproar as I'm sure by now your babies are all getting along now? Who recommended you to call Maria - that's a rhetorical question, cause I already know.
My apologies...that last sentence was meant to say she "was left with RIDICULE instead of assistance".
As someone who has been in this girls position, you are so distraught at the situation at hand that you are wanting to try everything that you think/believe/hope/have been told by others to do...and with each experience being different, and so much conflicting information and advice out there it makes trying to handle a difficult situation very precarious. I do feel for her as in this situation you are desperately needing some comforting and positive advice and direction. I believe she felt like she was almost being attacked at the time she needed help the most, and at such highly emotional times it makes her experience very stressful and was left with reducible instead of assistance.
Maria's response was a little short/rude for a person who was obviously dealing with a difficult situation. Especially if she was hoping to work with this person as a client in the future.
And I'm pretty sure that once you send an email to someone, they can do anything they want with it. There is no such thing as a private email. As to the 5 am email... it's not a phonecall, she can just respond to it whenever it's convenient
Wow! I was stunned at the over reaction of this person who went to Maria for advice. I have been to Maria’s house and find her cats very affectionate to strangers and very clean. Maria, herself was also very accommodating.
I question the fact that this person decided to get advice from a breeder she did not get the kitten from. It makes me wonder if there was a problem between her and the original breeder she purchased the kitten from. Maybe that’s why she sought advice elsewhere.
I have read and re-read this post and wondered why she was offended. The only thing I can come up with is that she did not like to be called out over her ignorance at showering the kitten before it had time to adjust! Stress on stress! The other cats sensed it and reacted.
At the very least her lawyer friends could have advised her to search out her concern on the internet without bothering someone, only to trash them later.
Of course she is no authority on who to recommend unless she has talked to all the Balinese breeders in the US. I know 5 breeders that she has never been acquainted with…and that’s just my little world. Louis and Marie are long time breeders and very well known…so…why didn’t she go to them for advice? Hmmmm
By the way…did her lawyer friends warn you against posting a private e-mail without permission?
Too many questions, not enough answers.
Publishing Personal and Private Information
When you publish information about someone without permission, you potentially expose yourself to legal liability even if your portrayal is factually accurate. Most states have laws limiting your ability to publish private facts about someone and recognizing an individual's right to stop you from using his or her name, likeness, and other personal attributes for certain exploitative purposes, such as for advertising goods or services. These laws originally sprang from a policy objective of protecting personal privacy; the aim was to safeguard individuals from embarrassing disclosures about their private lives and from uses of their identities that are hurtful or disruptive of their lives. Over time, the law developed and also recognized the importance of protecting the commercial value of a person's identity -- namely, the ability to profit from authorizing others to use one's name, photograph, or other personal attributes in a commercial setting.
Specifically, there are two types of legal claims that relate to unauthorized publication of personal and private information:
Publication of Private Facts: The legal claim known as "publication of private facts" is a species of invasion of privacy. You commit this kind of invasion of privacy by publishing private facts about an individual, the publication of which would be offensive to a reasonable person. This legal claim can only be successful, however, if the facts in question are not legitimately newsworthy. So, for instance, if you disclose the fact that your neighbor has an embarrassing health condition, you might be liable for publication of private facts. If, however, this medical condition is particularly relevant to some topic of public interest -- say, your neighbor's fitness to serve in public office, a court might find that your publication is lawful. Determining what facts are of legitimate public concern is often difficult to determine, so you may want to get permission before disclosing potentially embarrassing information about an individual you interview or write about. If your work sometimes involves this kind of publication, then you should see the Publication of Private Facts section for further details.
Using the Name or Likeness of Another: The legal claim known as "misappropriation of name or likeness" is a species of invasion of privacy. Over time the courts also recognized a legal claim for violation of the "right of publicity, " which is closely related. You commit misappropriation and/or violate the right of publicity when you use an individual's name, likeness, or other personal attributes without permission for an exploitative purpose. These legal claims usually apply to the use of a name or image in a commercial setting, such as in advertising or other promotional activities, but they may apply anytime you take advantage of another person's identity for your own benefit. However, individuals cannot stop every mention, discussion, or reporting on their lives or activities, and many states explicitly exempt news reporting and other expressive activities from liability. For example, if you advertise your website using the photograph of a famous rival blogger (or even an unknown rival blogger) without permission, then you might be liable for misappropriation of that person’s likeness. (Another way of saying this is that you might be liable for violating the blogger's "right of publicity.") But, if you write an article commenting on the posts of that same blogger and include his picture, you generally won't be liable for using the blogger's name without permission or including the photograph for illustrative purposes. If you are interested in using the names or photographs of others, especially celebrities, you should consult Using the Name or Likeness of Another for further details.
While these laws can create pitfalls for citizen media creators, the risks are manageable and you can take certain steps to protect yourself. Most importantly, if you stick to reporting or commenting on matters of legitimate public interest and only portray people who have a reasonable relationship to your topic, then you generally can avoid liability. You should never use someone's name or photograph solely to drive traffic to your website, but you are free to cover the public and noteworthy activities of others, including celebrities. Finally, if you are worried about legal liability, you can get consent from the individual or individuals who might be offended by your particular disclosure or use. For additional information on what practical steps you can take to avoid liability, see the section on Practical Tips for Avoiding Private Facts, Misappropriation, and Right of Publicity Claims.
Finally, you should also be aware that the federal government, as well as many states, have statutes related to collecting personal data from those who visit your website. For instance, the California Online Privacy Protection Act of 2003 requires the operator of a commercial website that collects personal information about users to conspicuously post its privacy policy on its Web site. The federal government also puts some restrictions on data that websites can lawfully gather. Congress enacted the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act to set limits on the online collection of personal information from children under 13. The Act details what a website operator must include in its privacy policy, when and how to seek verifiable consent from a parent, and what responsibilities an operator has to protect children's privacy and safety online. For information on using a website privacy policy to minimize the legal risks associated with gathering private information, see the Privacy Policy section of our legal guide.
Publication of Private Facts
Using the Name or Likeness of Another
Practical Tips for Avoiding Private Facts, Misappropriation, and Right of Publicity Claims
‹ Practical Tips for Avoiding Liability Associated with Harms to ReputationupPublication of Private Facts ›
Related Resources:
New Connecticut Law Threatens $500, 000 Penalty for Privacy Violations - blog post that compares a new Connecticut privacy law with the California privacy law on the collection of personal information and data security.
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Last updated on September 8th, 2008
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Risks Associated With Publication
Publishing Information that Harms Another's Reputation
Publishing Personal and Private Information
Publication of Private Facts
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Practical Tips for Avoiding Private Facts, Misappropriation, and Right of Publicity Claims
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I never had the issue of letting new kittens get used to the cats that were already living in my house. When I purchased my kitten I had no other pets living in my house. I still only have the one cat, which was purchased from Tiamaria. All I can say is that I was and still am 100% satisfied with my cat and my experience as a customer. The only real complaint that I can see here is that Maria was not as nice or as gentle as you would have liked with her response to your question. That does not reflect on the quality of her kittens or her cattery. My only question here is, why did you not consult the breeder from whom you purchased the kitten? You seem to be unnecessarily demonizing Maria. You did not purchase the kitten in question from her and you emailed her at completely inconvenient times of the morning. I don't know how she has everything set up, but I personally have my email set up on my phone and every new email that comes in causes my phone to ring just as a call or a text message would. I would imagine that anyone who has a business such as hers has their email set up in a very similar fashion. I would become quite frustrated if I received one email, not to mention multiple emails, about a cat that was not purchased from me, at 3 am or 5 am. Any and all problems with your new kitten should have been discussed with the breeder from whom you purchased it. As I said in the beginning, I am not the pet parent of multiple cats. I only have the one I purchased from Maria. With that being said, it still seems like common sense to not bathe a new member of the household with the current members without proper time for all three to adjust. I haven't had any problems with the cat that I purchased from Maria, but I do not feel like going to her for any advice would lead to an experience as unpleasant as you're making yours out to be. Possibly because my cat actually came from her and also because I would wait until a reasonable time of the day to contact her.
I have read and re-read the email that you found objectionable from Tia Maria, and I personally find nothing condescending or rude about it. You sought out advice, and you were given it. The fact that it was contrary to what you were doing may have caused you to feel put off by the advice that you personally sought. She did not simply insert her opinions on you in an arbitrary manner, and I think you overreacted to her response.
I understand, it is never a good feeling to know that someone with experieince in a field does not agree with actions you take as a 'noob', as you put it. However, to turn the advice that you actively asked for into a condescending showdown is unfair, especially when you make it a very public complaint. To compare animal advice to that of a lawyer's counsel or that of a psychiatrist or behavioral specialist is carrying it too far as well. The sensitivity is on an entirely different level.
I have personally been to Maria's house and her cattery is in great condition the cats friendly and well kept. I am not sure but I know texting and emails can be a bad way to communicate at times.
I believe it is important to keep the kitten isolated allowing the kitten to bond with humans first. Then let kitten explore your home and introduce one animal at a time. Kittens are very delicate and need lots of love and reassurance. It will take take time for multiple home pets to adjust to a new member.
As far as bathing or showering? I am not sure why that is being done?
I copied this article:
"When to Bathe
Even though cats are some of the cleanest creatures in the animal kingdom, there might be situations from time to time when you'll want soap her up, especially if your cat's hygiene threatens her health or the cleanliness of your home. One reason to bathe your cat is simple: if she's dirty. If your cat spends time outside, she might come home grubby and unkempt. If you wait a few days she will most likely tidy herself up, but if you're worried about dirt getting all over your home, it's ok to give her a bath.
Another reason to bathe your cat is if she has an odor. A strong smell can indicate that your cat has spent some time around something particularly filthy -- a trash can, a dead animal or even a skunk. It can also mean she's stopped cleaning herself (which, if it continues, may also indicate health problems and necessitate a trip to the vet). As cats age, they can develop weight problems, arthritis or other health issues that make it difficult or uncomfortable for them to clean themselves. In those cases, it might be necessary to intervene with a gentle bath from time to time.
If you notice your cat has fleas, you'll definitely want to bathe her immediately with special flea shampoo made just for cats. Fleas on a cat can not only drive your kitty crazy and spread to other animals, they can get into your carpet and other home fabrics, as well as leave bites all over your skin.
How Often?
You really only need to bathe a cat when she seems dirty, but if you must stick to a regular schedule, every six weeks is a good rule of thumb. Bathing too often can dry out the cat's skin and make it itchy, flaky and uncomfortable for your cat. Regular brushing also goes a long way toward keeping your cat clean, tidy and healthy-looking without needing to bathe her very often, if at all."
I'm sorry to hear, that you thought your encounter was negative.
I know as a breeder, I myself would not recommend bathing a new kitten with resident cats, nor would I bathe a clean kitten, with no parasites in the first few weeks, due to dealing with a kitten that would be stressed from being in a new environment with new stresses around them.
I would recommend feliway, and slowly integrating resident cats and kitten(s) after a kitten has had ample time in isolation.
I am sure you felt that you may feel as if the breeder was being rude or not understanding to you. The key to communication is communication. If I understand the situation correctly you had emailed this breeder several times between 3 and 5 a.m. Eastern time in the morning to ask her questions about cats you had gotten from someone else, and not the breeder you are complaining about yourself. It may be best to contact the person in which you got the cat/kittens from,
I hope you found the best way in which to deal with your behavioral and or aggression issues of your present cats as well as that you found the new family member you were possibly looking to join in your furr family.