Drambuieberry / British Shorthair review: cheating breeder 15

I purchased a kitten from Holly in January 2022, it was a devastating experience and I wish to warn others. Holly breached several rules when selling my registered pedigree kitten - my kitten was given to me early and completely unvaccinated (Holly told me the GCCF had “cleared” those things). (The GCCF have since confirmed they did not, hence her suspension). My kitten was unwell and needed veterinary treatment within 16 hours of us getting home (but fortunately made a full recovery). Holly does not let owners see their kitten’s Mum or see where the kitten has been raised. She bundled my kitten out and into my carrier on her doorstep. She claims this is due to Covid and to protect the volunteers in her cattery (please see https://m.facebook.com/groups/1632817370120905/permalink/5115115925224348/ to see how she cares for her volunteers). Holly has broken these rules repeated times and is currently suspended from the GCCF (see photo). She attempted to hide selling her kittens early by withholding the transfer of owner slip and posting it to new owners once the kitten is 13 weeks old (the correct age for sale). I have since learnt she is well known for the fatal FIP cat virus and have since found out a litter mate of my kitten died at 4 months old. Holly has a terrible terrible reputation in the British Shorthair cat world. She does not breed cats to the correct breed standard and my kitten has an extreme brachycephalic (flat) face and consequently has breathing problems on exertion (e.g when playing) and also suffers with constant watery eyes. She has had to have her nostrils and nasal passage surgically widened and the Vet also attempted to clear / flush her tear ducts but could not because they were so constricted. I informed Holly of these issues and she was dismissive and has even repeated the exact same mating with my kitten’s Mum and Dad.

This woman churns our kittens with such frequency that she has no idea of true pedigrees. She lies, is rude, threatening as soon as you question her or challenge her. She is only interested in making money from multiple litters every year. She is VERY clever at creating a smokescreen that her cats are her priority when in reality they are breeding machines. It’s all about the cash.
God forbid you have an issue as she turn really nasty then makes up stories about her health to claim pity. Her poor husband and ‘volunteers’ are all completely ruled by her bullying.

Please look elsewhere for a lovely breeder because Holly is bad news.

I have bought kittens from her on the active registered. I am so concerned about their health and I question their pedigree that I have had them all neutered. She will be reported to all the relevant authorities because I believe she should be banned from breeding these beautiful cats.

Holly - you are shameful.

The woman is a disgrace. I had 'dealings with her' and her cats are NEVER the ones you see in her constant reposted ads online, upon viewing it was patently obvious to anyone who knows pedigrees that hers are not. Once she knows you're not one of the dumb ones who believe and buy from her she becomes rude, obnoxious and deeply unpleasant.

Disgraceful that she's still in business. And the sockpuppet accounts on this page are not exactly subtle.

AVOID with extreme urgency

Truly wonderful breeder. She’s gone above and beyond for us and her Facebook page will direct you to real people who have purchased from her and not trolls on a silly website.

Buying from her was the best decision we made.

Those whom have accused Holly of money grabbing and thrown accusations around the booking of a kitten im disgusted. Holly currently has my litter of which im to become the owner of 2/5. How can you make judgment when YOU are taking her due care and attention from these new little kittens? Why would you place a deposit and not wait for something so special? YOU are the problem and not this breeder. If you didn’t go into this with good intentions and a clear mind you’re at fault. Don’t time waste.
This breeder has been incredible start to our current position. We know our kitten’s favourite things to eat, cat litter and toys. We have been updated with regular pictures and videos. We have visited a couple of times and we have spoken to the vets taking care of our kittens who have spoken highly of Holly.
HIGHLY RECCOMEND THIS BREEDER!

Hi to anyone reading this thread, my name is Stuart and I would be more than happy for you to call me and discuss my experience with this breeder [protected], I am not one to purchase something without doing extensive research first and I came across these complaints on here a 7 or 8 months ago. I thought I should do my bit to actually defend this breeder as it seems as though there are a lot of trolls on the internet with nothing good to say, shame on them.

I took the advice on another thread and contacted Swindon Council and spoke with Anthony, he is a really nice chap with nothing but good things to say about her, she has been investigated due to a couple of people and they have been working together for over a year now and they are not worried about this breeder in the slightest.

I truly believe that a lot of the things on here are being said are out of spite or just bare faced lies, rather than actual facts, I have found the Cat breeding world to be a little...well, Catty. Most of the breeders I have spoken to never say anything nice about another breeder, I assume its just a sales tactic, some I guess take it to the next level by going online to post horrible things about other people. I went to visit 3 breeders and I can say hand on heart that this was the best by a mile, I did not hesitate to pay the £100 deposit and in the end, 5 months later I had received my beautiful baby kitten called Willow to whom my family love to bits.

If you are reading this and you are silly enough not do your own research then go on Facebook and buy a £30 moggy from someone around the corner shop that will have serious issues in the future, however if you want an absolutely stunning kitten that will be raised and looked after properly, then go and visit Holly and her wonderful setup and make up your own mind don't listen to a few snide comments from people with nothing better to do with their sorry excuse of a life.

Feel free to contact me and I will tell it to you straight, I will not hide behind an anonymous website profile name like the trolls on here.

Regards

Stuart Rich
[protected]

P.s I read somewhere on a thread about her horrible dogs... Get a life you weirdo, her dogs are absolutely lovely and played with my little ones, they had a blast. Kittens, dogs and beautiful weather, it was more like a free family day out minus the £100 for a kitten obviously.

Animal Welfare(SBC), RSPCA, GCCF, The local Police and Trading Standards have investigated this breeder over the last 8 weeks. The breeder in question has produced adequate evidence to prove all her cats/kittens are pedigree. Veterinary evidence shows that the breeder strictly puts the health of the cats first at all times, and the cats housing is no less than perfect. I have been part of the investigations and have seen both complaints, all department outcomes and breeder evidence. This case has now been closed.
I have taken it upon myself as a human being and not part of my job to defend this poor woman publicly, who genuinely has proved she goes above and beyond for her animals, she’s proved time and time again to care, seek advice when needed and has a massive support network around her which grows bigger every day . It’s a great shame that a few sour minded people felt the need to be so utterly cruel and not only bad mouth her, but her family and other pets.
My strong advice would be to treat others as you wish to be treated, it would make the world a much better place.

It is my understanding Animals Licensing at Swindon Borough Council and trading standards are now investigating Holly Smith after dozens of complaints were made. Call Swindon Borough Council [protected] and ask for Alison Waine if you wish to check this out or to make a complaint of your own.

Jane Townley's message made me laugh out loud. 'I am in now way connected to Holly' then going on to write about how she has almost lived with Holly 'I watched all births' 'queens being mated with british shorthair studs' my word it was a busy time at Holly's house...
No British Shorthairs do not come in all shapes and sizes and colours... that is why they are a 'breed' and are registered as such... Jane you are mistaking British Shorthair with domestic shorthair.
The whole idea of being charged £695 for a kitten that looks like a moggy from the Cat's Protection League (no offence moggies) is incredible... but is seems Miss Smith finds it hard to give back money, but very easy to take it.
As for mistaking male for female, dear lord that is inexcusable.
Warning to stud users her cat Ouzo photo attached looks nothing like this...pictures are of a kitten!

Im very confused, I am not in any way connected to Holly, I only know her having purchased a kitten, and have placed a deposit for a second but I visited my kitten every 3 days, I am also planning to breed and Holly has been helping me a great deal, last year i actually watched all her mating's take place, i also watched all births and i can 100% guarantee you that what i saw was ALL british shorthair queens being mated with british shorthair studs. I saw all paperwork, back group and vets checking on the kittens. You must have got this wrong and have threatened the poor girl! I actually feel very sad for Holly! British Shorthairs come in all shapes, sizes & colours just like humans, i am a specialist in genetics and have worked all over the world, it is possible from these lines that brown has come out, a sex mistake happens sometimes! Some people need to get a grip!

This kitten is now called George. I have him and you are very right he is not a British Shorthair Silver and Black as Holly Smith claimed. She gave me a pedigree certificate and when i showed George to my vet (who happens to be a member of the GCCF) he said that in no way is he a BSH S&B cat. Also he was much younger than Holly Smith claimed plus he was a male and not as claimed by Holly Smith who said he was female. In Holly Smiths favour once i told her this and threatened her with legal action (i did initiate legal action) she gave me a substantial refund and i kept George. He became a prominent member of the family so i could not give him back. To finish off my vet is convinced he is a cross to a Bengal and BSH S&B.
DO NOT GO NEAR THIS BREEDER.