Menu
Login
It has taken me several months to list this complaint, as I wanted to give Eileen the opportunity to be fair. She has chosen not to, and is motivated by money.
In November, 2004 I purchased a female blue point ragdoll from Eileen Pickett. In March of this year, she (Teia) began having seizures and I took her to the vet, where the blood work showed 1,400 titer for the FIP virus. My vet at that time thought it best that I make arrangements to put her down, as the virus was fatal, and she was already exhibiting symptoms (fever, loss of weight). I treated her holistically to try and make her time better. In June of this year, she had a seizure and died. After the diagnosis of the FIP virus, I contacted Eileen Pickett, and advised her. After my cat died, I contacted Eileen once again, and asked for a refund of my purchase price. She declined, and wanted to offer me a replacement cat, claiming that since I did not have an autopsy of the cat, it was impossible to prove that she was infected with the FIP virus. Teia was a year and a half old. I note other people who have listed a complaint, and I have actually corresponded by email with one person who also purchased a cat from Eileen that also died of the FIP virus. I want other people to be aware and warned not to purchase a cat from Villaroyal Ragdolls. The last conversation I had with Eileen was when she literally screamed in the phone to me. Obviously, her motive is money. I asked her to be fair. I spent over $2,000 on vet bills, medications and blood work. All I asked was that she refund my $750.00 purchase price so that I would be able to purchase another cat. She refused to refund my money, and have not heard from her since. She believed that my cat was not infected by the FIP virus. Healthy cats do not die at a year and a half old. I also gave Eileen permission to contact both of my vets, and I signed a consent for both vets to talk with her. She never contacted either vet. I was and still am devastated, not only for losing my cat at such a young age, but for Eileen's lack of caring. On a positive note, I have a newly adopted Ragamuffin kitten from a reputable breeder who gives a 5 year health warranty. The FIP virus does not always show up in a year, as in my case. I believe that Eileen Pickett is infecting the east coast ragdoll line, and is unwilling to be responsible for the pain and expense that she is causing her customers. Also, her so called cattery is filthy, and her cats are not socialized. It took me several weeks to acclimate my previous cat, as I believe that Eillen does not handle her kittens. My current cat is quite the opposite, as she comes from a home that socializes their kittens. I advise people to stay clear of Eileen Pickett's ragdoll cats. Reputable breeders do not treat customers like she has, and she should be banned from breeding.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
I purchased two Ragdolls from Eileen in 2008.
One cat had a lot of issues and died younger than expected. The other cat is going on 13.
My only complaint is that I was not allowed to see the cattery. Who hides the cattery from a buyer?
She brought our two kittens to our motel room.
I bought two cats from Eileen in 2008. I was not allowed to see the Cattery where they were born . I found this unsettling. She brought the cats to our motel .’
One of my cats was always sick and died younger than expected. The other is fine.
She has beautiful cats but I’m leery of breeders not letting you see their cattery .
Oops thought you could 2 pics in one post. Guess not. This is my 17 year old. The blue in my 9 year old. Both from Eileen and both genuinely amazing Forever additions to my family
Pretty great for 17 years old! Thank you Eileen Pickett! You deserve all the credit in the world ❤️ We absolutely love you and are beyond grateful for everything you continue to do for us!
I have been going Eileen Pickett for over 17 years, actually my mother before I used her so in total our family has had over 30 years experience with Eileen and i can’t even begin to possibly believe some of the accusations on here having any truth whatsoever. Eileen is an OUTSTANDING Breeder who not only socializes her kittens but takes them back at her own time and expense for something as small as a UTI without question. Both of Ragdolls, my 17 year old seal and 9 year old blue point are absolutely wonderful, never one problem with behavior, in fact my blue plays fetch since I I brought him home. Both of my cats are highly intelligent and beyond sweet. Anytime I have had any issues with my elder cat (now that he is aging, ) she still to this day answers my calls day or night, holds my hand through anything I need and has been an “excellent resource” as quoted by my vet. I couldn’t possibly say enough to Eileen’s credit as there are not enough words to describe how good her skills, knowledge and heart is. 17 years later and we speak almost daily helping me adjust to senior life with my Seal. I’m sorry for the incredible loss you suffered but unfortunately cats get sick and it’s natural to blame the breeder but I, as well as my family would vouch for Eileen every second of the day. She has and continues to be a wonderful person and goes above and beyond for anything you need. She gave me the love of my life, who thanks to her, is still with me today.
I have a seal-mitted Ragdoll from Eileen. I got him 9/2017. He has never been sick and he is the sweetest guy you could ever want to meet. He is 18 lbs also very big guy. See Andy below
Nancy
I have a ragdoll from Villaroyal and he is the most wonderful cat on the planet. I got him in 2010, and it was an easy process. I think Eileen Pickett is one of the best breeders around.
Eileen Pickett is a most loving responsible breeder. I bought a handsome 4 year old ragdoll from Eileen back in 2005. his name was "Ben." I'm a dog lover and this was my 1st cat. Eileen patiently guided me for several years both my email and telephone conversations. No question was too silly or stupid. She always took her time explaining everything. Ben was very socialized and a treasure to take anywhere. He lived to be 16 years old and is sorely missed.
Eileen made my experience a blessing. I cannot sing her praises too loudly. One day I hope to afford to buy another one from Eileen Pickett. Below is a photo of my "Ben" thinking he was going on a field trip. I had been on the phone laughing with the nurses at my Mother's Nursing home and Ben immediately jumped into his carriage thinking we were going to the nursing home where the staff called him "Dr. Ben".
Double click on abpve thumbnail for full size image
I am getting my second kitten from her ! My first cat is now eleven, gorgeous, extremely healthy and so loving - she is also incredibly smart, fetches her toys and follows me on walks . Eileen was so helpful with information on introducing the kitten and is even arranging for another owner who is in between my house and hers to bring our kitten to a meeting point !
I have a 14 years old Seal-mitted Ragdoll girl, bought from another breeder. Her mum is VillaRoyal Marjori of Cehrelis. She is my baby, a soft fluffy bundle of purrs. Thank you Eileen for the gift of this girl, she is extremely healthy & as a senior kitty she gets her 2 Vet visits a year & always has a perfect bill of health.
Keep on doing what you do best Eileen, much love from The Kingdom of Bahrain, Arabian Gulf.
I was just reviewing my records for our cat, Minouche, was born October 2004 - and is now 11.5 years old. Eileen welcomed us to her house to pick our kitten up in January 2005. Though her house was 'hairy' at that time, i would certainly not say filthy. Our cat has been incredibly healthy, and given she shares the house with a ragdoll from another local breeder, a dog and the rest of our family - she of all our pets has had the least health issues in all the years we have had her - one eye infection, two urinary tract infections. Given that Ragdoll kittens are quite active (I spoke with Eileen about this a few months after getting our kitten - she was very reassuring that this was normal) so after this wild, joyous and sometimes crazy kittenhood, she has settled into the most amazing, smart, easy going and loving cat we have ever had. Our vet and their staff has been impressed with her health, as well as her confident personality. She is the boss of our whole house, and is so beautiful we consider her to be living art. We have been very happy with both our cat (I'm pretty certain she is quite happy with us as well!) and our experience with Villa Royal.
I purchased my beloved Aja from Eileen almost 15 years ago. He is a joy and has had zero health problems. Eileen babysat him once for me for eleven days while I went out of town. Who else would do that but someone who loves her kitties? I would get another rag doll from Eileen in a second.
On January 9, 2013 I purchased a kitten Baby Mia, I had just lost my long time friend of 12 years and looked along time for another kitten, , when I saw this little girls face on Villaroyal I fall in love with her, , Eileen was very kind and helpful . Mia is a VERY loving little girl and travels well .My vet is very happy with her health and everyone at the office loves her . Would I buy another kitten for Eileen the answer is YES, , THANK YOU Eileen, , Ellen
I also have to make a comment on this. I purchased a cat from another person. This kitten was a product of a male and female that came from Eileen's cattery. My cat died two years ago this past August...he was 24 YEARS OLD. God bless her and her ragdolls! I miss him every day!
24 yrs old? WOWSA! That is a rare gift! You are truly blessed to have been able to enjoy him for what seems like 2 lifetimes!
I too am a loving recipient of one of Eileen Pickett's brilliant Villaroyal Ragdolls . He enjoyed good health, sound mind and loving personality until he was 16 yrs old. One day I hope to enjoy a partnership with another Villaroyal Ragdolls.
Photo:
https://64.media.tumblr.com/d8f64bea9db5a79269f324fb9b235f10/ba2a4a27f4564c81-01/s2048x3072/b57500d101cd73120de8ed3c2de2f4c3c4470c77.jpg
I have two beautiful healthy ragdoll cats purchased from Villaroyal they are both over 10 years old now.
Eileen knows more than most vets do about a cats health and nutrition. We are still in contact with her today as she keeps us up to date on the most healthy foods to feed our cats. I'm 100% behind her and her cattery. You won't find a better breeder than Eileen.
I would like to add that we have 2 Ragdolls from Villaroyal and they are the best cats that we have ever had! I have had cats all of my life and I am now retired so that is a long time! Our oldest, Andy, a seal point, will be 12 in July and we loved him so much that we added Lindy, a blue lynx mitted, 2 years later. He just turned 10.
Both of the boys came to us trained to use a scratching post and amenable to routine nail clipping which continues to this day. The fact that our furniture remains untouched is a bonus to the love and devotion from these 2 cats!
These cats follow me everywhere! At times they act more like dogs even crying to be let out on the enclosed sun porch and greeting me at the door when I am even gone for just a few minutes! They got along very well with our 2 dachshunds who recently passed away and formed close bonds with them as well.
Lastly, I want to strongly disagree with the complaints against Eileen as a breeder. She has always been there for me responding promptly to all of my questions and is a real expert on what is best for these beauties. Their vet recently commented on what a good job that she does with them as they are the best Ragdolls that he has ever taken care of.That doesn't happen by accident. He has learned some things from Eileen as well! He said that they have another 2 Ragdolls that whole staff dreads seeing come in because they are so hard to handle! They aren't from Eileen.
I would not hesitate getting another Ragdoll from Eileen when the time comes and I will continue to highly recommend her to anyone interested in adding one of these special cats into their family.
Just a footnote to my comments above. I did have the privilege of getting another Ragdoll from Eileen! We welcomed Penny into our home in November of 2015 at the age of 4 months. Actually Eileen delivered her to us because my father was wheelchair bound. We were so appreciative of this consideration. Penny is a beautiful sealpoint. She will never replace our previous sealpoint from Eileen, who passsed at 13 y.o. from cancer but she is wonderful companion. She will be 6 in July. Our other blue lynx mitted boy from Eileen just turned 17 (who I talked about in my previous comments) and is my special buddy. Thank you Eileen for all that you do to enrich our lives with your wonderful cats!
I disagree as Well. I have purchased too fantastic, beatifull healthy breeder cats many years ago. they are both 13 years of age.. and gave me beatiful healthy kittens. so it is very hard for me to belive what has been written abour dear Eileen
I have a male ragdoll cat which was purchased from Villaroyal in 1998, and he is the most beautiful and fine tempered cat you could ever imagine. He has never had a health issue and he just turned 14 years old. I would love to own another one of Eileen P's cats and would not hesitate purchasing one from her.
Upon seeing this complaint, I wrote to this person because I do not have a record of I. Leblanc having one of my cats. I have not received a reply.
I am a successful Ragdoll breeder of 23 years. I am licensed and inspected by N.Y.S. Department of Agriculture. I also have a CFA Cattery of Excellence. My cats have always and will always be well cared for. Every cat/ kitten that leaves my cattery is spotless, in excellent health, has excellent litter box habits and has been treated with love and respect while in my care. I do my best to screen buyers in order to place my cats in loving homes. This person, if she in fact did get a cat from me did not tell me she was having issues. I am available to help anyone who is having problems. However, if they don't tell me I cannot help them. And I certainly would have taken this cat back. What she describes is a cat that was having a difficult transition, a cat that needed help. Not a cat that was not socialized or feral.
Everyone wants and deserves a healthy cat/kitten. The public may not enter my cattery, anymore than the public may enter the neonatal care unit or the nursery at a hospital. Newborn kittens are delicate just like human babies and deserve to be protected from exposure of any kind until they have developed a competent immune system. To operate any other way is carelessness, as it posses a serious health and safety risk to kittens that belong to someone else.
To read something like this about one of my cats...about any cat is heart breaking.
I’m so glad I found this because I was amazed with the beautiful cats on the website and it is not far from where I live. Obviously this “breeder” is a piece of [censored] and I truly hope one of her children/grandchildren have the same horrible fate these poor cats did! Suffering and all! Worthless [censored]
You should really be ashamed to say that about someone’s family. You are cruel to say the least especially considering you not having any personal experience with Eileen. She is nothing short of an OUTSTANDING breeder seeing as we’ve dealt with her over 30 years between myself and my
Mother And I still have my love at 17 years old. Eileen never once missed a single call from me still to this day. Simply classless to come on here and say such disgusting things when you know nothing about any of this as you never dealt with her or her chattery. Please find something better to do than be a complaint board troll for God sake! And I pray you don’t have children because the world doesn’t need anymore of your kind!
I strongly agree and only wish I had visited this site before adopting an adult cat from Eileen Pickett. The house where she met me was, indeed, extremely filthy. She refused to let me visit the rooms where she kept her cats. The cat I (unfortunately) adopted was unsocialized to the point of being feral. Once in its new home, it hid in and refused to come out of the closet for weeks, refused to eat. refused to use the litter box. I wish I had never heard of Villaroyal.
In August of 2000 I got my beautiful seal bi-color ragdoll from Eileen. I was fortunate to go to the VillaRoyal cattery myself to pick him up. I asked to see the cattery and was given an unannounced tour. The facilities were spotless as was Eileen's home. An inflammatory lie to insinuate Eileen's cattery was filthy. Were you there? I think not. Also my kitten was totally socialized. Eileen had written a very brief bio on this little boy when offering him on her website and everything she said about his personality was true. A breeder can not do that if she isn't spending time with, handling and socializing every single kitten that she is blessed with. To this day, 11 years later he is a lap lump of unprecidented proportions and quick to make himself at home in anyone's lap. He is not shy and is quick to check out strangers in the house. He is also welcoming of furred 4 footed visitors and I have effortlessly introduced new pets into my househould. These are all symptoms of a healthy, well adjusted, well socialized and thoughtfully bred kitten. You don't get this kind of temperment and health just throwing any old queen and tom together. A good breeder watches for health and temerament of the cats she couples. I would NOT HESITATE to get another ragdoll from Eileen Pickett.
I also have to disagree with any complaint made against Villaroyal Rags. I have been lucky enough to buy three babies from her at different times, all are have the most perfect temperament and health.
I have since moved to the UK and wish I could source a breeder with a bloodline as close to type as hers, though there are breeders over here who boast that their bloodlines orginate from Villaroyal stock!
I disagree with any negative comments made about Eileen Pickett’s cattery. I purchased my Ragdoll, Pearl, from her over two years ago and she is the best cat I have ever known… ever. I personally drove from Connecticut to Eileen’s house outside of Rochester NY to pick up my cat, and another buyers cat, and transported them back to Connecticut. All conditions I saw were sanitary and Eileen was a very nice, well mannered, and courteous woman. I doubt she would ever yell at someone over the phone.
As for Pearl, I have never had any health problems, sociable issues, or behavior problems. She is the sweetest cat and literally sleeps in my arm every night. Every day when I come home she is there to greet me at the door and meows around the house following me till I pick her up and pet her. Furthermore, she is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and when my friends or family stop over they are constantly telling me that they’ve “never seen such a beautiful cat.”
As to the reason why this woman’s cat died at such a premature age I can probably guarantee that it was because of something SHE did and not any virus. Possibly the food she was feeding her cat? Many commercialized foods that are in pet stores are full of toxins that overtime can cause serious health problems or death in a pet (Research the topic if you don’t believe me). If you follow Eileen’s instructions and feed the cat the RIGHT food, get regular vet visits, and give your pet plenty of attention I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful healthy cat from Eileen that you will love for not a few years, but many.
Furthermore, Eileen is not in the business of breeding cats to make money and she definitely does not just give them away to anyone. I had to go through a very extensive application process and phone interview before she agreed to offer me one of her babies. Also, when I was leaving her house with the cats, I could tell that she was emotionally upset to see them go. Secondly, breeding cats is not a cheap endeavor and if anyone knows that much about breeding any kind of animal, it’s not about the money it’s about the animals.
There are many cat breeders out there, especially for Ragdolls, and the breeding world is full of politics. Eileen is by far the BEST breeder I found with the BEST reputation with the MOST beautiful cats after I researched the topic for over two months. I could never believe anything that someone might say negatively about Eileen and her cattery and would offer up a personal referral for anyone wanting to purchase a Ragdoll from Eileen. Her cats truly are the greatest and I plan on purchasing another from her in the future when the time is right.
G. Danforth from Connecticut
I bought a ragdoll from Eileen 5 yrs ago and she was and still is perfect. All of my emails to Eileen were answered promptly, she sent pictures on more than one occaision. Mocha was very clean as was her carrier and her health has always been purrfect! I would certainly recomend her and look forward to purchasing another ragdoll from her in the future.
I have bought several Ragdolls from Eileen Pickett over the years, and have referred several people to her who bought Ragdolls from her. All of the cats were beautiful, extremely healthy and loving, and all that could be wished for. Eileen has always been willing to help with any questions I had. Even though it had been five years since I had bought my cat from her, she spent a lot of time helping me in regard to what turned out to be a harmless fatty little lump on my cat's thigh. When it comes to being incredibly knowledgeable about health, you could not want anyone better than Eileen. I was a breeder myself for about twenty years, and wrote the breed standard in CFA for the Ragdolls when they were accepted for Provisional status in the 1990's. I have known a great many breeders. I buy my (show quality) pets today from Eileen.
V J Meriwether Wilkie
I purchased my ragdoll Alex almost 6 years ago and other than him being prone to URI's he has been in perfect health. I also completely disagree with the statement Eileen does not socialize her kittens. Alex was completely trained and had no problems adapting when I brough him both to the new enviornment or with my other cats. My history goes quite a ways back with Eileen as my mother has purched cats from Eileen back when she was breeding presians. When Alex became sick with the upper resp., Eileen was available day & night giving me guidence & advice and I couldnt have gotten through it without her. It is heartbreaking when you loose a pet and I understand the anger you have for it happening but I think you are directing it at the wrong person. Noone can guarentee the health of an animal down the road. Soemthimes unfortunte things happen and I truly feel for your loss but I personally vouge for Villa Royal as a busniess and Eileen as a breeder and higly recommend anyone looking for the perfect addition to their familY!
I am a proud owner of a Ragdoll named "Bella" from VillaRoyal and Eileen Pickett. She is the most beautiful cat with a personality to match which comes from the way she was bred and the way she was raised prior to me receiving her. Eileen Pickett has been wonderful to me and my family. Considering I was new to owning a kitten, Eileen answered my many questions and emails no matter how many times I had a question. She was extremely helpful and knowledgeable no matter what the concern. I have emailed her with questions a year after owning my baby and she promptly gets back to me every time. Which in return showed me how much she cares about her litters. She not only cares about who they wind up with but what happens to them after they leave her, which in my opinion, makes for a very good breeder. I have stayed in touch with Eileen, sent her pictures of my Bella which she enjoys seeing because she gets to see how they are doing once they leave her. I would not listen to any negative articles you may come across because they are most likely disgruntled people who are looking to get a Ragdoll for less money or for free because they are very pricey, but well worth it! Eileen Pickett is one of the best breeders I have come across and I was so pleased with my purchase that I am now talking to Eileen about my second one!
I bought 2 ragdolls from Eileen 16 years ago. When they both were 11 years old, a so called cat expert overdosed them with a shot of ivermectin. From that day on their health went downhill. 7 vets, all from Rochester, ny, all given an ample time with both could not diagnose them. Having blood work done every month, ultra sounds, holistic vets, every one of them were incompetent. If it wasn't that I was knowledeble on vitamins and herbs, they both would not have lived this long. How do you know that she didn't pick it up when she was spaded in the hospital. I have all their blood work and notes all these years. Any vet that is excellent won't stay in this small town. I don't trust any vets here. They probably had the same teacher, probably from Cornell. Both girls just died. I will buy another ragdoll from Eileen on the way to another state hopefully soon. There were many mistakes done on both girls you wouldn't believe how much. Eileen is not your problem!
Janet Barone
It seems to me that Ms. Kozel is a nutcase and if her vet really have been saying:"the blood work showed 1, 400 titer for the FIP virus. My vet at that time thought it best that I make arrangements to put her down" he also must be nuts and should quit being a vet!
not a complaint
I have 2 beautiful highly socialized (now) cats from villaroyal ragdolls. Both are healthy and seem happy.
Eileen has always been forth coming with information and their breed lines. I feel badly for you that you have had a negative experience, but mine has been very rewarding and positive. It's disappointing to hear that you $ investment is more important to you.
Cliffster
I live in France and had also problems with Eileen Pickett. She sold me a female too little and sterile for a high price and I seen since the arrival from these female that I have corona virus on my cats. I don't know if it's this female who have but now that I read this complaint, I doubt. More, Eileen Pickett don't seems to replace the female.
Marie Claude Gardrat
I was outraged to read this slanderous article about Eileen Pickett. She has devoted her life to her cats and carefully screens perspective buyers through a questionnaire in order to make "perfect" matches for her "babies". She has gone out of her way to accomodate my husband and myself. We were going to pick up Angel on the way home to Connecticut after our vacation in Chicago. I became ill with a very bad respiratory illness and had to return home a week early. I called Eileen to see if I would be able to pick up Angel early. She not only accomodated our early arrival, but delivered her on a Sunday to the motel we were staying at, to make it easier for us and most likely, so an ill person would not be around the other cats and kittens. Angel is the healthiest, happiest and most sociable cat one could ever wish to have in their family. She is gorgeous and extremely smart. Eileen has been "on call" for me with every question I have, always giving the best of advice and always showing the love she still has for Angel. It angers and upsets me to think someone would try to cause suspicion and fear towards someone who is so selfless and works so diligently for her cats.
EVERY BREEDER AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER WILL HAVE A SICK CAT. YOU PURCHASERS ARE STUPID AS HELL TO THINK IT CAN BE CONTROLED 100% IT CAN'T. BREEDERS CAN ONLY BREED HEALTHY LOOKING CATS AND TESTING DOES NOT ALWAYS HELP BECASUE A CAT CAN BE NEGATIVE OF SOMETHING AND 2 WEEKS LATER GET SICK.
THIS SLANDER SHOULD NEVER BE ALOWED HERE NO BREEDER IS SAFE FROM A SICK CAT. BREEDERS BRING CATS IN AND OUT OF SHOW HALLS THEY BUY CATS FROM OTHER CATTERIES THAT ARE FLOWN IN ANY CAT COULD BE HIDING A VIRUS AND THEN SPREAD IT THE THING IS IS HOW THAT BREEDER TREATS YOU DOES SHE DISCOUNT OR OFFER ANYTHING IF THE CAT IS SICK? I GET SO TIRED OF SEEING SLANDER ON OTHER BREEDERS I AM A BREEDER MYSELF .
I was stunned to read this complaint. I am sure everyone in business has complaints, but this one is ridiculous. Eileen sold me the most wonderful Ragdoll cat EIGHT years ago, and she is in good health and happy. When she passes on from old age, I will not hesitate to purchase another Ragdoll from Eileen Pickett. I don't think breeders should be responsible for the health of a pet after a year.
FIP COMES FROM A CORONA VIRUS AND IT IS DOCUMENTED THAT THIS VIRUS IS USUALLY HARMLESS. OCCASIONALLY IN A VERY SMALL NUMBER OF CATS OR KITTENS IT MUTATES INTO FIP. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT ANYONE WITH OTHER PETS IN THIER HOME COULD HAVE ANIMALS WITH THE VERY CONTAGEOUS CORONA VIRUS FROM TIME TO TIME. sOME ANIMALS CAN BE CARRIERS WITHOUT OUTWARD SIGNS.
WHEN UNEXPECTED THINGS HAPPEN BUYERS SOMETIMES HAVE A TENDENCY TO PUT ALL THE BLAME ON THE BREEDER. PEOPLE WHO BUY PETS MUST BE WILLING TO TAKE THE RISK AND RESPONSIBILY FOR THE UNEXPECTED ONCE THE BREEDER CONTRACT IS EXPIRED. IF A CAT DIES OR GETS SICK AFTER A CONTRACT AND ALOTTED TIME BY THE STATE BETWEEN A BREEDER AND BUYER HAS EXPIRED, THEN IT'S NO LONGER THE BREEDERS RESPONSIBILITY. IT REALLY DOESN'T MATTER IF THE ILLNESS CAME FROM THE BREEDER OR IF THE ANIMAL GOT IT SOME OTHER WAY. I DO NOT KNOW WHY BUYERS OFTEN DO NOT UNDERSTAND AND REFUSE TO PAY ATTENSION TO CONTRACT THEY SIGNED AND AGREED TO.
THERE ARE SOMETHINGS THAT BREEDERS DO NOT HAVE CONTROL OVER. SOMETHINGS JUST HAPPEN THAT NO ONE EXPECTED. IF ONE BUYS A PET AND THE CONTRACT DOESN'T NOT COVER PAST A CERTAIN DATE THAT THE BUYER MUST EXCEPT THIS CONDITION WHEN UNEXPECTED THINGS HAPPEN.
I totally disagree with the complaints about Eileen Pickett. I visited her cattery to purchase a kitten and asked to see the cattery because I was so impressed with rag doll cats that I was curious to see all of her cats. She didn't expect to give me a tour. it was SPOTLESS! All the kitties were very receptive to my attention and I could easily see that they loved her and also they didn't hesitate to let ME pet and hold them as well. They are obviously ALL socialized. I recently adopted an older retired cat and Eileen was in contact with me until I no longer had any questions about my new kitty. She loved this cat dearly and offered her to me because she was sure I would love her and care for her just like she does. The kitty was 9 years old at the time and in perfect health AND very well socialized. She is still in great health and is such a wonderful affectionate gentle cat. Any complaints about Eileen not socializing her cats, or saying she is out for the money is pure baloney. And, like I said earlier, an unexpected tour of her cattery proved it to be spotless. She truly loves all her cats and would keep them all rather than ever-ever-ever risk them going to a home that is anything but very loving. Anyone who is ever considering a rag doll cat will be very happy and satisfied when turning to Eileen Pickett. She is a wonderful loving person!
I am writing to state I have a wonderful Bi-Color Ragdoll cat from Eileen Pickett.
I got Joshua at 10 weeks old. His ambilical cord had wrapped around his paw and leg while in the womb, thus resulting in a deformed paw. All of his bones in his foot are fused together. He only has three toes on the one foot (one flops around like a loose mole) and his pad is not fully devolped resulting in heavy calising. The fourth toe grew up on his leg by his elbow and had to be removed.
Eileen paid for everything including his neutering to insure he would have the best home he could get.
That was my home... He is now 5 1/2 years old. Picture perfect health and beautiful. He does not act handicapped at all.
If she was out for money why would she take on the expense...rather than put him down?
I have also been in Eileen's Cattery. Again just today 10/6/07 and I assure you...her life is devoted to caring for her cats. I am getting another kitten from her tomorrow without hesitatation. I am also not ignorant to animals and their needs.
In society, you can't please them all. We all know there are some nut jobs out there...and the complainer is one of them. 75% of the people in the world are STUPID and IGNORANT. That's a FACT.
If Eileen did not care about her cats... why would she be so reluctant to sell them to NUT JOBS...
You will not regret getting a Ragdoll Cat from Eileen Pickett.
I to got a cat from Eileen Pickett I had him flown to me in 1999 he was a two year old named Henry. I finally had to put him down 18 years later from kidney disease. He was the most awesome pretty over ever had. He took about 3 months to get used to me in my home from them on he wouldn't leave my side. I found her to be an excellent cattery who was in it for the animals not the money. Eileen thank you so much for King Henry he was the best. ❤️❤️❤️
Sadly there is nothing anyone can do about FIP. Even the big cats in zoos and on the fields of Africa, mainly the cheetah, die every day of this disease. You should have done your homework on this disease before slamming a breeder on this board.
FIP comes from a virus that almost every cat has. The feline genome is the only species on earth that has a disease like this. So acting as if the breeder did this to you personally is wrong. Don’t you think that if there was something we could do as breeders to prevent this disease that we would? It is not like other diseases in that it does not come from unsanitary conditions. It comes from a common virus, the feline enteric corona virus. Every species has it’s own killer corona, Parvo for dogs, but there is a vaccine for that, SARS for people and you know about that one.
The vaccine for FIP in cats has a huge controversy behind it. If given too young, it can cause FIP, if you wait, it is to late the kitten has already picked up the virus and it only protects agains two strains of the virus! It is not the virus that kills, it is the cats own immune system. The immune system attacks itself. The DNA when mapped for the corona turned out to have mutated differently in every cat, meaning every cat, even kittens in the same litter, had a different strain. The DNA for the corona had the largest RNA in the world! How is a vaccine going to counter that? You would have to make one for each and every cat.
I would like to point out something, most cats, if they live alone with no other cats present, will clear the virus from their system within a year. That means no other cats sharing a litter box, or the cat going outside where it can come in contact with a shedder. If you have another cat, it may be a shedder of the virus, they never get sick, never look sick but they are deadly to other cats. Kind of like Typhoid Mary.
If the cat was a year and a half, either it recently became exposed, or it had a poor immune system and was recently stressed allowing the virus to take over, or you could have tracked it in on your own shoes!
Think about this, viruses are everywhere and this one is a particularly hardy virus, able to survive 66 days without a host, although a mild detergent can kill it!
Researchers have been working on this disease for over 25 years with almost no progress.
Check out http://orionfoundation.com/ and Dr. Addie’s site, the researcher who has studied this in the field ( i.e. catteries) http://www.dr-addie.com/ and the WINN Foundation thru CFA, at http://www.cfainc.org/
I would also like to address the contractual agreement. If you signed a contract, giving your word that if certain things happened you would do certain things, then you should honor your given word. Breeching your contract means that the breeder does not have to do anything, you have already broken your agreement. The breeder has these in place to help you, protect you as well as herself. Get your necropsy done, FIP is notoriously hard to diagnose without one, take a replacement. You cannot diagnose a cat just because of a high titre count Not every cat will come down with FIP, every breeder suffers thru this at one time or another, you cannot breed cats without having it happen. Your breeder was just unlucky enough to have come across someone who is ignorant about the disease, is not honorable enough to stand by their given word in a contract, and is not sympathetic enough to want to do the right thing and work it out and someone who has not done their homework!
This is a hugely kept secret in the cat breeding community, all breeders have hit it at one time or another. Stop taking this so personally! Work with your breeder.
Let’s everyone work together to combat this disease and stop pointing fingers!
Stop being part of the problem and start being part of the solution!