This review is for Katy Cattery in Texas. I am writing this review after having time to process what occurred and to share my experience as accurately and honestly as possible.
From the day I brought my kitten home (approximately three weeks ago), he showed subtle but persistent signs of respiratory issues. He would sneeze intermittently and occasionally wheeze, particularly when I picked him up. He had been described to me as having a "cuddly, calm demeanor," but in hindsight, I now believe this behavior may have been related to not feeling well. When Emily initially described his temperament prior to pickup, I specifically asked whether he might be sick or unwell.
During his first week with me, he was very timid and not playful. At the time, I attributed this to a normal adjustment period. About a week ago, he developed an eye infection, and I took him to the veterinarian immediately and informed Emily. At no point during this conversation was I informed of any known or suspected respiratory illness, including Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), in cats from her cattery. I was later informed that eye infections commonly occur alongside respiratory infections in kittens.
Shortly after this, his condition escalated rapidly and severely. He developed an extremely high fever, rapid breathing, and significant wheezing. He was taken to an emergency veterinary hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition. He has required continuous IV fluids since admission and has since been formally diagnosed with pneumonia. He remains under intensive veterinary care.
This situation has resulted in thousands of dollars in emergency and hospitalization expenses, as well as an extremely stressful and frightening emotional experience.
After my original review was posted, I was contacted by another individual who shared that their kitten from the same cattery (born about 15 days before mine) was diagnosed with Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1). This information was not disclosed to me at the time of purchase, nor was it disclosed when I informed Emily of my kitten's eye infection. Additionally, when I asked whether any other cats in her home, including those from his or other litters, had experienced respiratory issues, I was told no.
While I cannot state with absolute certainty when or where my kitten became ill, the presence of respiratory symptoms from the day I brought him home, combined with veterinary guidance regarding incubation timelines and learning that another kitten from the same cattery was diagnosed with FHV-1 during the same timeframe, is information I believe prospective buyers deserve to be aware of when considering potential health risks.
I also want to note that after posting my original review, I was asked to remove it and was informed that legal action would be pursued if it remained online. As a consumer, this further reinforced the importance of sharing factual, health-related experiences publicly so others can make fully informed decisions.
I am sharing this review to accurately reflect my experience and to encourage transparency regarding health issues that may impact new owners and their animals.
UPDATE: I want to clarify an important point. I have been in communication with the owner of another kitten from the same litter as mine who was diagnosed with a severe respiratory condition. I have since learned that the breeder was provided with that kitten's medical records prior to my inquiry about whether any other kittens were ill. This information was not shared with me at the time I asked about the health of other kittens. read more
