Boarding Catteries

[Deb]

I have actually tried to do the introduction but lost the post after spending ages typing a message. I then got caught up in this thread.

I am not actually here to promote FAB, but just set the record straight regarding the mis information you are quoting as fact. The information you are giving people is grossly misleading, and how one person can decide to state derisory comments about such a well respected organisation whose main aim is to improve the welfare of cats is beyond me.

I notice you have not got an answer for many of the comments I have made.

[Deb]

Hi Mags,

I own a FAB listed cattery, so I have been through the process of gaining listed status.

Deb

[Mags]

Originally Posted by Deb

Hi Mags,

I own a FAB listed cattery, so I have been through the process of gaining listed status.

Deb

Ah..... I see!

We would love to hear more about your cat/s some time ........ just start a new thread..

[borderdawn]

Originally Posted by Deb

I have actually tried to do the introduction but lost the post after spending ages typing a message. I then got caught up in this thread.

I am not actually here to promote FAB, but just set the record straight regarding the mis information you are quoting as fact. The information you are giving people is grossly misleading, and how one person can decide to state derisory comments about such a well respected organisation whose main aim is to improve the welfare of cats is beyond me.

I notice you have not got an answer for many of the comments I have made.

Your reasons for being here as far as I am concerned are very clear. You cannot accept that FAB have shortfalls in their criteria, they do not reccommend the catteries they list and they DO approach catteries "on spec and ask them to send money to them to join. I dont care how much you think they are wonderful Deb, being a listed cattery is NOT a guarantee that a place is a good one, not in the slightest and looking at some of the places listed and the points I have mentioned its very clear that some things about FAB are not required or even mentioned, on that point I have nothing more to say, I kind of guessed you had a cattery and I was going to post as much and suggest you were listed, but I was hoping you'd come out with the reasons for your posts yourself, but you didnt, only on prompting.

I also imagine that the fact you think people need an appointment before viewing and shouldnt just turn up, is also one of YOUR rules at your cattery and you shouldnt be speaking for everybody, I have absolutely no problem with people visiting me any time within our opebning hours, we have adequate staff to ensure people and pets are looked after at all times, our clients are very important to us and we give them all the time they require, and they will never ever need to make an appointment, but thats us!

[Kay]

I have read this with great interest. I have to say I have no experience with FAB with regards to catteries but I have had dealings with them with regard to PKD testing.

They did appear to me and a great many other breeders to be just interested in the money they got from scanning cats for PKD. Although they have now brought in DNA testing. When they were only scanning the results were some what irregular. A friend of mine was one of the first to scan her cats and was very pleased when apart from one cat the rest where tested negative. None of the cats where the minimum age they were older. A few years later a kitten she bred out of her negative cats tested positive, which is impossible. She then had the cats re-tested, again under the FAB scheme and most of them where positive. She was devasted. FAB continued to take breeders money for scanning without informing them of this problem. Another friend contacted them and said she wanted to now more information about this issue only to be told that her friend was lying and to carry on scanning.

They have as I have said brought in DNA testing but are still, in my opinion, in it for the money. To get your cat tested with the FAB works out at £45, at the last enquiry, If you end your test to Australia, yes Australia, not only do you get the results back quicker than with the FAB scheme but it only costs around £18 a cat. This depends on the conversion rates. How can this procedure be so different in cost.

[borderdawn]

I had also heard about unreliable PKD scans Kay, but wasnt familiar enough with it to comment. very worrying isnt it.

Meant to add, there were similar short comings in the ELISA blood test for Von Willebrands disease in Dobermanns, not the same, but now DNA testing is available the results are practically 100% definate, defianetly the way forward.

[Kay]

It certainly is Dawn. I feel that instead of helping breeders irradicate this from our lines, FAB are just out to make a fortune from it. It seems odd to me that you can send the test to the other side of the world, get the results back quicker and it costs you less then half. Beyond me.

[Jac]

If I was ever to use a cattery I would want to visit unannounced during open hours. I think that's the only way you would get a proper "feel" for the place. If they are expecting you then they can be ready (so to speak). If they have nothing to hide then it wouldn't be a problem. If the place is short staffed enough not to be able to spend time with me then I would be worried this was the norm and my cats may not get the attention they needed.

As for So and so approval to me that means nothing as they know generally when inspectors may visit and are on there toes. (fo what it's worth)

[Kay]

I totally agree with everything you say Jac. Why have specific times for visiting if you have nothing to hide!!

[dandysmom]

I would never put my cat in a cattery that I hadn't inspected myself unannounced ......