Hi All,
We're already on the wait list for a Maine Coon, however, it's still another 1-1/2 (actually nearly 2!) years before our turn for a kitten comes up. That breeder is quite far from us and while we still want one of their kittens (we prefer the look of the cats over all the others we've seen) we also don't want to necessarily want that long before we add another cat to our household.
A little background: We lost our older boy nearly 6 months ago. Our younger one is doing fine but we believe she could use the companionship of another cat, as she does like them. Waiting another 2 years doesn't make sense and we are financially sound enough to eventually have 3 cats. So, now that we're out of the "fog" of having lost Casper we're ready to add another one to our home, however, we do still want an MC. Yes, we could add another rescue but if we happened to find an MC that fits our criteria now, we *might* give up our spot on the other one and down the road, consider adding another rescue.
Ok with that out of the way...our second pick for an MC breeder was actually our 1st pick. She is much closer, in our state, only a couple of hours away - it sure would be a lot less expensive to drive to her, than to take a flight out to the mid-west let alone it's 2 tickets, hotel, car rental, cat sitter for our other cat Bean, etc. so that adds up on top of the kitten fee!
Pretty sure, we had met this breeder several years back at a cat show and were impressed with her cats. Had followed her web site and kittens but then, a few years back she stopped using the web site and only used Facebook instead. We, both left Facebook at least 2 years ago due to the negativity that developed around it once you know who became president.
Anyway, I do still have a throw away account with Facebook though, and would periodically look at the breeders page. We knew she'd expanded into Bengals also. The other day, saw that she had 2 new litters; a set of tabbies and a set of solids and, that all were available (I assume, being a long established breeder her kittens go quickly so no need for her to worry about whether or not she'll be able to home them). The solids caught our eye. She had written on the page that the way to contact her was, through the page. So, first I wrote in the comment section a short note that I was interested.
I got no response from that, but realized that I may not have set up the FB page to receive them. So, I wrote a detailed email to her also giving as much info as possible. That was later in the day yesterday.
I'm wondering what is a reasonable amount of time for a breeder to get back to you? And, if they would even get back if NOT interested in you as being a potential adoptee? The other breeder had a very formal way of doing things; we had to send in an extremely long questionnaire, and an email and then, if they accepted this they sent people back an acceptance email welcoming them to the wait list. But this person, is not doing it formally at all so not sure what to expect here. And I don't want to be pushy but, I'm also not sure if I should maybe just pick up the phone and call also? Who knows if she is reading her emails regularly, or her Facebook comments? Maybe she's one of those people who wants people to make the effort so she knows they truly are interested?
Aaah! spinning my wheels here! It's only been since later on Friday although her page says she responds usually within 24 hours. I keep reminding myself "but, it's the weekend" and maybe she's away and also, she's caring for 2 new litters which I'm sure is overwhelming to do. And may be inundated with inquiries let alone, her own life in general to lead. So, my husband and I are trying to be patient but, also, really enamored with the solid black one we saw so, not doing too well with the patience at the moment LOL.
Thoughts? Comments? A reality check and a kick in the butt for us?
We're already on the wait list for a Maine Coon, however, it's still another 1-1/2 (actually nearly 2!) years before our turn for a kitten comes up. That breeder is quite far from us and while we still want one of their kittens (we prefer the look of the cats over all the others we've seen) we also don't want to necessarily want that long before we add another cat to our household.
A little background: We lost our older boy nearly 6 months ago. Our younger one is doing fine but we believe she could use the companionship of another cat, as she does like them. Waiting another 2 years doesn't make sense and we are financially sound enough to eventually have 3 cats. So, now that we're out of the "fog" of having lost Casper we're ready to add another one to our home, however, we do still want an MC. Yes, we could add another rescue but if we happened to find an MC that fits our criteria now, we *might* give up our spot on the other one and down the road, consider adding another rescue.
Ok with that out of the way...our second pick for an MC breeder was actually our 1st pick. She is much closer, in our state, only a couple of hours away - it sure would be a lot less expensive to drive to her, than to take a flight out to the mid-west let alone it's 2 tickets, hotel, car rental, cat sitter for our other cat Bean, etc. so that adds up on top of the kitten fee!
Pretty sure, we had met this breeder several years back at a cat show and were impressed with her cats. Had followed her web site and kittens but then, a few years back she stopped using the web site and only used Facebook instead. We, both left Facebook at least 2 years ago due to the negativity that developed around it once you know who became president.
Anyway, I do still have a throw away account with Facebook though, and would periodically look at the breeders page. We knew she'd expanded into Bengals also. The other day, saw that she had 2 new litters; a set of tabbies and a set of solids and, that all were available (I assume, being a long established breeder her kittens go quickly so no need for her to worry about whether or not she'll be able to home them). The solids caught our eye. She had written on the page that the way to contact her was, through the page. So, first I wrote in the comment section a short note that I was interested.
I got no response from that, but realized that I may not have set up the FB page to receive them. So, I wrote a detailed email to her also giving as much info as possible. That was later in the day yesterday.
I'm wondering what is a reasonable amount of time for a breeder to get back to you? And, if they would even get back if NOT interested in you as being a potential adoptee? The other breeder had a very formal way of doing things; we had to send in an extremely long questionnaire, and an email and then, if they accepted this they sent people back an acceptance email welcoming them to the wait list. But this person, is not doing it formally at all so not sure what to expect here. And I don't want to be pushy but, I'm also not sure if I should maybe just pick up the phone and call also? Who knows if she is reading her emails regularly, or her Facebook comments? Maybe she's one of those people who wants people to make the effort so she knows they truly are interested?
Aaah! spinning my wheels here! It's only been since later on Friday although her page says she responds usually within 24 hours. I keep reminding myself "but, it's the weekend" and maybe she's away and also, she's caring for 2 new litters which I'm sure is overwhelming to do. And may be inundated with inquiries let alone, her own life in general to lead. So, my husband and I are trying to be patient but, also, really enamored with the solid black one we saw so, not doing too well with the patience at the moment LOL.
Thoughts? Comments? A reality check and a kick in the butt for us?
So glad you got to meet the breeders. Do keep us updated and let us know who they are when you get your kitten.
She's amazing - have you thought about or decided on a name yet?
