established 1989
 | back to: Akerrs Information Page |
My responsibility is two fold:
| To the individual cat/kitten that I have in my charge |
| To the client who trusts me to assist them in selecting their newest addition to their home. |
I breed Bengal cats because, frankly, I love people... and I will do all I can to help you find the best match for your home.
I need to know what look you are wanting
| do you have other animals |
| children |
| are you an experienced cat owner |
| what are your expectations.... and so on. |
I try to give a complete picture of the cattery and to cover any questions and concerns you might have. The highest priority is to make sure you have the kitten you want and that the kitten has the home he/she needs.
It is helpful to know:
| Have you had cats before |
| What are you expecting in a kitten |
| The most important characteristics you are interested in |
| Do you have an active family with young children |
| Other animals... dogs, cats, etc. |
| Color, pattern, and overall look.... |
This helps me to help you and place the right kitten in your home.
I am hesitant to take deposits on kittens not born, however, I know some of you want to be assured of a kitten and will consider this on a limited basis. The demand for Akerr's kittens exceeds the supply! So, patience and trust are important on both our parts!
My prices include:
| Spay/neuter. Since 1998, we have been doing early spays and neuters, I highly recommend them. I find the kittens recover faster and are less stressed when done here before leaving. |
| Vaccines given by my veterinarian. Includes at least two FPL-CVR. |
| Testing. We annually test adults for corona titers. I no longer test kittens and do not guarantee that they will not have titers.* I do guarantee the kittens' health and guarantee no Felv or FIV. |
| Fecal testing. |
| Pet insurance. Due to a change in the policies, I can no longer provide you with a three month policy. Go to http://www.petinsurance.com for information. |
| Access by your veterinarian to your kitten's health history record through my veterinarian. |
| Your vet can call my vet for specific questions and help. |
| My help with behavior and other questions. |
The above represents about $300 of the cost of the kitten. Kittens are individually priced and I will help you in finding the one that best suits what you are wanting. Average price of a kitten from Akerrs with all the vaccines, testing, health evaluations, neuter/spay included PLUS my guarantees is $800-900. Top price for a show quality kitten that is a pet, $1200. I have some for less, depends on the kitten.
When you get a kitten you have only to have the last FCL CVR vaccine and rabies... and enjoy the kitten!
I usually have a waiting list, but you can reserve a "spot" on that list for $100 which will lock your position in place. I then work with you to make sure we understand each other, do extra videos and such to help you, encourage you...if possible, to visit.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis.
Current statistics indicate corona virus is present in 80-90% of multicat households. Of these the young and old are susceptible to a mutation of the virus that allows it to become lethal... again, statistically this is 1-10% of the 80-90% that have a corona virus. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) effects mainly the geriatric cat and the young.
Due to the outbreak of SARS (a corona virus) money has become available for researchers to study FIP. Cats are an ideal source of information for human application. SARS did not come from cats... I want to clarify that. Work is under way at UC Davis and the cat world anticipates a hoped for break through in the next few years.
Until then, we are left with inaccurate tests, mixed recommendations on vaccines, and a lot of heart ache. I have had kittens succumb to FIP. Dr. Neils Perderson of UC Davis says that this will happen to all catteries at some point... life is what it is. In an effort to protect the cats and you... I have instigated even more strict cattery management practices. I am recommending the following:
| A single cat household. There is only the kitten you are getting to consider. While I will not guarantee that the kitten is free of corona virus, I will guarantee replacement of a kitten that succumbs to FIP. |
| Remembering that the tests are not reliable consider the following.... |
| If you have a multicat household... the issue is a bit more complex. Your current cats may have a corona virus... this would place the kitten at risk... your current cats may not have a corona virus this could put them at risk. Your current cats and the kitten may all have corona virus and exposure to more virus will compound their exposure. |
| Confused? So are the experts... as I breeder I want to throw up my hands... how do I protect you and the cats? |
| While I will guarantee and replace a kitten from my cattery that succumbs to FIP, I cannot be responsible for the other cats. This is simply not possible with the tests and information we currently have. |
| The most conservative approach, not necessarily going to answer your questions and may give rise to more. |
CONSERVATIVE APPROACH
|
All of the above information is true for ALL catteries and feline lovers... Until a test that is reliable is made, we are all of us in a state of unknowns. I am giving you the best information I can give you.
I would be glad to answer any questions you might have, IF I can answer them :)
Also go to: www.orionfoundation.com for information
Libbie
740-548-6586
before 6:00 PM EST