Breeder Health Program & Conditions of Sale
Genetic Testing
Massimini Whiskers is committed to maintaining a responsible and health-conscious breeding program. We make significant investments in genetic screening, pedigree research, veterinary care, nutrition, and responsible breeding practices in an effort to produce healthy, well-socialized Ragdoll kittens. All breeding cats utilized within our program undergo comprehensive genetic testing through reputable laboratories. Our breeding cats are screened for more than 50 genetic conditions, blood type, genetic traits, and genetic diversity markers. In addition, all breeding cats are tested for known Ragdoll-associated conditions, including Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), prior to being included in our breeding program.
While genetic testing is an important tool in responsible breeding, no breeder, veterinarian, laboratory, or testing methodology can guarantee that any animal will be completely free of all hereditary, congenital, developmental, infectious, autoimmune, or age-related conditions. Genetic testing evaluates only the specific mutations and conditions included within the testing panel at the time testing is performed.
The Buyer acknowledges that despite careful selection of breeding stock, comprehensive health testing, and responsible breeding practices, unforeseen health conditions may arise due to factors beyond the Breeder's control, including but not limited to genetic complexity, spontaneous mutations, environmental influences, injury, illness, nutrition, and normal aging.
Except as expressly provided in this Agreement's Health Guarantee section, the Breeder makes no representation or warranty that the Kitten will be free from all diseases, defects, disorders, or medical conditions throughout its lifetime.
Inherited Genetic Health Guarantee
Massimini Whiskers provides a Two Year Genetic Health Guarantee from the date of delivery against Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), and other serious inherited genetic conditions that significantly impact the kitten's quality of life. Should the kitten die within twenty-four (24) months of the date of delivery as a direct result of a confirmed inherited genetic disease, the Purchaser must notify the Seller in writing within seven (7) days and provide all relevant veterinary records, diagnostic testing, and a necropsy report performed by a licensed veterinarian or veterinary pathologist at the Purchaser's expense. Upon verification that the cause of death was a covered inherited genetic disease, the Seller shall provide the Purchaser with a replacement kitten of equal or lesser value when one becomes available. The replacement kitten shall be the Purchaser's sole remedy under this guarantee. No cash refunds, credits, reimbursements, veterinary expenses, transportation costs, shipping expenses, boarding expenses, emotional damages, or other compensation shall be provided. This guarantee does not cover injuries, accidents, parasites, infectious diseases, exposure to toxins, vaccine reactions, environmental factors, nutritional deficiencies, stress-related illnesses, negligence, abuse, improper veterinary care, breeding-related complications, or any condition resulting from causes beyond the Seller's control. The Purchaser acknowledges that genetic testing substantially reduces the risk of hereditary disease but cannot eliminate all risk. No breeder, veterinarian, or laboratory can guarantee that a kitten will never develop a genetic, congenital, developmental, autoimmune, infectious, or age-related condition.
72 Hour Health Guarantee
Seller guarantees that the kitten is healthy to the best of Seller's knowledge at the time of delivery. The kitten is guaranteed for seventy-two (72) hours from the date of delivery against serious pre-existing illnesses, including upper respiratory infections, internal parasites, external parasites, Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Purchaser agrees to have the kitten examined by a licensed veterinarian within seventy-two (72) hours of delivery. If the veterinarian identifies a serious health concern that was present prior to delivery, Purchaser must provide Seller with written veterinary documentation within twenty-four (24) hours of the examination. Upon receipt and review of the veterinarian's documentation, Purchaser may return the kitten to Seller within seven (7) calendar days of the veterinary examination. Upon return of the kitten, Seller shall provide Purchaser with a replacement kitten of equal or lesser value when one becomes available. Replacement of the kitten shall be the Purchaser's sole remedy under this guarantee. No refunds, credits, reimbursements, veterinary expenses, travel expenses, shipping costs, medications, diagnostic fees, or other incidental expenses shall be paid by Seller. The kitten must remain isolated from all other animals during the seventy-two (72) hour guarantee period. Exposure to other animals during this period shall void this guarantee. Replacement kitten shipping and transportation expenses are the sole responsibility of the Purchaser.
Refund Policy
Please read this policy carefully before paying a deposit.
All monies paid are non-refundable including shipping fees and any money paid beyond the deposit amount toward kitten purchase price or for other related services or supplies. On returned kittens, all shipping fees, medical costs and service costs (including but not limited to additional delivery fees) are the responsibility of the Purchaser and will not be credited toward the new kitten selected. Notification of intention to return the kitten must be received in writing within 72 hours of receipt and kitten must be returned to Seller within ten (10) calendar days or receipt or no credit toward replacement kitten will be given and Purchaser waives Seller of all responsibility to replace kitten unless a genetic issue is identified by Purchaser’s veterinarian within 2 years (730 days) of the date of this contract.
Other Pets Policy
Seller shall not be responsible for any illness, injury, disease transmission, veterinary expenses, or damages involving the kitten or any other animal following delivery, and Purchaser assumes all responsibility for proper quarantine, supervision, and introduction of the kitten to other pets.
Under no circumstances shall the cat/kitten be sold, leased, surrendered, transferred, or given to any pet store, animal shelter, rescue organization, research facility, breeding mill, or similar entity. If Purchaser is unable or unwilling to keep the cat/kitten at any time during its life, Purchaser agrees to notify Seller first and provide Seller with the opportunity to assist in re-homing or to reclaim the cat/kitten. Seller makes no guarantee that Seller will be able to accept return of the cat/kitten but reserves the right of first refusal prior to any transfer to a third party.
Rehoming Policy
Indoor Only Policy
No Declaw Policy
Purchaser agrees that the cat/kitten shall be maintained as an indoor-only companion and shall not be permitted to roam freely outdoors. Supervised outdoor access, including the use of a secure enclosure ("catio"), harness, or leash, is permitted at Purchaser's discretion. Seller shall not be responsible for any injury, illness, loss, theft, death, or damages resulting from the cat/kitten being allowed outdoors.
Purchaser agrees that the cat/kitten shall not be declawed at any time during its life. Declawing is a surgical amputation procedure that Seller believes is detrimental to the cat's health and well-being. Any declawing procedure performed after transfer of ownership shall immediately void all health guarantees provided under this Agreement.
Concerns and Complaints Policy