Does Consumer Rights Act Apply To Pet Breeders?

[Rubyrose]

Hi All,

Does anyone know what rights I have as I purchased a kitten from a breeder (found on Pets4Homes). After 5 days of having the kitten, I took him to the vets and found out he has an infection. He also has fleas.

He was sneezing the day I brought him home from the breeders but I put this down to new smells and new dust etc. After a couple of days, I noticed he had gunky looking eyes and I called the vets and booked him in. On day 5, at the vets I found out he had an infection. The vet bills were over £100 and the insurance won't pay out as it was a pre existing condition (the policy started the day I got him, but he had the infection at the breeders).

I've also paid out for flea treatment and flea spray to de-infest my home. There is no possible way he got the fleas from anywhere other than the breeders. He is an indoor cat and my only pet. I've not had any other pets in 10yrs (and not in this property). My carpets and flooring are also new.

The breeder is refusing to acknowledge that any of this is her fault, even though she admitted she doesn't get her kittens vet checked or vaccinated.

Do I have a case against her in small claims court?

[roopower]

I think the RSPCA might be a good idea though I have heard mixed reports about them. Hopefully they would do an unannounced home check. She doesnt sound good on any level.

[roopower]

If she is selling poorly kittens that have not been vaccinated, she could be selling them with cat flu or other nasty things. Doesn't sound reputable at all. I'd also mention it at Pets4homes.

[Rubyrose]

I’d already reported her to Pets4Homes and they replied saying to report it to RSPCA, local authorities etc. So I will.

The kitten is better. I’ve been giving him his antibiotics all week and I’ve noticed he is so much more lively and also drinking water now that he is almost better. We have the vets tomorrow so we shall see. X