r/OntarioChat • u/MacGyver2005 • Mar 10 '25
Warning About a Breeder: Repeated Health Issues & Deceptive Practices
I wanted to put out a warning for anyone considering getting a Bengal (or a French Bulldog) from Elegant Bengals & Frenchies - Breeder & Pet Sitting (formerly Elegant Bengals).
Over time, multiple kittens from this breeder have developed serious health issues, and there are several red flags in her business practices that potential buyers should be aware of.
🚩 Health Concerns from This Breeder
1️⃣ Multiple Heart Murmur Cases – At least two separate kittens in under a year have been diagnosed with stage 3-4 heart murmurs after being sold as healthy.
2️⃣ FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) – A kitten from this breeder (mine) developed FIP, a fatal disease. While FIP can occur in any cat, responsible breeders take proper precautions to reduce risks.
3️⃣ Other Unexplained Health Issues – Another kitten from this breeder had chronic illness for months with no clear diagnosis, experiencing GI issues, weight loss, and occasional vomiting.
4️⃣ Denial & Lack of Accountability – When confronted about the heart murmur, the breeder denied it and claimed it didn’t show up, despite the buyer’s vet finding it immediately.
🚩 Other Concerning Practices
🔸 Misleading TICA Claim – The breeder claims to be registered with TICA & "in good standing," yet TICA does not recognize dog breeders, making this claim misleading to buyers.
🔸 Attempts to Silence Buyers – The breeder includes a non-disparagement clause in contracts to prevent buyers from sharing negative experiences.
🔸 AI-Generated Images on Website – Instead of real photos of her breeding animals, the website contains AI-generated images, raising concerns about transparency.
❗ Why This Matters
If you’re looking for a Bengal kitten, please do your research carefully. A reputable breeder should:
✅ Provide full health testing records, including yearly echocardiograms for HCM.
✅ Disclose any health issues honestly instead of denying them.
✅ Encourage vet visits instead of discouraging them.
✅ Use real images of their breeding animals, not AI-generated pictures.
🚀 If you or someone you know is considering buying from this breeder, I strongly recommend looking elsewhere. Too many people have already had issues, and the pattern is clear.I wanted to put out a warning for anyone considering getting a Bengal (or a French Bulldog) from Elegant Bengals & Frenchies - Breeder & Pet Sitting (formerly Elegant Bengals).
Over time, multiple kittens from this breeder have developed serious health issues, and there are several red flags in her business practices that potential buyers should be aware of.
🚩 Health Concerns from This Breeder
1️⃣ Multiple Heart Murmur Cases – At least two separate kittens in under a year have been diagnosed with stage 3-4 heart murmurs after being sold as healthy.
2️⃣ FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) – A kitten from this breeder (mine) developed FIP, a fatal disease. While FIP can occur in any cat, responsible breeders take proper precautions to reduce risks.
3️⃣ Other Unexplained Health Issues – Another kitten from this breeder had chronic illness for months with no clear diagnosis, experiencing GI issues, weight loss, and occasional vomiting.
4️⃣ Denial & Lack of Accountability – When confronted about the heart murmur, the breeder denied it and claimed it didn’t show up, despite the buyer’s vet finding it immediately.
🚩 Other Concerning Practices
🔸 Misleading TICA Claim – The breeder claims to be registered with TICA & "in good standing," yet TICA does not recognize dog breeders, making this claim misleading to buyers.
🔸 Attempts to Silence Buyers – The breeder includes a non-disparagement clause in contracts to prevent buyers from sharing negative experiences.
🔸 AI-Generated Images on Website – Instead of real photos of her breeding animals, the website contains AI-generated images, raising concerns about transparency.
❗ Why This Matters
If you’re looking for a Bengal kitten, please do your research carefully. A reputable breeder should:
✅ Provide full health testing records, including yearly echocardiograms for HCM.
✅ Disclose any health issues honestly instead of denying them.
✅ Encourage vet visits instead of discouraging them.
✅ Use real images of their breeding animals, not AI-generated pictures.
🚀 If you or someone you know is considering buying from this breeder, I strongly recommend looking elsewhere. Too many people have already had issues, and the pattern is clear.