I can't imagine there's a whole lot you can do. I mean, if they threaten you, you can probably alert the authorities.

I'm all about conflict resolution, so I would clear the air, apologize for the miscommunication and express your VALID opinion and parenting style. You own the kitty now, so you're responsible for the decisions you make.

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Oscar and Jasper (or one ear and two ears as dh calls them) black rescue mogges

RIP my sweet baby Dexter, Snow Bengal 19/5/14 to 5/3/15 and my lovely dear old friend Muskey, Brown Burmese put to rest aged 15 on 14/11/15.

Debbie

Most breeders' contracts state the cat shall not be outdoors without supervision! If you signed it, you're bound by it or it's a breach of contract. Outdoor cats can disappear. Your breeder is only looking out for the cat that she/he cared for and spent time and money breeding. If your breeder is posting the truth, then there isn't much you can do about it. How did the breeder find out your cat goes outside? Did you post pictures online (if so, delete them)? Obviously the breeder is upset about this and I don't know if they may go so far as court action to get the cat back. I'm guessing you were not upfront with the breeder that you planned to let your kitty roam the free world as I'm sure you would never have gotten the kitty. I don't recommend that you post anything negative online about your breeder. Just let things go. You have a beautiful kitty to take care of. You can always walk your kitty on a harness and leash. It's much safer for the kitty.

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Oscar and Jasper (or one ear and two ears as dh calls them) black rescue mogges

RIP my sweet baby Dexter, Snow Bengal 19/5/14 to 5/3/15 and my lovely dear old friend Muskey, Brown Burmese put to rest aged 15 on 14/11/15.

Debbie

When you say "gone walkabout" does that mean lost? Do you have your cat back now? Or is he still lost?

If he's still lost, then why are you so worried about the criticism? Shouldn't the focus be on getting him back? And if he's not still lost then "no harm done" in a sense. Anyone can lose a kitty, even "indoor only" cats. But you really didn't explain what the breeder's beef with you is really? Is it that you broke some sort of agreement with them?

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The little monsters 3

I signed a contract when I purchased my second bengal, which stated the cat is to be kept strictly indoors at all times, unless walked on a harness or has access to an outdoor enclosure. They were very specific on that and if this happened to me and they found out, I can image they would be quite upset/angry with me. Unless it was an accident, of course. I do believe in keeping my cats (bengals especially) inside. They are very unique looking and do get stolen. Plus, they are amazing hunters and will kill a lot of wildlife. It is up to you what you do and believe, I am not going to tell you off for letting your cat out if that is what you want to do as it’s your personal choice. All I’m saying, is that most reputable Bengal breeders will make you sign a contract outlining the cat is to be indoors only. If you go against that, and they find out, yes you will receive criticism. There isn’t much you can do about it. Either ignore it, or speak with the breeder directly about your views on the matter.