So I came across a breeder (not Bengal) who claims to be registered.

However, when I asked if I am able to meet her kittens, she told me they are a 100% closed cattery and do not allow any visits at all. Not even if you have paid a deposit for a kitten, or the full price.

She said this is to prevent any disease from enterting into their home.

This is not just for the first 8 weeks of the kittens’ lives – but for as long as they are there. Even retiring studs and queens up for sale are now allowed to be viewed…

The breeder I spoke with was very nice and informative and is even listed on a feline association page of registered breeders. However, it seems a bit strange to me that not even someone who is paying a deposit for a kitten can even come in to pick up which one they would like? She said they will provide photos of videos of their development, but strictly no outsiders allowed in their home…

I would assume that any reputable breeder would allow visits as I just don’t understand how no one would be allowed to come in to at least meet their future kitten…

Walk away.

Would you really want to buy a kitten, sight unseen, without seeing the mum and the surroundings it was brought up in ( if the kittens actually exist ) ?

I wouldn't buy from her. Perhaps she has a slightly unhealthy fixation on cleanliness and means well, but that isn't your problem. It is standard to see the conditions the kittens are raised in, and to see their mother.

No, I really wouldn’t!

She has some beautiful cats and says she tests her cats for:

* FIV (Feline Aids, Highly contagious, Deadly, No cure)
* FeLV (Feline Leukaemia, Highly contagious, Deadly, No cure)
* HCM (Genetic in Ragdolls; Heart; Common; Deadly; No cure)
* PKD (Genetic in Ragdolls; Kidney; Common; Deadly; No cure)

And the reason she doesn’t allow people in her home is because she doesn’t want test results to be affected…

I really doubt, however, that even half of the illnesses on that list that she says she tests though, can be caught by physical contact… Especially as two of them are genetic, one is Leukaemia, and the other Feline AIDS…..

So I’m really sceptical about that.

Yeah, definitely won’t be purchasing from her, but just wanted to make sure as I wasn’t sure if this was a legit reason for not allowing visits…

Her home is probably a mess and she doesn't want anyone to see the condition the cats are living in. Otherwise why hide from the public?

Find another breeder -- plain and simple! You want to be able to see and hold the kitty you are adopting. A great breeder encourages a visit to select your kitty. A picture or video is not enough. You want to view the parent(s), see the environment the cats are in. Sounds as if this breeder is not going to socialize the kittens -- we've had a member come on here and post that the cat she picked out was not socialized at all. I'm sure you can locate another breeder who will be much more accommodating.

The whole thing about "diseases" is crazy. Cats do not contact diseases from people. And just because the breeder states they test for several things ... doesn't mean they actually do!

I found a breeder in the NJ area. At first I was a bit skeptical but she did allow me to visit, even tho the drive was about 3 1/2 hrs from my home, but prices I couldn't beat I had to go for myself to see. That's how I ended up with Tiger and never regretted a day of it.

I ran across a post on Facebook of someone who got scammed by a supposed "breeder". You're spending a lot of money on a purebred kitty! You want to make sure that is what you're getting.

What a load of poppycock. Those diseases aren't transmissible via humans. Sounds very shady to me.
Or she's got OCD

Either way I would steer clear of this breeder. Who would buy ANYTHING sight unseen?

That's just weird. When someone comes to pick up their cat do they make them wait in the driveway so they can't see what's going on inside? I would choose a full disclosure breeder who isn't afraid of the public or letting them see the condition of the environment. Who knows what else they are hiding.

Jill, as a matter of fact you do have to wait outside to get your kitty:

"Alternatively:
As we do not allow people to enter our home we have made a Youtube channel so please go and check out our Youtube Channel to view our Cattery and our past and present kittens and adult Ragdolls, as you reach the bottom of the page there will be a button that says "Load more" please click it to make more of our videos appear. "

But, hey, it's always buyer beware. I'm sure they do sell some of their kitties. But their ethic leaves a lot to be desired. I'd just advise folks in Australia to stay clear of this particular one.

Ha ha just found the website, it hurt my eyes

Edit: Ugh, they advertise on Gumtree. Now not condemning people who do, but it really does ring alarm bells with me. All those "ethics" then they advertise their kittens on Gumtree?