Btw I have screenshots to prove all of this reach out for more details…read more
I am very, very sad to have to write this review because I genuinely thought I had found a breeder I could trust, especially after sharing how difficult the past year has been for me.
I lost both of my cats, whom I had for over a decade, within six months of each other. My partner is extremely allergic to cats, and he had essentially taken one for the team so that we could have them. Losing both of them was devastating, and I honestly didn't think I would ever have the opportunity to own cats again.
After that, I contacted another Bengal breeder and had a very concerning experience involving a kitten with feline herpes. I ultimately trusted my gut and decided not to move forward with that kitten. I then reached out to Divina's Pride because I felt reassured by my conversations with her and believed I had found someone professional and trustworthy.
Unfortunately, my experience has been extremely disappointing.
I am now emotionally invested in a kitten whose expected arrival date has repeatedly been pushed back. I have had to reach out myself every time I need an update rather than receiving consistent communication. The lack of organization and communication has been incredibly frustrating, especially when you are waiting for an animal that you have already placed a reservation on and become emotionally attached to.
This has become even more difficult because I am a mother of two, and my children have also become emotionally invested in this kitten. They know the kitten by name. After losing both of their cats, I told them that we would be bringing this kitten home and gave them an expected timeframe. They have been asking about the kitten and when it is coming home, and I am now in the position of not being able to give my own children a clear answer.
As a mother herself, I would have expected her to understand the pressure that comes with having children excitedly asking about an animal they have been told is coming home. I understand that circumstances can change and that breeding animals can involve unexpected delays. What I don't understand is leaving a family, especially one who has already experienced the loss of beloved pets, without consistent communication or a reliable timeline.
I have also received conflicting information regarding the kitten's condition and neutering timeline. At the same time, I have seen social media posts about other kittens from the same litter still being promoted and offered for adoption. From my perspective, this has made it feel as though getting the remaining kittens adopted is taking priority over communicating with and providing clear timelines to families who have already placed deposits and have been waiting for their kittens.
What has been especially upsetting is that I was very open with her about losing my cats and about my previous experience with the other Bengal breeder. During those conversations, I was told that many breeders are unprofessional. Unfortunately, my experience with Divina's Pride has been even more frustrating from a communication and organization standpoint. At least the other breeder was forthcoming and responsive about the situation with feline herpes, which allowed me to make an informed decision.
I understand that breeding animals can involve unexpected circumstances and that timelines can change. That is not my issue. My issue is the lack of proactive communication, inconsistent information, and the uncertainty surrounding when my kitten will actually be coming home.
When you are already emotionally attached to an animal, have lost two beloved pets, have children asking for that animal by name, and have been waiting for weeks, repeatedly having to chase down basic information is incredibly stressful and heartbreaking.
I have tried to be patient and understanding, but at this point I do not feel that my family has been treated with the level of empathy, communication, or professionalism I would expect from someone who is responsible for placing an animal into a family's home.
Based on my experience, I would not recommend this breeder. If you are considering reserving a kitten, I strongly encourage you to ask very specific questions about timelines, veterinary care, neutering, communication, and what happens if the expected arrival date changes. Most importantly, make sure you are comfortable with the level of communication you will receive after placing your deposit.
I truly wish this experience had been different. I wanted to trust this breeder, especially after everything I had been through with losing my cats. Instead, my family has been left feeling anxious, disappointed, and heartbroken while waiting for an answer about when this kitten will actually come home.
