Complaint Review: Batcave Cattery - Internet Washington

 Clearly Melissa does this for profit. No wonder she mass produces kittens, she has a license to be a Kitten Mill. BAT CAVE CATTERY LLC Washington Business Name: BAT CAVE CATTERY LLC UBI: 603267483 ... more info Category: LLC State Of Incorporation: WA Date Of Incorporation: 01/14/2013 Expiration Date: 01/31/2014 Duration: Perpetual Dissolution Date: Record Status: Active Type: Profit Registered Agent Name: MELISSA MACPHERSON Registered Agent Address: 205 BRIDGEWAY Registered Agent City: EVERETT Registered Agent State: WA Registered Agent Zip: 98201 Alternate Address: Alternate City: Alternate State:

While I completely support your position that consumers absolutely must be wary of "kitten/puppy mills" and "store front" kitten/puppy sales, and further support the selfless work that rescue and shelter groups do - You, Justice - Greeniwch (sp?), made a gross generalization and included Bat Cave Cattery in your generalization - which unfortunately, not only minimized your position on the positives of rescue and shelter groups, but was lost in your biased rant (which lumped "breeders" and "mills" in the same category).  Unless you have had interactions with and/or visited all breeders in the United States (or at a minimum, your own area), you are not in a position to make such broad, all-encompassing statements. 



Clearly, you did not take the time to read the rebuttals submitted after the initial consumer complaint.  I am a consumer and have been a proud owner of a nearly 16 year old tabby cat ("Baby" - born in February 1993) who, indeed, was a rescue - who died on May 1, 2008.  Our family attempted to adopt 4 rescue kittens on two separate occasions (in 2009 and again in 2010); however, both attempts were met with severe allergic reactions (which developed quite suddenly) by one of our family members and we were heartbroken - believing that our family would not include cats for the foreseeable future.  Subsequent to receiving advice from our vet, we began researching the Devon Rex breed of cat (known to be a breed of cat that in some cases can be well tolerated by people who have cat allergies). 



I first made contact with Melissa MacPherson of Bat Cave Cattery in April 2011 to inquire as to the availability of kittens as well as the allergy issue we previously had with the rescue kittens.  Melissa MacPherson drove 120 miles round trip to our home (4 hours total driving time for Melissa) and brought one of her teenage Devon Rex cats (Catherine Jane) to our home to simply see how our daughter's allergies would tolerate the breed.  After spending over two hours at our home that day and finding that our daughter did not have any allergic reaction to Catherine Jane, our relationship began with Melissa MacPherson and Bat Cave Cattery.  By the way, Melissa did not ask for any travel expenses that day nor did she ask us for a promise to purchase any kitten from her.  In July, 2011 we were blessed to welcome two of the Bat Cave Cattery's angels into our home and, again, we were blessed in February, 2012, to welcome a third of the Bat Cave Cattery's angels into our home. 



From the very beginning, Melissa MacPherson has not only demonstrated her love, in word and deed, for what she does (given the unending work involved in the day-to-day care, nurturing and wellbeing of her Devon Rex Adults and Babies - she is, without a doubt, not in the breeding business to make money), but has gone far above and beyond what would generally be expected of a Breeder. 



Just for giggles, don't you find it odd that the initial complainant has not posted a single rebuttal since October 2012?  There's a fishy back story here that has not been clearly articulated by "Catstruth" (the initial complainant) . . .

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This horrible story should be a big WAKE UP CALL to ALL Consumers!

Do NOT buy any puppy/kitten from a Breeder or store front. MOST of them come from wretched conditions, and the fact that these low-end people make money from exploiting innocent animals is Criminal behavior.

Always check with the many wonderful rescue groups [many have pure bred animals that were rescued from the very bad breeders/mills like the one described in this complaint.]

Also, our townships are overflowing with beautiful, healthy, adoptable, and lovely animals in our Shelters!

Stop paying money [and big money in this case] for animals. There are so many who need all of us to step up and be responsible consumers.

This "Breeder" needs to be investigated by the Police for animal cruelty and clearly for unsafe and dirty conditions in her facility. She needs to be shut down, fined, and jailed. 

This pathetic greed, inhumane behavior, and ignorance has got to stop.

This horrible story should be a big WAKE UP CALL to ALL Consumers!

Do NOT buy any puppy/kitten from a Breeder or store front. MOST of them come from wretched conditions, and the fact that these low-end people make money from exploiting innocent animals is Criminal behavior.

Always check with the many wonderful rescue groups [many have pure bred animals that were rescued from the very bad breeders/mills like the one described in this complaint.]

Also, our townships are overflowing with beautiful, healthy, adoptable, and lovely animals in our Shelters!

Stop paying money [and big money in this case] for animals. There are so many who need all of us to step up and be responsible consumers.

This "Breeder" needs to be investigated by the Police for animal cruelty and clearly for unsafe and dirty conditions in her facility. She needs to be shut down, fined, and jailed. 

This pathetic greed, inhumane behavior, and ignorance has got to stop.

In response to Dubious Debater's most recent comments relative to the tragic outcome of the Devon Rex kitten (which spawned the original complaint), the purchaser (and complainant in this case) has damaged the reputation of Bat Cave Cattery and it's time that she (and her mother) take responsibility for their damaging actions and words - specifically:  "You made your bed, now it's time to lay in it."

Bat Cave Cattery had this kitten as well as all kitten sold check by a vet. The kitten was in perfect health when it left Melissa's hands.

Kelly Vance of the Night Magic Cattery in New York and Karen Vance of the Cedarwood Cattery in Canada are totally responsible for the pain and suffering of this beautiful animal due to their carelessness. They want to find a scape goat for their actions.

Maybe they should take responsiblity for their actions when it is clearly their fault. I encouage Melissa to take legal actions for the false statements posted against her person and the Bat Cave Cattery with intent to cause harm.

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I have had the privilege and pleasure of adopting 3 devon angel girls from Bat Cave Cattery:  2 girls in 2011 and 1 girl in 2012.  Our experience with the adoption process of all 3 of our girls could not have been better and I continue to have regular contact with Melissa via Facebook (perhaps you may have more success in contacting Melissa via Bat Cave Cattery Facebook Page). 

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I also purchased two wonderful Devon babies from Batcave Cattery. They are exact opposites, but we could not ask for cats that fit our family more perfectly. I do believe they were well loved. They are very sweet affectionate cats with distinct "monkey" personalities.

Initially I can say I was afraid I had been scammed. After paying for kittens I didnt get responses from Melissa. It took several e-mails and phone calls before I heard from her. Also she posted one set of kitten pictures, and then no updates. I was worried that several people were "buying" the same kittens. One of my kittens received an eye injury before he was 12 weeks.

With that said, they did arrive with eye discharge, coughing, and runny noses. Melissa responded immediately and told me they received antibiotic shots just before they were shipped.

I took them to the vet within 24 hours and they could not treat them since I had no record of the "shot" they recieved. Also she did not let me know they were sick before shipping. It took several weeks for their cold symptoms to clear up, but they are healthy now.

Melissa did return my calls at this point and was very friendly and professional. I still felt uneasy about the entire transaction, including the claims of purebred registration. I did not ever receive any type of registration paperwork. Also someone metioned a "pirate kitten". If you follow her website there were several kitten injuries. I think she may have had more than she could handle. Her websites are currently down, and that is how I found this report. Also the other breeders she used as references conveniently have dissappeared as well.

I have had a very hard time believing the comment made "I have contacted many breeders who laugh that I mention her name, then feel pity that I too got nailed by her. And tell me, why even the SPCA stated the large number of complaints they had on her?"  So today I called the SPCA and was on hold for quite a while as they checked their records.  I was told that they do not and any complaints on either Melissa MacPherson nor on Bat Cave Cattery.  Nor could I find any breeder who had ANY complaints or bad experiences with her either. 

It is painfully clear that the person(s) who wrote the complaint is upset and wants someone to place the blame on, but making unfounded accusations and plain out lies is not the way to do it.

October 11, 2012


To whom it may concern;


I am writing to address the complaint against Melissa MacPherson and Bat Cave Cattery by Kelly Vance.  I have 3 cats from Bat Cave Cattery and current and continuing first hand experience with the owner, Melissa MacPherson and have personal knowledge of Cocoa Bean and her health, as I was present at several of her well checks at the Vet's office while I was there for my own kitten's check ups.  I also saw her and played with her at Melissa's several times, including the day before she was taken to the airport when I was visiting my own kitten.  Cocoa Bean was in what appeared to be perfect health.


To say Melissa runs a cattery is not completely accurate, the truth being closer to she has cats in her home that she happens to sell.  Melissa does not cage her cats, aside from newborns -they have a special, large cage where they stay with their mother until they are ready to tackle the big, scary world of the living room, but their mom is always able to come and go) and cats that are ill have another large cage in a separate area.  Melissa and her family truly love their animals and treat them as cherished family members, not as pets. 


I met Melissa 3 years ago when I was directed to her by another breeder I had contacted, because Bat Cave was much closer to my home and we needed to do an allergy test before we could proceed with an adoption.  Melissa welcomed my husband, our son and myself into her home and introduced us to our very first Devons.  It was love at first sight and we began the process of becoming Devon parents.  While we were visiting that first day, Melissa was sweet and it was immediately obvious she had a strong bond with her cats.  She was thorough when asking us questions (topics included our work hours, our family dynamic and what exactly we were looking for and why we chose a Devon) and pleasantly frank when answering them (had she had any bad experiences, what were her choices of food and litter and why ((she showed us her research and was able to explain herself quite articulately)).  While I was waiting for my new baby to be born, we had many discussions about Devons and their personalities, their care and quirks.  One of Melissa's care tips was about bathing them, which is fully supported not only by several Devon groups and owners online (www.devonzone.com, being one of them) but also by other breeders and my vet.  If done properly, bathing helps them maintain their coat, none of my three have ever had any ear problems.  


Melissa not only allowed me to join her on all of my kitten's well-check vet visits, but she also drove 45 minutes to come with me to my vet when my Stella Luna broke her tail playing (she is a crazy monkey in a cat-suit!) and I was freaking out.  My newest addition, Cap'n Jack (the pirate cat) was injured by his sister during a wrestling match when he was still at Melissa's.  Melissa was open and honest about the situation and even offered to let me choose another kitten.  We had already become attached to Jack, he was ours and we were keeping him.  Melissa kept us updated as he recuperated, and allowed me to visit him.  When it was time for him to come home, she delivered him with a full set of vet records, his supplements and the promise to come at the drop of a hat to help us if we need it.  She has been to every Dr. check up (which we paid for, as he was our cat) and has called several times to check on him and my girls.  We are "Facebook friends" and frequently exchange photos.  Melissa did not walk away from us, even when our cats were injured.


What I have come to realize is that people tend to complain when they believe they have been wronged somehow, but rarely take the time make a fuss when they are satisfied.  Some people also feel the need to lash out publicly, instead of dealing with their problem privately.  Others are not happy unless they are in the middle of chaos.  I also realize that not only am I responsible for my own decisions,  I am also responsible for educating myself on the issue before making my decision.  I can only hope that anyone who reads Ms. Vance's complaint takes the time to do that as well, for if they do, I am confident they will find in Melissa's favor.


 Melissa provides a safe, clean and loving home for her Devons and I trust her completely.

I personally have been to the Bat Cave Cattery.  She is an excellent breeder.  I have been with her when she has taken a kitten for either a well cat check up, and also when she has taken kittens to the vet becasue she thinks there may be something wrong with the kitten.  I also know that she has the cats or kittens she sales have a check up by the vet just before  she ships one to its new home, which is something you "forgot" to mention.  The cattery is basicly a cage free cattery,  The kittens are loved and taken well care of.  As to your remarks that no one goes to her home is a complete lie.  The SPCA has checked out her cattery and has given her wonderful reviews.  As to the remark that the only experience she has had is with stray pit bulls.  She has had a cattery for almost 3 years.  Before that she helped with a pit bull rescue group.  Which only means she has compassion and love for animals,

I am truly sorry for the loss of your kitten and all of the hoops that you found yourself jumping through in getting the kitten restored to health; however, I know that Melissa would not deliver an unhealthy kitten to ANY home.  And, my experience with Bat Cave Cattery is not unique or just a fluke.  With the purchase of our youngest girl in February 2012, we had planned on taking delivery of her earlier; however, Melissa insisted on keeping her a week longer due to a stitch that had torn subsequent to being spayed - as she wanted to give the kitten time to heal and also take her to the Bat Cave Cattery's vet to be sure that the kitten was on the mend and in good health before I took delivery of her.

While this is a very sad situation for your kitten, I suspect there are OTHER details to your circumstances that have not been clearly articulated in your complaint and/or have been conveniently left out in an attempt to "blame" the breeder (i.e. timeline from when the kitten left the Bat Cave Cattery and you took delivery; local or long distance delivery; dietary guidelines for the kitten; etc.).

The relevant section for why the cattery would need to be inspected without complaints needing to be lodged can be found @ http://www.ci.everett.wa.us/default.aspx?ID=285

Section quoted below:
"Facility licensing
Homes with more than two dogs or two cats need to apply for a facility license. This policy helps ensure that people who have more than the average number of pets have the ability to properly care for them.

Please pick up a facility application at the Everett Animal Shelter or contact us at 425-257-6000 to request an application by mail. Once the application is received, an inspection of the facility must be scheduled. Any problems identified will be noted and discussed, and the inspecting officer will work with the owner to correct any deficiencies.Facilities licenses must be renewed on an annual basis."

I'm not clear if the Everett Animal Shelter is the SPCA, but that's an honest mistake.  The clear message here is that Batcave Cattery was expressing that they are following local law.

The kitten after 6 surgeries by University veterinary instructors... the kitten yet again had another prolapsed rectum. By this point multiple vets urged us our only other option was to have the kitten put to sleep rather than continue to suffer it's entire life. These can be fluke problems. But the fact that the breeder stopped caring on the progress of the kitten once medical issues rose is just plain bad business and screams just how this woman operates.

Funny enough, I am not the only person who has had similar problems.  I'm glad some of her kittens are healthy. And I'm glad you saw the woman who made a simple transaction with you. But mention your kitten coming to your home sick and you will automatically be ignored.

I have contacted many breeders who laugh that I mention her name, then feel pity that I too got nailed by her. And tell me, why even the SPCA stated the large number of complaints they had on her? It's sad when many businesses in the pet world are waiting for the chance to shut her down.

The kitten died.... Literally 2 months of ownership. She would have died sooner and in horrible pain had I followed Melissa's instructions to just "let her be and her rectum will return to normal". I am glad she never became a vet. God only knows what those animals would be in for then. As for the comment I didn't follow her instructions. I went out and bought that cheap food she feeds to continue the kitten on it when it got here. Bottled water, hell even the same litter. As a vet tech, it's silly to fight with me stating Giardia is able to be contracted and show symptoms at that level within ONE day. Really? What school ever taught her that? That's right, the only animal field she speaks of is taking in stray pit bulls. I didn't know that came with a degree.

I have had the pleasure and opportunity of adopting 3 of the Bat Cave Cattery's angels:  2 little girls in August 2011 and another little girl in February 2012.  Throughout the entire process with all 3 of our devon angels, Melissa MacPherson (and her family) have gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep us informed, answer questions, help with issues with this particular breed of cat (i.e. hygiene, diet, etc.).  All 3 of our devon angels were delivered to us in perfect health (and I did follow Melissa's advice and took all 3 of them to our vet within 3 days of receiving them - as Melissa wants to be sure that all of her kittens are in good health and new owners continue to keep them in good health).

The Cattery that is described in this complaint does not remotely resemble the Bat Cave Cattery that I have purchased kittens from.  What I do know is this:  When I followed Melissa's instructions, read the contract (before signing it) and paid attention to what works/what doesn't work for our devon girls, they have become unique and precious parts of our family.  I have Melissa MacPherson to thank for that!!!

Before making broad, negative statements about Bat Cave Cattery, I suggest that one make sure they have all of their respective "ducks in a row" or in this case "devons in a row" before recklessly throwing around completely erroneous, written statements (which, in some circles, could be defined as libel).