Ok, I have done this for a while now so I have formulated an opinion based on my own experiences. I certainly do not mean to offend anyone. I am only stating my personal opinion.

I have seen breeders ask for deposits and that's ok. It is certainly within their rights and mine. I have no issues with that. We love to know our kittens have found their new homes as soon as possible so we can relax. However, the part I have a problem with is, when a breeder asks for a deposit prior to kittens being born, prior to breeding and prior to anything else.  I understand people want to assure they get the correct breeding pair and I guess that would be ok. My real problem comes in when someone asks for a deposit on next years breeding. THAT'S CRAZY!

I was looking for a male serval. Still am actually. I spoke with a breeder who told me he wanted a deposit for litters that weren't even expected. He said his customers had a year waiting list. ARE YOU SERIOUS? Please..... Many things can happen in 1 year. The breeding pair may die. The breeders themselves may die. Heck I may die! The funny part of the contract said he gives no deposits back. So let's pretend I put a deposit down and a bear ate his hand. I understand your hand is missing but do I lose my deposit? According to his contract, yes I do.

I actually watched this type of thing happen to someone. She had paid her 1500 deposit then he messed her around and messed her around. She wanted a female and he kept saying he didn't have any. She was 6th on the waiting list then she was 5th then 4th and truthfully no kitten in sight as all he had was males. Finally after months and months she said well, just give me a male then. He said No, according to my contract you can not change sexes. To the best of my knowledge to this day she neither has her deposit nor her kitten. She gave up and purchased a Savannah from a trustable breeder.

He has her money and hasn't supplied her any kitten. Ask yourself if this is right? This is what I am talking about when I say many things can happen in a year. In my opinion this is not a good breeder to buy from. The only way to stop a breeder from doing this is to stand up and say NO! I hope no one else falls for his line of bologna. I am unsure how he can even get away with it. I guess it's a judgment call on the buyers part. Do your homework. There are awesome serval and savannah breeders out there that do not do this type of thing.

I am in no way saying, do not give deposits. Of course you must pay a deposit or run the risk of losing your darling kitten. I am saying, at least WAIT until the breeding has taken place or the babies are born. I personally would never leave a deposit on an unborn baby unless I was the 1st deposit. 1st meaning 1st female, 1st male. Or they were exceptionally awesome bloodlines. Then I might leave a deposit for an upcoming breed. BUT only on the next litter. The deposit should not be kept if they can't supply what I paid for on the first available breed.

As I said in the beginning, I hope I don't offend anyone. I don't mean to do that. I just think messing someone around for a year is not only unreasonable but unethical and to be honest borderline un trustable and the first part and most important part of doing business is "trust" hum....