Beautymus Cattery Karen Hill Singapura Cat Breeder Siler City, North Carolina

I know two more people that bought sick Singapura kittens from Karen Hill so that's a total of five people I know! They also died from FIP, too! Karen Hill was very dishonest with me since she changed their date of birth's several times! She should stop breeding Singapuras! Other Singapura breeders are angry with her for continuing to breed sick Singapuras and selling them so they refuse to do any business with her!

I came across the above report after I also lost a Singapura kitten purchased from Karen Hill.  I hadn't known much about this rare breed of cat when I first got them, but have learned a lot in the past few months. 

In May 2013, I purchased two Singapura kittens from Karen Hill (Beautymus Cattery) and had a very different experience as that described above.  I also had the unfortunate experience of one kitten dying shortly after arrival - only 18 days after I got her.  Although Velcro was very tiny (weighed only 22 ounces at 17 weeks), she appeared healthy - was playful and eating with no problems.  I had my vet check her out and she got a clean bill of health.  Several weeks after she arrived, Velcro simply stopped eating, and despite emergency treatment, died 3 days later.  Because of my concerns about FIP, I had a complete necropsy with histopathology done on her.  The cause of death proved to be bacterial meningitis and encephalitis - something that is rare, likely precipitated by an undeveloped immune system, and apparently, is completely unpredictable.  There was no indication whatsoever of corona virus, PKD, or FIP.  During that time, I also extensively discussed the inbreeding and consequent health problems of Singapura cats with researchers at the University of California Davis - who are conducting genetic studies of Singapuras.  I had stayed in close communication with Karen Hill and Elizabeth Bolen at the cattery during those difficult days. 

Karen Hill was as responsive, knowledgable, and supportive as I could have hoped for.  She has now replaced Velcro with another Singapura kitten (including paying transport costs to California) and Daphne at present is healthy, playful, eating heartily and growing like a weed.  She also reimbursed me for medical expenses I'd incurred.  The brother of the kitten who died is nearly 9 months old now.  Goliath is healthy, happy, and has bonded with his new "sister." 

From my perspective, in this difficult situation, Karen Hill acted with complete integrity and professionalism.  To me, she seems very knowledgable and sincerely caring about this amazing breed of cat - which has known health problems resulting from severe inbreeding.  I have lost my heart to this amazing breed and my heart aches for those who have also lost a Singapura kitten, but I was happy to discover a breeder who seems to truly care about the cats she breeds and sells.