Purchasing Policy

§ 01 Communication Between Buyers and Sellers

1.1. The Buyer may communicate with the Seller (Breeder) through the contact form available on each Pet's listing page. Communication by phone or messaging app is equally welcome.

1.2. If the Buyer and Seller are located in the same city, they may arrange to meet in person to view the kitten before committing to a purchase.

1.3. The Balkitten.me team is always available to assist with communication, clarify listing details, or help broker contact between the parties. You may reach us at info@balkitten.me or by phone at +38267962261 / +38269429219.

§ 02 Pricing

2.1. All prices are set by the Seller (Breeder) and are displayed in EUR on the listing page. Prices may be subject to change at the Breeder's discretion prior to order confirmation.

2.2. A Breeder may list two price options for a given kitten:

With breeding rights — the Buyer is entitled to use the pet for breeding and producing offspring;
As a pet (no breeding rights) — the animal is sold for companionship only, typically at a lower price.

2.3. If only one price is listed, the Pet's description will specify whether breeding rights are included.

2.4. Delivery is never included in the price of the Pet and must be arranged and paid separately. See § 06 for full delivery terms.

§ 03 Purchase Process

3.1. All purchases on Balkitten.me require prepayment. If the kitten will not be ready for collection or delivery within one week, the Buyer may pay a deposit of 50% of the total price to secure the reservation, with the balance due before shipment. A different deposit amount may be agreed directly with the Breeder.

3.2. A deposit is necessary because, in the vast majority of cases, the kitten is not yet ready to move to a new home on the same day it is selected. Before rehoming, the kitten must:

reach the minimum rehoming age of 12 weeks, in line with international breeding standards;
complete its full vaccination schedule;
have all necessary travel and pedigree documents prepared;
recover from neutering or spaying, if applicable.

This preparation period may range from a few days to several weeks. The deposit guarantees the Buyer's reserved place during this waiting time.

Step One — Reserving the Pet

3.3. To demonstrate serious intent, the Buyer places a deposit. Only after the deposit is received is the pet marked as "Reserved" and removed from the public listing. The kitten is then exclusively allocated to that Buyer until final payment is made.

3.4. Once the deposit has been received, the Breeder may withdraw from the sale only in exceptional circumstances — for example, if the kitten becomes ill, is injured, or dies. In any such case, the Breeder must either:

offer a replacement kitten of equivalent quality and value, or
return the deposit in full within 24 hours.

3.5. The deposit is non-refundable if the Buyer cancels the reservation without just cause during the waiting period, or if the Buyer ceases to respond to communications. This policy protects the Breeder for the time the kitten was removed from sale on the Buyer's behalf.

Step Two — Final Payment

3.6. Once the kitten is fully ready — has reached the required age, is vaccinated, and has all documents in order — the Breeder will notify the Buyer. After the parties have agreed on a delivery date and method, the Buyer must settle the remaining balance. The pet will not be released until full payment is confirmed.

3.7. The only exception is where the Buyer and Seller are located in the same city and have explicitly agreed to complete the final payment in person upon handover.

How to Pay on the Platform

3.8. Before making any payment, we strongly recommend that Buyers first contact the Balkitten.me team and the Breeder to confirm all details. You can do this via the contact form on the Pet's page, by email at info@balkitten.me, or by phone. Some breeds require specific living conditions or owner experience — we want to ensure the match is right for both the kitten and your family. The Breeder also has the right to ask questions and, if necessary, to decline a sale.

3.9. If a payment has been made but the Breeder is unable to proceed with the sale for any reason, the full amount will be refunded within 24 hours. Equally, the Buyer may cancel within 24 hours of payment and receive a full refund — provided payment was made directly through the Balkitten.me website.

3.10. To pay a deposit, select "Pay Deposit" on the Pet's page. To pay the full amount at once, select "Pay Full Amount". Both options are available at checkout.

3.11. While Buyers are not obligated to pay through the website, we strongly recommend doing so. Payments made outside the platform mean that Balkitten.me cannot act as a payment guarantor or mediator in the event of a dispute.

§ 04 Contractual Obligations

4.1. A separate written contract between the Buyer and the Seller is not mandatory when purchasing through Balkitten.me. In the absence of a direct contract, the terms set out in the Public Offer Agreement apply automatically and carry the full force of a legal contract under the Law on Electronic Commerce of Montenegro. By completing a payment, the Buyer explicitly accepts these terms.

4.2. The Buyer may optionally conclude a separate bilateral contract directly with the Breeder. The terms of any such contract must be agreed between the parties prior to purchase and do not override the obligations set out in this document unless expressly stated in writing and approved by Balkitten.me.

§ 05 Handover of the Pet

5.1. The Buyer may collect the kitten in person from the Breeder's home if this is logistically possible. If not, the pet will be transported to the Buyer by an accompanying courier using a suitable travel carrier.

5.2. The Seller must arrange shipment within 3 days of receiving full payment, unless the parties have agreed otherwise in writing.

5.3. If the kitten is ready but the Buyer requests a delayed collection, the Breeder may charge a homestay fee for the additional boarding period. No homestay fee will be charged for kittens kept by the Breeder until they reach 3.5 months of age, or for a grace period of up to two weeks at any age.

5.4. On the day of handover or shipment, we strongly recommend that the Breeder record a short video of the kitten showing that it is active, healthy, and in good condition. The video should clearly show the kitten's eyes, ears (with the ear pavilion turned), teeth, and coat in several places. If the Buyer collects the kitten in person, they should conduct this inspection themselves at the time of collection.

5.5. Legal ownership of the pet transfers to the Buyer at the moment of physical handover. If the Buyer has not received the pet, the contract is considered unfulfilled and the Buyer retains the right to a full refund.

§ 06 Delivery Options

6.1. Balkitten.me does not operate its own courier service. All deliveries are carried out by independent third-party carriers licensed for live animal transport. Delivery is not included in the price of the Pet and must be paid directly to the carrier.

6.2. The Balkitten.me team can recommend a trusted courier on request. The Buyer may also choose to use any carrier they personally trust, provided that carrier is licensed for live animal transport.

6.3. Within the Balkan region and Europe, kittens are typically transported by road using licensed pet courier services. For intercontinental deliveries, transport is arranged as air cargo in the aircraft hold, in compliance with IATA live animal regulations. Where available for the destination, the kitten may travel in the aircraft cabin accompanied by a pet nanny, upon special request.

6.4. Once the kitten has been handed to a courier, the courier assumes full responsibility for its condition and wellbeing during transit. Balkitten.me is not liable for any incidents that occur during third-party transportation.

6.5. Delivery costs vary depending on:

destination country and total travel distance;
airline tariffs, where applicable;
veterinary certificates and customs documentation;
import permits or country-specific regulations at the point of delivery.

Buyers are advised to confirm delivery costs in advance with the chosen carrier or the Breeder.

§ 07 Returns: Valid Reasons

Under Montenegrin law, living animals are not classified as standard consumer goods and are therefore excluded from the general 14-day statutory right of cancellation. A return may, however, be accepted for the following valid reasons:

Allergy in a Family Member

7.1. An allergy to the specific pet that manifests in a family member within 7 days of the kitten's arrival, confirmed by an official written conclusion from an allergy specialist. The medical report must identify an allergy to this particular animal, not allergies in general.

7.2. Buyers with a known cat allergy are strongly advised to be tested before purchasing. If a Buyer with a pre-existing and previously diagnosed cat allergy returns a pet on allergy grounds, the Breeder reserves the right to retain 50% of the pet price.

Congenital Defects

7.3. Congenital defects that were not disclosed by the Breeder prior to the sale. If the Breeder informed the Buyer of any known defects or particularities before purchase, and the Buyer agreed to proceed, those defects may no longer constitute valid grounds for return.

Infections

7.4. Infectious diseases that manifest within the first 5 days after the kitten's arrival and are confirmed in writing by a licensed veterinarian. A Buyer's suspicion alone is not sufficient grounds for return. If a definitive diagnosis is not immediately possible, an official veterinary report detailing the observed symptoms will be accepted as a supporting document.

§ 08 Returns: Invalid Reasons

The following are not accepted as valid grounds for returning a pet:

8.1. Allergy of the pet itself to something in the Buyer's home environment. The Buyer may notify the Breeder and request a return, but the Breeder is under no obligation to accept.

8.2. Infectious diseases appearing more than 5 days after arrival. Many diseases have an incubation period of 2–3 days. If symptoms appear after the 5-day window, it is likely the infection was contracted during transit or in the new home environment.

8.3. Developmental defects that were not apparent at the time of sale and only became evident over time.

8.4. Intestinal parasites (worms) are common in growing kittens and can persist even after deworming. They are treatable with one or two courses of appropriate medication and generally pose no serious health risk.

8.5. Constipation is a very frequent occurrence in kittens adjusting to a new home and diet. In most cases it resolves naturally within one week.

8.6. Watery eyes (epiphora) are a symptom rather than an independent diagnosis. They are not grounds for return unless confirmed by a vet to result from an infection or a structural defect of the eyelid.

8.7. Diarrhoea is likewise a symptom, not a diagnosis. It may result from stress, a change in diet, or infection. It is not a valid return reason unless confirmed in writing by a veterinarian as originating from an infection brought from the Breeder's home, and only if confirmed within 5 days of arrival.

8.8. Vomiting is not a return reason unless officially confirmed by a vet as a symptom of an infectious disease or congenital defect.

8.9. Behavioral and socialization issues such as: not using the litter box immediately in a new environment, scratching furniture, excessive vocalization, hiding, or reluctance to be handled — are not valid return grounds. Most such behaviors can be corrected with patience and by following the Breeder's guidance. Severe and clinically confirmed psychological issues, documented by a vet report or video evidence, may be considered for return or exchange at the Breeder's discretion.

§ 09 Return Procedure

9.1. Only officially confirmed diagnoses from a licensed veterinarian, or documented severe behavioural problems, constitute valid grounds for return. The Buyer's first step must therefore be to visit a veterinary clinic and obtain a written report. For behavioural issues, a video recording should be prepared.

9.2. Once an official report has been obtained, the Buyer must submit a return request by email to info@balkitten.me. The request may be written in free form and must include:

a scanned copy of the veterinary report;
video evidence, if applicable.

9.3. Upon receiving the return request, the Breeder has 3 business days to agree or to dispute the claim. If the Breeder disputes the return, the Balkitten.me mediation team will review the case within 3 days of receiving the dispute and issue a non-binding recommendation.

9.4. The Balkitten.me mediation team can only act as an intermediary in cases where payment was made through the platform. Transactions completed outside the website cannot be reviewed by the platform administration.

9.5. When returning a kitten, the Buyer must place the animal in an appropriate travel carrier and hand it to a courier along with the original ink-stamped and signed veterinary report (copies are not accepted). After dispatch, the Buyer must notify the Breeder in full detail.

9.6. The Buyer is responsible for all return transportation costs.

9.7. After receiving the returned pet, the Breeder must process any applicable refund within 3 business days. Both parties must notify Balkitten.me in writing once the matter is resolved.

9.8. If the parties cannot reach agreement through mediation, either party has the right to pursue resolution through the competent courts of Montenegro.

§ 10 Payment Settlement on Return

10.1. If the return is approved due to an infection or congenital defect confirmed within 5 days of arrival, the Breeder must refund the full purchase price of the Pet. Veterinary costs and return delivery expenses are not reimbursable.

10.2. If the return is approved due to an allergy confirmed within 7 days of arrival, the Breeder must refund 50% of the purchase price. The remaining 50% compensates the Breeder for the period during which the kitten was removed from sale and held exclusively for the Buyer.

10.3. No refunds will be issued after 30 calendar days from the date of handover or delivery, regardless of the circumstances. The Breeder retains the right to accept a return beyond this period voluntarily, but is under no obligation to do so.

§ 11 Pet Exchange

11.1. As an alternative to a return, the Buyer and Breeder may mutually agree to exchange the kitten for another of comparable value and characteristics. An exchange request must be submitted through the same return process described in § 09.

11.2. Any exchange is subject to the availability of a suitable replacement and the Breeder's approval. All costs related to the exchange and transportation of both animals are borne by the Buyer.

§ 12 Purchasing Multiple Pets

12.1. Purchasing multiple kittens simultaneously through Balkitten.me is permitted, and transporting them together in shared carriers may reduce delivery costs.

12.2. However, when more than two pets from different breeders travel together in contact within shared carriers, the risk of infectious exposure is significantly elevated. The same risk applies when pets purchased from different breeders are placed together upon arrival.

12.3. In such cases, Balkitten.me accepts no responsibility for infectious diseases that develop in pets transported or housed together in groups of more than two from different breeders. No compensation will be provided and no replacements offered. Buyers purchasing in bulk consciously accept this elevated risk and bear full personal responsibility for the health outcomes.

12.4. The only exception applies in the event of a confirmed genetic disease incompatible with a healthy life, verified by a veterinarian's certificate. In such a case, Balkitten.me will arrange an equivalent pet as a replacement.

§ 13 Post-Purchase Relations

13.1. All listings for sold kittens are archived and retained in the Balkitten.me database for one year following the sale, so that records can be retrieved in the event of any future dispute. Either party may request access to archived records by contacting the Administration at info@balkitten.me.

13.2. After completing a purchase, the Buyer has the right to post a review of both Balkitten.me and the specific Breeder. Reviews and sales volume together contribute to the Breeder's platform rating — higher-rated Breeders receive greater visibility and trust.

13.3. The Administration may periodically ask Buyers to complete a short questionnaire or answer a few follow-up questions. This feedback helps us assess the quality of Breeders' work and continuously improve our platform. Your suggestions are always welcome.

13.4. Balkitten.me encourages all Breeders to remain available to the Buyer after the sale — to answer questions and offer guidance on the kitten's care and upbringing. This demonstrates responsible stewardship and is reflected positively in the Breeder's rating.

13.5. The Balkitten.me Administration also provides free advisory support to Buyers for a period of one year after the purchase, for any questions relating to the welfare and care of the kitten acquired through our platform.

This document was prepared for Balkitten.me and is subject to the laws of Montenegro. Operator: Real Application DOO Bar, Company No. 03641163, ul. Gavrila Principa 200, 85000, Bar, Montenegro. Contact: info@balkitten.me