Purchasing a kitten can be an exciting time, but it’s important to be aware of potential scams. Unfortunately, the rise in online pet sales has led to an increase in fraudulent sellers. Since 2020 I have seen a significant rise in scams and backyard breeders. Here’s how to protect yourself from scammers when searching for a new feline friend.
1. Research the Breeder
Before making any decisions, thoroughly research the breeder.
Look for:
- A Professional Website: Legitimate breeders often have detailed, professional websites with information about their breeding practices, kitten care, and contact details.
- Reviews and Testimonials: Check for positive feedback from previous buyers. Genuine breeders will have a trail of satisfied customers.
- Social Media Presence: Authentic breeders often share updates and interact with buyers on social media platforms.
2. Beware of Red Flags
Certain warning signs can indicate a scam:
- Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices: If the price of the kitten is significantly lower than the market rate, it’s likely a scam. It’s very expensive to raise a litter of kittens without cutting corners.
- Stock Photos: Scammers often use generic or stolen photos. Reverse image search the photos to see if they appear on multiple websites.
- Poor Communication: Scammers may avoid phone calls, video calls, or in-person visits. Genuine breeders will be open to communicating through various channels. Their language seems off usually they are in another country.
3. Spotting Backyard Breeders
Low prices can sometimes indicate a backyard breeder. Here’s what to look out for:
- Very Low Prices: Extremely low prices can be a sign of a backyard breeder trying to make a quick profit without proper care for the kittens.
- Sick Kitten: Backyard breeders may not provide adequate veterinary care, leading to health issues in the kittens.
- inbreeding: To save costs, some backyard breeders inbreed their cats, leading to genetic health problems.
-Allowing Kittens to Leave by 8 Weeks Old: Reputable breeders keep kittens until they are at least 12 weeks old to ensure proper development and socialization. Allowing kittens to leave at 8 weeks is a red flag. From 8 weeks on the cost of care of the kitten rises significantly which is why they let them leave. You will not get a well adjusted kitten and will have many issues.
4. Ask Detailed Questions
Engage the breeder with specific questions about the kitten:
Health and Vaccination Records: Ask for documentation of vaccinations, health checks, and any medical history.
Parent Information: Inquire about the kitten’s parents, including their health and temperament.
Living Conditions: Ask about the environment the kittens are raised in.
5. Verify Documentation
Request and verify all necessary paperwork:
Pedigree Papers: Ensure the kitten is registered with a reputable cat registry.
Contract and Guarantees: A legitimate breeder will provide a contract outlining the terms of sale, health guarantees, and return policies.
6. Use Safe Communication and Payment Methods
Even though some breeders, like us, operate closed catteries, you should still ask for video calls or FaceTime sessions to interact with the breeder and see the kittens in real-time if you feel unsure if the breeder is legit.
Deposits and Payments: Breeders usually ask for a deposit and the final payment upon delivery. Be wary of those asking for full payment upfront.
Payment Methods: Never send prepaid cards.
Delivery Offers: Avoid offers that promise doorstep delivery for a suspiciously low cost. Legitimate shipping costs are often higher. Never are they included in the cost of the kitten. Avoid companies called "international company". That would only be used if importing a kitten.
7. Avoid Risky Social Media Groups
Be cautious with social media groups:
Scammer Groups: Avoid groups on social media with names like “Ragdoll Kittens for Sale” and “Rehoming.” These are often hotspots for known scammers.
8. Protecting Breeders
Scammers target breeders too. This is why breeders must also protect themselves. We ask for payments via friends and family methods because people sometimes try to get their money back after receiving the kitten they want, attempting to get a free kitten.
9. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut and be prepared to walk away if anything raises your suspicion. Don’t fall for tactics to make you feel guilty of the kittens well being. No kitten is kept in a warehouse nor stuck in a cage in transport if you don’t pay more money.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect kitten requires diligence and caution. By following these steps, you can protect yourself from scammers and ensure that your new furry friend comes from a reputable source. Happy kitten hunting!
Feel free to share your experiences or additional tips in the comments below. Let’s work together to keep our community safe from scammers!
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