Don’t Fall for Cat Breeder Scams
Want to bring home a cute furry friend? And you’ve got a breed of cat that speaks to your heart. Awesome! Let’s make the dream a reality and not a nightmare. Unfortunately, not all cat breeders are created equal. Most cat breeders are reputable and proud of their cattery and the kittens they breed. But scammers and unethical breeders can be lurking out there, just waiting to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers. Let’s make sure you don’t fall for cat breeder scams.
There are bogus breeders out there. And people who will take advantage of any bit of knowledge a first time buyer lacks. The online world is full of people who want your money, not to match you with the perfect kitten or cat.
They might misrepresent the breed quality or health of their kittens, leaving you heartbroken and out of pocket. But fear not! By choosing to work with a preservation breeder, someone with integrity, you can protect yourself from these cat breeder scams.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the whole process. From researching breeders to asking the important questions and checking out their show results, we’ll give you all the info you need to make the right choice. Let’s get started and help you find your perfect feline companion!
Contents
Research Your Chosen Breed
Understand the breed standard for your breed of choice. Some breeders try to sell alternative colors or patterns in a cat breed that aren’t accepted. If you plan to show, or become a breeder yourself, this matters a great deal.
Determine what is important to you – color, patterns, gender. What is important and what is a deal breaker. Sometimes cat breed scammers will pull a bait and switch where they offer you the kitten of your dreams and then end up swapping the color or gender down the line.
Why It’s So Important to Choose a Responsible Cat Breeder
Choosing a responsible cat breeder is crucial. You don’t want to end up with a sick or mistreated kitty. If you are purchasing a kitten you hope to show, you want to make sure your new furbaby meets the breed standards for the show ring in addition to being your new best friend. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the importance of finding a trustworthy breeder who genuinely cares about the well-being of their cats.
A responsible breeder will go above and beyond to ensure their cats are healthy and happy. They’ll have a deep understanding of any health issues specific to the breed they’re working with. And take steps to minimize the risk of genetic disorders by thoughtfully selecting their breeding pairs. A reputable breeder tests their cats for genetic disorders and is happy to share your kitten’s results and their parents. Plus, they’ll make sure their cats receive proper veterinary care – because healthy cats are happy cats!
You’ll have peace of mind knowing your new feline friend is coming from a safe and clean environment. That means they’ll have received the proper socialization and care they need to thrive in their new home and the show hall.
A reputable breeder is like a walking encyclopedia of cat knowledge. They can offer guidance and support throughout your cat’s life, which is incredibly valuable, especially if you’re a first-time cat – or breed – owner.
Should something happen and you can not keep your kitten, a responsible cat breeder will take back the cat and place it into an appropriate new home.
Related Post: Should You Use a Preservation Breeder for Your Next Cat
Identifying a Good Cat Breeder
The Role of Preservation Breeders
So, when you’re searching for a solid cat breeder, it’s important to understand the role of preservation breeders. These folks are all about keeping those distinctive cat breeds healthy and true to form. They’re super knowledgeable, passionate about their breeds, and they prioritize the well-being and genetic diversity of their furry friends.
Reputation and Reviews
Checking out a breeder’s reputation is key. Look for breeders who’ve got those glowing reviews and plenty of recommendations from other cat owners.
Start but do not end with online research. Look at the breeder’s website and social media presence. Join a few breed specific groups on Facebook or other social media platforms. Not only will you learn more about the breed you’ve chosen but you will “meet” breeders and owners virtually. You’ll hear other cat buyers’ experiences. Good breeders display a genuine love for their breed and that love comes out in conversations.
Reach out to previous buyers and ask for references. After all, a breeder with a solid track record and happy customers is a good sign that you’re in trustworthy hands. Even better if you know someone personally who can vouch for a breeder and for you as a potential guardian of that breeder’s precious babies. Unprofessional breeders or scammers will not willingly provide references.
Show Results
Show results can give you a pretty good idea of a breeder’s commitment to producing top-notch cats. Look for breeders who strut their stuff at cat shows and have won awards or titles with their feline companions. It’s a clear sign that their cats meet those breed standards and have the official seal of approval from some pretty knowledgeable judges.
Certifications and Registrations
Of course, a solid cat breeder will have all the right certifications and registrations for their cats. That means they’re registered with reputable cat breed associations like The International Cat Association (TICA) or the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). These registrations ensure that the breeder follows ethical breeding practices and sticks to the breed standards for their breed of choice.
Not only just holding a registration or listing which you can pay for, but look for Cattery of Excellence (CFA) or Outstanding Cattery (TICA) awards that you have to earn.
Red Flags to Watch Out for When Choosing a Cat Breeder
Multiple Breeds
Most preservation breeders will work with one or possibly two breeds. If you have chosen to work with someone who breeds more than one breed, ask what steps they have taken to prevent an “oops” litter. You want to make sure the kitten you receive is the breed cat with the pedigree you expect. A subset of this is the “we can get you any kitten you want” broker breeders.
Lack of Transparency
A reputable breeder will be totally upfront and honest with you about their breeding practices, how they take care of their cats, and any potential health or genetic issues you need to be aware of.
Lack of Communication
You should be receiving current pictures and videos of your kitten and her family throughout the 3-4 month period before you get your cat. It isn’t reasonable to expect daily contact, but weekly or every other week is normal. The breeder should tell what to expect as far as communication goes and then hold up to that schedule. Cat breeder scams usually involve stealing other breeders pictures. The “breeder” will be unable to provide regular photos and videos to document your kitten’s growth and development.
Selling Under-Aged or Unhealthy Kittens:
You’ve got to be careful here. If a breeder is trying to sell you a kitten that’s less than 3-4 months old or looks sickly, that’s a big red flag. A responsible breeder will always make sure their kittens are healthy, developing well, and properly socialized before they go to their forever homes.
Reluctance to Provide Documentation
This one’s pretty important. Any trustworthy breeder will have all the right paperwork — pedigrees, health records, and registration papers — for their cats and kittens. If they’re hesitant or don’t want to give you this information, do not buy. You need the pedigree or your kitten won’t be purebred. Phenotypes – or looks – doesn’t make a cat a breed cat. They need the pedigree. Registration papers are needed if you plan to show your cat. And it goes without saying that you shouldn’t purchase any cat that doesn’t come with complete health records and a health certificate.
Pressure Sales Tactics
Don’t fall for it. If a breeder is trying to pressure you into making a quick decision or using pushy sales tactics, be cautious. A good breeder will understand that you need time to ask questions, research their breed and cattery, and really think things through.
Lack of Questions
A good breeder will interview you just as much as you interview them because they want to ensure that their kitten will be going to a good, loving, and safe home. They should be trying to establish a relationship with you that will continue beyond the sale. Bad breeders won’t, they just want to sell the kittens.
Remember, choosing the right cat breeder is super important for the well-being of your future feline friend. Trust your gut and take the time to do your research. Find a breeder who has a solid reputation and truly cares about the health and happiness of their cats.
Not all Problems Involve Breeders. Prefer to Adopt? Read this post to discover How to Choose a Well Run Shelter
Protecting Yourself from Cat Breeder Scams
Online Listing
Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, and rehoming groups are suspect at best. Do your research. The Better Business Bureau has a scam tracker page. There are bad breeders and scammers warning sites on Facebook. If you have real doubts, check with law enforcement where the breeder is based.
Run an Image Search
Cat breeder scams will use generic pictures, or steal pictures from reputable catteries. Google the images of your selected kittens to be sure they aren’t being used in multiple places by multiple people.
If you have doubts, ask for a picture of the kitten you have chosen with a specific item. Even better if it is something dated and location specific like a newspaper.
Pay Attention to Details
Do the pictures and videos you receive show the same backgrounds? The kittens should grow up in their breeder’s home, so the pictures you receive should have the same backgrounds.
Ask a lot of questions for the same information at different times and different ways. Things like birth dates, colors, parentage, what vaccinations they have received and at what age they were vaccinated, which veterinarian they use and so on. Conflicting answers or inability to answer is a big red flag.
Ask to Have a Video Chat
Request a video chat with the breeder to see your kitten, the kitten’s parents, the cattery conditions, and discuss the purchase process with the breeder. I would run from anyone not willing to offer a video chat to see the kittens live.
Reasonable Price, Deposit, and Payment Channels
If the price seems too good to be true it probably is. Your breeder should be charging a price commensurate with the costs and efforts it takes to breed a quality kitten. A price that is significantly cheaper than the norm is likely a scam.
Paying a deposit is normal. It is typically not refundable, but you should be able to roll it over to another litter if you need to do so. A waiting list is a sign of a reputable breeder not the reverse.
You should not pay by any unsecured method such as Western Union, MoneyGram, gift cards or cryptocurrency. Use a secure method to protect yourself.
Contract
Serious breeders usually use formal contracts to safeguard themselves and their customers. These contracts specify the responsibilities and expectations of both parties, as well as any terms and conditions governing the transaction.
Delivery
How will you get your kitten? I would hesitate if picking my kitten up in person wasn’t an option especially if the sale isn’t an international transaction. If I can’t pick up in person I would expect to be able to choose my own transporter.
A common cat breeder scam with international sales is to call from the airport and charge you extra fees supposedly required to get your kitten on the flight. Understand what is required before you sign a contract.
Trust Your Instincts
Listen to your gut. If something feels off or the breeder is pushy, walk away. A responsible breeder wants their kittens to go to loving and suitable homes. They should be understanding and patient with your questions and concerns.
By following these tips, you can steer clear of cat breeding scams and find a breeder who’ll provide you with a healthy and well-loved fur baby.
Summary
When you’re on the hunt for a new furry friend, finding a responsible cat breeder is non-negotiable. Not only does it ensure your new kitty’s health and well-being, but it’s also a great way to dodge those shady scams that unfortunately exist in the cat breeding world.
First things first, reputation is key. Look for breeders with a solid track record and glowing reviews from happy customers. And don’t forget to check for any important certifications and registrations. These are good indicators that they’re the real deal.
Now, keep your eyes open for any red flags. If a breeder seems shady, lacks transparency, or gives off a pushy vibe — run the other way! Trust your gut and move on to the next option.
When you’re serious about a breeder, do your homework. Research them extensively, dig into their background, and ask plenty of questions. Get a feel for the breeder and the living conditions of their kitties. This helps you make an informed decision.
