As with everything, it it’s too good to be true, it probably is! Don’t be tempted by, what sounds like, a “good deal” – it most often isn’t and the only thing you will get, is heartache.
Here are a few things to do and look out for, if you are approached by someone claiming to have kittens for sale.
- Ask for details about their kittens and cattery – they will probably want to move on to “pitch” the non-existent kitten very quickly
- They will try to create a sense of urgency, saying that they need to rehome the kitten as soon as possible due to illness, death in family etc.
- They might also claim that many people are interested in the kitten, and try to push you to make a decision straight away
- They will be urging you to pay a deposit quickly. Remember, you have no recourse if you make a bank transfer, or even if you pay via PayPal (PayPal doesn’t protect transactions that involve animals!)
- Did you find them via Facebook? Pages with titles such as “Pedigree Kittens for Adoption” or similar ARE a scam
- Were you approached via Facebook or Instagram messenger? Check the profile, it’ll probably look like it was created recently, often with photos that don’t match, very few friends or very many friends, who are located at the other end of the world to scammer’s claimed location
- Did you find their website? Any website welcoming you to add a kitten to a “basket” or “shopping cart” and proceed to checkout, is a scam or worse – a kitten mill
- If they send you photos, do they match and look like they were taken in the same house?
- If you’re still unsure, ask for a photo of the kitten with today’s date written on a piece of paper or, even better – a live video call
- Use that reverse image search on Google, it’s a very useful functionality!
- Contact GCCF, TICA or FIFe to confirm if the breeder is registered with them
- ASK FOR HELP – there are many British Shorthair Facebook groups where members will be happy to advise. I’m also always happy to help if you send me a message and remember – don’t rush and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Scammers are getting more and more cunning. They will get that deposit and either disappear at that point, or will try to get more money out of you (eg. claim that you need to pay extra for transport, crate, food, veterinary treatment etc). I even saw one scammer pretend to represent a genuine rescue, saying that kittens needed foster homes – absolutely despicable!
This is yet another reason to look for reputable, registered breeders who do things by the book. Even then, ask questions, google, and don’t be afraid to walk away if anything at all feels off.
EsteLuna British Cats 