How to Find a Reputable Breeder and Avoid Scammers?
How to Find a Reputable Breeder
📌 Research Online: Look for breeders with strong reputations, check their websites, and read reviews. Social media and forums can also provide valuable insights.
📜 Check Registrations: Ensure the breeder is registered with reputable cat associations like TICA or CFA, which uphold breeding standards.
📹 Visit or Video Call: Responsible breeders will allow virtual meetings to show their cattery setup and kittens. Some may also allow in-person visits if local. However, many breeders, including myself, do not allow in-person visits due to the risk of exposing unvaccinated kittens to outside pathogens.
🧬 Ask for Health Tests: A good breeder conducts genetic testing on their breeding cats to ensure they are free from hereditary diseases. At PurrfectlyFold we use Optimal Selection for DNA screening and do NOT breed without first ensuring my breeding cats are free from genetic conditions. A responsible breeder should also perform annual veterinary check-ups and FeLV/FIV testing to maintain ongoing health standards for all breeding cats. Don’t hesitate to ask breeders to share health records and test results—they should be happy to provide them.
📄 Look at Policies: A responsible breeder will have contracts, health guarantees, and a return policy to ensure the kitten’s welfare. I am always happy to take a kitten back to ensure it never ends up in a shelter, but I do not offer refunds, as proper care requires significant investment.
🚨 Avoid Red Flags: Steer clear of breeders who avoid questions, sell kittens too young, refuse to provide medical records, or prioritize profit over care.
How to Avoid Scammers
❌ Too Good to Be True Pricing: If a breeder is offering kittens at significantly lower prices than others, it may be a scam. Ethical breeding comes with costs, and reputable breeders price their kittens accordingly.
🔍 Verify Identity: Scammers often steal photos from real breeders. Ask for live video calls with the kittens, recent photos with timestamps, or proof of ownership.
💰 Be Wary of Payment Methods: Avoid breeders who only accept untraceable payments like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or money transfers (e.g., Western Union). Legitimate breeders use secure payment options.
📢 Check Reviews & References: Look for reviews, ask for past buyer references, and check if the breeder has an active presence on social media. A lack of verifiable history is a red flag.
🛑 No Contracts or Guarantees: Scammers avoid paperwork. A reputable breeder will always have a contract, health guarantee, and return policy to ensure the kitten’s welfare.
📌 Meet in Person or Virtually: Never purchase a kitten without verifying the breeder through a video call or, if possible, an in-person visit. Scammers often avoid direct communication.