Kitten sellers taking the piss!!?

[Jamandbreadd]

I am thinking about getting a cat after the lockdown eases, my cat is really in need of the company I think. Had a quick scan of gumtree London (where I got my cat 2 years ago, from a family home where their moggy had kittens). To be honest I was at the prices of cars. I haven’t been in the market for a cat for 2 years but I remember I paid £50 for a litter trained moggy kitten. Now every similar kitten on gumtree appears to be upwards of £200 each, and £400+ is equally as common! Am I missing something? They are either from private homes or I guess breeders, and it seems incredible to charge that much per kitten. A litter of 4 will net some of these people over £1000!
I’m a good pet owner- have good insurance for my cat, she has a de flea and de worm subscription from the vet, enough food and lots of attention. We don’t have a garden so were turned down by our local cat rescue when we contacted them.
I just don’t believe that people should profiteer from kittens like this. It’s mad.. and has definitely got worse since I got my cat 2 years ago.
£200-£400 for a moggy kitten?!? AIBU?!

Please don't buy a cat off gumtree!

*the price of cats not cars!!

Adopt one from a shelter

YABU for talking about a kitten like it's a handbag

I often look at Gumtree to have a nosy at the animals (and judge!!) and I too am astounded at the price of kittens. People are asking for £450 for moggies!

Wait a bit op and get in touch with your local rescue which will soon be inundated with the kittens the horrid people on gumtree can’t sell for extortionate prices.

This might be due to Lucy’s Law. Came in on 6th April to try and prevent unscrupulous people from breeding their pets for profit.

Please try other rescue centres. There are lots out there, many of whom will rehome suitable cats to indoor only homes.

NEVER EVER buy an animal from Gumtree!

Educate yourself and get to a shelter.

I would strongly advise not to buy a cat off Gumtree, because you will inevitably be dealing with chancers who set their price according to perhaps the one or two decent people on there who actually breed properly and follow the rules.

I am not against Gumtree (I sold a car on there once, have bought bits of baby stuff etc) but I tend to find there are lots of poorly described items, strange high prices for things that don't warrant it..

If you're really looking for a kitten, I'd obviously suggest a decent registered cat rescue centre is a great shout, especially at a time like this when life is hard for a lot of people who might have thought initially they could care for a pet.

Otherwise Pets4Homes (excuse any mispelling) is a good site which seems to attract proper registered breeders etc.

Good luck.

If you really are a good pet owner, please do not buy from gumtree.

The only shelter near us I know of is quite strict that you need (often enclosed) garden and a cat flap. We don’t- our flat is an ok size and we have a big balcony but that’s it and when I chatted to them they didn’t think it was viable.
I don’t think I’m talking about a cat like a handbag. Clearly a lot of kittens need homes and I’m happy to give one.

You’re not a good pet owner if you’re looking to buy a cat from gumtree. Seriously....And people will only sell their kittens for those prices if the gullible are prepared to pay them.

Go to a rescue, cat will be chipped,vaccinated and neutered as part of the adoption fee.

Rescue a cat.

All cats, including moggies, should never cost £50 to buy. This is probably due to Lucy’s Law (thank god!)
Go to a rescue. They cost around £100 which will include a donation to to centre. If you can’t afford that - don’t get a cat.

Agree with everyone who says adopt don't shop... but also your cat doesn't want company.

Cats are happiest alone (unless they're siblings or mother/ kitten sometimes). Unless you have a massive house you'll likely end up with two stressed cats.

Seriously are you people even reading the OPs posts? She's said twice that she's been turned down by a rescue.

Also “family homes” with moggies having kittens are not responsible pet owners - so I doubt very much they are ensuring the kittens are properly weaned and trained.

I thought it was now illegal to sell cats unless your a breeder. I cant see them advertising on gum tree.

I paid £50 (a mandatory donation) to adopt a kitten from cats protection a year or so ago. The lady that runs ours locally called me last week to see if I might want to adopt another when they can complete a home check as they've had an influx of cats and kittens during lockdown, but had to decline as we've taken in someone local's cat after they unfortunately passed away from the virus. I bet there will be a lot of cats needing homes shortly!
Shelter cats usually come chipped, vaccinated and neutered and if they're not already they provide you with a voucher to do so.

Seen your update- if you're in a flat with no garden, having a second cat is insanity. They need their own space!

Oh sorry just read the part about not being accepted by a shelter, I do apologise

Pets4homes is just as bad as gumtree!

FairfaxAikman

Then she should go to a rescue to get a cat that needs to be kept indoors. Plenty of older cats in rescues are indoors only.

My cats came from Preloved. They were both from a lady that took all the cats left behind when the local RSPCA. (they would contact her if there were animals they couldn’t take). I didn’t pay a penny but she home checked me. They’ve been with me 8 years now. Not everyone on Gumtree/Preloved is a dog fighter.

You live in a flat with no garden?? It would be cruel to keep a cat there.

Most cats prefer to be solo anyway.Your probably getting another cat for yourself as most ppl do as the cat will not benifit from it.