Common cat buying scams

[KatyMac]

What are the common cat buying scams and how can I avoid them - particularly during covid

Not a kitten, an older cat

If it’s not from a rescue or free then you are just contributing to greedy breeders. Not a scam, just pure greed. Avoid if you care about cats ( and dogs).

Use a reputable cat rescue charity.

I am buying from someone leaving the country

Fingers crossed I'm ok

Do you know this person? There is no value in an older cat so why they’re asking for money is beyond me. Supply and demand dictates pricing and people only want kittens. If this car is a breed and is female I would query that she’s an ex breeder and may have been kept in a constant state of of pregnancy. She could as a result be in poor health, badly socialised and traumatised. I was once offered an ex breeding cat and it broke my heart when we went to get her. She literally was climbing the walls, she actually half knocked herself out on the ceiling of the room we saw her in while we there. Ask to see her in her home environment, ask how many litters she’s had, when was her last, watch her to see if she’s comfortable inside the house and with the people you are buying her off and whether she’ll come to you on her own.

Why do they want money for her?

Surely if you're leaving the country you would put the cat in rescue or give them to friends or family, not sell them to a stranger on the internet?

Why are they selling their cat?

I expect the family feels they have the right to sell the cat because they paid for their pedigree. Which speaks volumes about how much they care for the animal

If I was leaving the country and couldn’t take my cats, my main concern would be finding them a loving home.

Often a fee is charged so that those who use cats for illegal dog racing are not tempted.

I won't but a kitten i want an older cat

I want a siamese and while I am looking at shelters i am also looking at people rehoming them privately

I am trying to be careful for both the cat and myself

I am being careful who I buy from and an exqueen is a possibility if she comes from the right source

My last 3 cats have been 2 private rehomes and a shelter rehome

I cant visit homes because of covid but I am being offered live video of the cat where I can interact with the person in the video so I know its live