Comprehensive Guide to Safely Buying a Cat: A Step-by-Step Approach
Purchasing a cat is a major decision, and it’s essential to be fully informed before committing. Follow this guide to ensure a secure and smooth buying experience.
Learn About the Breed
Understand Breed Traits: Take the time to familiarize yourself with the breed’s behavior, care needs, and common health issues.
Price Range Awareness: Research the typical price range for the breed you’re interested in. Knowing this will help you recognize prices that are suspiciously high or low, which could be warning signs.
Check the Breeder’s Credibility
Assess Reputation: Look for reviews or testimonials from previous buyers to ensure the breeder has a good reputation.
Affiliation with Reputable Clubs: Make sure the breeder is registered with recognized organizations like Absolute Feline Fanciers (AFF), which signals professionalism.
Quality of Breeding: Ask if the breeder’s cats have participated in cat shows or won titles—this can be a sign of a high standard of breeding.
Gather All Relevant Information
Request Health Records: Always ask for the health and genetic records of the kitten’s parents. This ensures the breeder follows responsible breeding practices.
Meet the Kitten’s Parents: Try to meet the kitten’s parents in person, or ask for a video tour to check their living conditions and health.
Be Cautious with Online Deals
Open Lines of Communication: Avoid breeders who only communicate through email or text. A trustworthy breeder will be willing to talk by phone or video call and answer your questions.
Safe Payment Methods: Be cautious when paying. Avoid paying the full price upfront, especially through insecure methods like wire transfers or gift cards.
Verify the Breeder’s Online Presence: Check their website and social media profiles to ensure they are legitimate and have positive reviews.
Ask Important Questions
Current Care: Ask the breeder about the kitten’s current diet, vaccination status, and any special care needs.
Return Policy: Make sure the breeder has a clear return policy and health guarantee in case any issues arise after the purchase.
Understand the Contract Before Signing
Carefully Read the Agreement : Before signing anything, thoroughly review the contract to make sure it includes key details like health guarantees and return policies.
Get Everything in Writing : Always have a written contract to protect yourself and ensure both parties are clear on the terms of the sale.
Take Your Time, Avoid Rushed Decisions
Don’t Rush: Avoid breeders who pressure you into making a quick decision due to “high demand” or “limited availability.”
Consider All Factors: Take your time evaluating the breeder and the kitten to make sure everything checks out.
Be Aware of Red Flags
Suspiciously Low Prices: Beware of offers that seem too good to be true, like very low prices or “free” kittens that come with high shipping fees.
Lack of Knowledge: A breeder who can’t answer your questions about the breed or their cats’ health is a cause for concern.
Missing Vet Records: A credible breeder should have no issue providing veterinary records and references from past buyers.
Trust Your Instincts
Go With Your Gut: If something doesn’t feel right during the process, it’s better to walk away than risk being scammed.
Stay Informed and Vigilant
Absolute Feline Fanciers (AFF) strives to provide a safe platform for breeders and buyers, but you must still exercise caution. Be wary of breeders who ask for large payments upfront without proper information. Always do your research, verify the breeder’s legitimacy, and seek references from previous customers to avoid potential scams.
By following these steps, you’ll reduce the risk of encountering fraud and ensure a safe and smooth process when buying your new cat. A reliable breeder will be transparent, prioritize their cats' health, and maintain open communication throughout the entire process.
Absolute Feline Fanciers (AFF) is an international cat registry founded with a vision to embrace and recognize all existing and emerging cat breeds worldwide.
