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As a cat breeder, much of my work revolves around ensuring the health and well-being of my kittens and providing loving homes when they are ready to leave. It is a labour of love as I watch these tiny furballs grow and connect with their forever families.
However, just as in any profession, there is a darker side – one that can leave breeders vulnerable to scams from those who pose as prospective kitten buyers. In this blog, I will shed light on some of the various scams breeders face and how we are attempting to protect ourselves while maintaining our commitment to finding the best homes for our kittens.
When I began my breeding journey over twenty years ago, it was common for breeders to welcome complete strangers into their homes to view the kittens. Many websites even advised prospective buyers to never acquire a kitten from an unfamiliar source unless they could visit the environment where it was raised.
However, times have changed, and breeders have had to reassess their practices. Many rightly ask, “Who am I inviting into my home, and how does that impact my family’s safety and well-being?” As a result, breeders are increasingly protective of their personal information and cautious about opening their doors to strangers.
Many now prefer to meet potential buyers in well-lit public spaces during daylight hours—a prudent approach to ensure safety in today’s world. It is essential to recognize that not all scammers are simply after cash or a free kitten; some may seek access to our homes to surveil for future thefts. In such cases, a kitten might not even be the primary target; rather, it could merely be a means to facilitate a burglary.
Unfortunately, the grim reality is that breeders have faced a range of violent and predatory crimes, including shootings, murders, muggings, kidnappings, robberies and burglaries. Scammers and criminals have targeted not just breeders but also the animals they care for—puppies, dogs, cats, kittens, and more. These incidents serve as stark reminders of the dangers that can arise in what should be a joyful and rewarding experience.
One haunting example that underscores this issue is the tragic case of a Kansas woman who lost her life while showing her puppies to a potential buyer. At the time, her husband was outside working in the field, completely unaware of the danger unfolding inside their home. This heartbreaking story, which can be found on backroadmysteries.com, illustrates the risks breeders can face, even in seemingly ordinary situations.
The increasing prevalence of such incidents has led to a growing awareness within the breeding community about the importance of safety and precaution. Many breeders are now implementing robust vetting processes for potential buyers, utilizing safety measures during meetups, and finding ways to protect themselves and their animals from harm.
Awareness and education about these risks are vital, not only for breeders but also for prospective buyers. They ensure that finding a new furry companion remains safe and secure for everyone involved.
The Allure of the Perfect Buyer
We often encounter genuinely interested individuals in our quest to place kittens in loving homes. They ask the right questions, share their excitement and promise to provide a nurturing environment. However, somewhere in this ideal scenario, the line can blur. Scammers know this allure and craft their interactions meticulously to gain the breeder’s trust.
Common Scams Breeders Encounter
1. Fake Profiles:
One of the most common tactics is creating a fake profile on social media or pet adoption sites. These scammers often use stolen photos and create backstories to appear credible. They often text or email enthusiastically, yet their requests or responses can have red flags. Clues can include too many vague questions, answers to one question that do not align with something else the purchaser has mentioned, or a reluctance to meet in person.
2. Cheques vs Cash:
A check for a deposit is fine as long as the kitten is not being released for several weeks. Unfortunately, too many breeders have found that if the balance has not been prepaid and cleared, the only way to feel sure of getting the outstanding amount before handing over a kitten is to ask for the balance to be payable in cash. Many people want to pay the balance by personal check when they pick up their kitten. Thinking of things differently - would you sell your car to someone you do not know, hand them the title, and then let them drive off with your car on a personal check? I don’t think so. I took a personal check from a repeat customer I trusted a while ago, only to have it bounce. It took me two months to get my money.
3. Bank Cheques and Money Orders:
It is very easy these days to produce a counterfeit bank cheque, draft or even a money order. With the many banks and financial institutions today, one often won’t recognize a particular bank name or style of cheque being used. A good quality printer is all one needs to produce something that looks like a bank cheque or a money order. Creating a real-looking cheque or money order is fairly easy with all the font styles and paper types. That is why the majority of breeders have reverted to the old standby method of payment – good old cash. We will accept a deposit by cheque if the kitten does not go out for a few weeks. This then gives us time to be assured that the cheque has cleared the bank. That is also why we ask for the balance of the money to be paid in cash at time of pick-up. Occasionally, we will take the balance in an e-transfer, which is received before the kitten is released.
4. Overpayment Scams:
A variant of the scam involves the buyer “accidentally” overpaying for the kitten. They might send a cheque for more than the agreed amount and request that the breeder return the difference. Unfortunately, these cheques usually turn out to be fake, leaving breeders stuck with bank fees and a loss of funds. This is why we will not cash a cheque unless it is made to the amount we had previously requested.
5. Urgent Purchases:
Some scammers create a false sense of urgency, claiming they need a kitten immediately, often citing reasons like emotional support or family circumstances. They may push to finalize the deal quickly, leading to rushed decisions and overlooking warning signs.
6. Last Minute Change of Plans:
Breeders have to watch out for “the last-minute scheme.” A purchaser with fraud on his mind will ask to change the time or location to a place that is not so secure. Or they may say they have just arrived in town but are running late, but they still want to pick up that night – much later than you agreed. They may be setting you up. They want to get you off balance and also count on the fact that at the last moment, when the kitten is ready to leave, the breeder will not want to lose the sale. Yes, life happens, and things come up. Stay in control. Do not take chances. Rescheduling the meeting to your time, place and comfort level is best.
7. The Need to Be Clear:
When arranging for a customer to pick up their kitten, make sure all expectations are communicated in writing—whether by email or text. This includes specifying what they need to bring, such as a secure pet carrier, the exact amount of cash, and the agreed-upon time and place. Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings and deters individuals who may be attempting to exploit your good nature.
Some “small-time wannabe scammers” may arrive with excuses designed to manipulate the situation. Common scenarios include:
“I didn’t bring the right amount of money.”
“I had to stop to pick up a carrier, and now I’m a little short.”
“I forgot to bring a cat carrier. Can I use yours? I’ll send you a cheque for it later.”
“The kitten isn’t what I expected,” followed by an attempt to negotiate a lower price.
These tactics are aimed at pressuring the breeder into making concessions on the spot. The best approach is to remain firm. Direct the buyer to the nearest ATM if they need cash, close down the sale entirely if the situation feels off, or reschedule the pickup for another day when they are properly prepared.
Unfortunately, maintaining strict boundaries may make the breeder appear inflexible or unaccommodating. However, these boundaries are essential to protect yourself from scams and ensure that kittens go to responsible, prepared homes. Ultimately, it’s better to lose a sale—even if a breeder does not have a backup purchaser—than to proceed with something that leaves one feeling uncertain and uncomfortable, unsure of the kind of situation in which the kitten is being placed.
8. The Scammer Claims his Cat Died, and He Wants a Refund
which he would be entitled to under the terms of his contract. More and more breeders realize that they need to verify any proof provided by customers, such as vet records and necropsy reports, to ensure their authenticity. Contacting the vet's office directly is a smart way to confirm the information and avoid potential fraud or misinformation. Being thorough and verifying documents can help protect your business and ensure you are getting the correct scenario from your purchaser. STOP, THINK AND BE SMART
9. Scammers Claiming to Have Spent Large Sums of Money on Veterinarian Bills
On two separate occasions, I sold perfectly healthy kittens to buyers, only to be informed a few days later that the kittens were allegedly gravely ill. In each case, the buyer failed to notify me of any issues before reportedly spending what they claim to be thousands of dollars on veterinary care to seek a diagnosis.
In the most recent instance, the buyer claims to have spent $10,000 in just three days, yet they still had no definitive diagnosis or prognosis. They demanded reimbursement for their expenses, a commitment to cover any future veterinary bills as they accumulated, and a full refund of the purchase price.
Their refusal to provide any veterinary documentation to substantiate their claims made the situation even more troubling. Instead, they resorted to threats of blackmail, warning they would publicly tarnish my cattery's reputation, label my kittens as sickly, and accuse me of breaching our contract unless I complied with their demands for reimbursement.
We never give in to such demands, and unfortunately, this has led to our reputation being unfairly tarnished on platforms like Reddit. Once such misinformation circulates, it can leave a lasting stain, regardless of its validity.
I’ve spoken with fellow breeders who have faced similar challenges, underscoring a troubling trend in our industry. Interestingly, after receiving numerous complaints from breeders, Reddit has taken action by shutting down discussions about breeders. They openly admitted that they took this decision because they are now tied to a lawsuit filed by a breeder, who named Reddit in their case against defamatory allegations made by a buyer.
To potential buyers: Please be cautious. If you notice a pattern of overwhelmingly positive reviews for a breeder, but stumble upon one that seems disproportionately negative, you may be encountering another instance of fraudulent behaviour. It is crucial to conduct thorough research and remain vigilant.
10. Bandwidth Theft and Inappropriate Redirects
In the early days of utilizing websites to showcase their kittens, breeders faced significant challenges with bandwidth theft. About twice a year, our website would unexpectedly shut down due to unauthorized bandwidth use. One particularly concerning incident involved someone repeatedly redirecting our website visitors to a pornographic site based in Poland. Despite our efforts to resolve the issue, it resurfaced for weeks, creating frustration and disruption.
Thankfully, those challenges now seem to be behind us. Website providers have made significant advancements in security measures, helping to prevent these kinds of attacks. This has helped us to refocus on what truly matters—showcasing our kittens and finding them good homes.
11. Theft of Our Cat and Kitten Images
We’ve experienced the theft of our kitten photos from our website on three separate occasions, all during the Christmas season—different years, but always the same time of year. Each time, someone stole images of our available kittens, altered their names, and added their own contact information while still using our cattery’s name on their fraudulent site.
When the buyers didn’t receive their kittens, and communication ceased, they traced the cattery name back to us, arriving at our doorstep understandably upset, believing we had cut off contact.
One particularly troubling case involved a scammer who "sold" a single kitten to five different buyers. In that instance, the situation escalated to the point where we had to ask the police to get involved.
This unfortunate situation has also affected fellow breeders. We have implemented measures to protect our images and prevent further copying from our website.
I've experienced broken or missing items in my home, and a friend even had a kitten stolen.
Before concluding this blog post, I'd like to share an unsettling experience from a few years ago. I had phone conversations with a woman who seemed pleasant and harmless. However, when she and her husband visited my home, their behaviour raised red flags. They seemed more interested in their surroundings than in the kittens. Their questions went beyond the scope of buying a kitten, delving into personal details such as my neighbours, marital status, and living arrangements. The husband even tried to draw me out about gun ownership during the conversation. I was alone in the house and became very paranoid. I could not get them out of the house fast enough.
Even if you withhold a lot of information, family photos and pairs of shoes near the front door can give a potential scammer an idea of how many people live in your home. They might scrutinize your windows for alarms, leaving you feeling exposed. Ultimately, they learn more about you than you do about them, potentially casing your house for a future visit. This particular couple didn't end up buying a kitten; they gave me the classic "we'll think about it and get back to you" response. As I closed the front door, I couldn't shake the feeling that they might return, possibly with malicious intent.
IN CONCLUSION:
Breeders must stay vigilant to protect their practices and their kittens from the many scams that threaten their integrity. Creating a safe and successful breeding environment requires constant diligence and a proactive approach.
Unfortunately, this has meant becoming increasingly cautious in communications and commitments with prospective buyers. While it’s disheartening to feel this shift, I’ve come to accept that I can no longer afford to be the trusting and open-minded breeder I once was. My experiences have shaped me into a more discerning and careful individual, ensuring that I prioritize the safety of my kittens and the integrity of my cattery above all else.
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