Kitten Scams

Scamming is a fact of life, and scammers are increasingly inventive. Kitten and puppy scams remain among the most common.

Buyer Beware! If you are looking for a kitten, please be alert to any of the following red flags:

  • The website is listed as “Sponsored”
  • There are multiple breeds available
  • All kittens are ready to be homed
  • The seller conveniently has your choice of sex and colour

The price is well below the average pedigreed kitten price.

Things to look out for

Dubious descriptions include:

  • Potty trained
  • Vet checked
  • Unrealistic health guarantees
  • Claims to have done genetic test which are not breed relevant
  • Poor grammar
  • Different fonts because the text has been copied and pasted
  • Fake reviews
  • Cute photos which a reverse image search will prove are “stolen” from legitimate breeders

Claiming to be registered with non-South African organizations like FIFE and TICA.

Characteristic behaviour of scammers:

  • After first establishing where you live, they will claim to stay far away
  • Unwillingness to allow visitors
  • Prefer texting to talking
  • Claims of being very religious
  • Warn you about being scammed
  • Ask for a copy of your ID and send a copy of “their” ID. Your ID will then be used for their next victim
  • Impatient to close the deal
  • Dodgy Payment methods

Non-existent services offered by scammers:

  • Door-to-door delivery with an excessive price tag
  • Promises of refunds for certain expenses
  • Tell you that you need to pay for licenses and certificates like CITES clearance
  • Ask you to pay insurance
  • Ask you to pay for a State Vet check
  • Offer you a temperature controlled crate. No such thing exists!

Do your research:

  • Ask the sellers for a video call so that you can “meet” the mom and kittens.
  • Look on the Facebook page Kitten Scams South Africa and Hello Peter
  • Visit The Southern African Cat Council or Cat Fancy of South Africa websites where breeders are registered
  • Join the SA Registered Cat Breeders Facebook group to ask about the legitimacy of the cattery before paying anything.