Unfortunately, there are almost as many scammers as there are breeders. When you are looking for a kitten, it is important to know how to be certain you are dealing with a real breeder with real kittens!

​

More than ever before, I am hearing from people who have sent money without receiving a veterinarian's reference or speaking with someone . This is a vital step because no breeder can make up a veterinarian. You, as a customer, can do a simple internet search for the veterinarian and make sure it is not a fake reference. 

​

It is heartbreaking knowing someone has chosen a kitten and become attached to it only to find out that not only have they lost their money, but the kitten they have fallen in love with. Here are some rules to follow to be sure this is not how your story ends.

​

1. Ragdolls sell for $1200 or more depending on location. If the cattery is selling for less, assume it is a scam. 

2. Talk with the breeder on the phone. An honest breeder will be more than happy to answer your questions. 

3. If a breeder refuses to take calls and only deals through e-mails or texts, they most likely can't speak English and are running the conversation using a translator app. Avoid dealing with anyone who won't answer a phone call. 

4. Be cautious of broken or halting English in texts, e-mails, or on the website. Google translate does a great job, but it is never perfect.  Everyone has the occasional typo. This usually shows up in tenses or grammar errors. 

5. Professional Photos. This isn't always a give away. I think my photos look pretty good. Most breeders do not have time to take perfect pictures of every kitten I know from experience, some kittens sit perfectly and others are not always so cooperative. You can also run the pictures through Google search to find out where the images originated. 

6. Put the web address into the Google search bar. If it does not show up, it is a fake address even if it shows up in the URL when you are on their page.

7. Beware breeders who offer to ship today or tomorrow. It takes a couple days to set up shipping or flights for delivery. I will not ship  your kitten. 

8. All kittens should be checked by a veterinarian before leaving a breeders home. Make sure you receive a health certificate signed by your breeder's veterinarian. 

​