Safe Buying Tips

Bringing home a kitten should be joyful, not stressful. Sadly, online pet scams and dishonest sellers are common - which is exactly why EverKitten verifies every breeder before they can list. Most classified sites and social platforms verify no one, leaving you to play detective. We do that work up front, so you can start from a much safer place. Here's how to stay safe anywhere, and what we've already handled for you.

What EverKitten has already done

Every cattery on EverKitten is verified before a single kitten is listed. We confirm the breeder's identity and review a guided video of their actual cattery - the cats, the kittens, and the home they're raised in. Breeders who are registry members or who provide a confirmed veterinary reference carry additional badges. That doesn't replace your own judgment, but it means you're not starting from an anonymous ad with no accountability.

Before you pay anything

See the kitten live. Ask for a live video call showing the specific kitten, ideally with its mother. A real breeder will happily do this. Scammers won't - they only have stolen photos.

Get everything in writing. The deposit amount, what it holds, whether it's refundable, pickup or delivery details, and the health guarantee should all be written down before money changes hands.

Pay in a way you can trace, and never with gift cards or crypto. Many breeders and buyers use Zelle, Venmo, or cash at pickup - all perfectly normal. What matters is that you've verified the kitten and the breeder before sending anything, and that you keep a record of what you paid. Gift cards and cryptocurrency, on the other hand, are almost never how a real breeder operates - a request for either is a strong sign of a scam. Whatever the method, get a receipt or written confirmation of what the payment is for.

Meet the breeder, or at least speak with them. In person or over video - see where the kitten is raised, or at minimum talk with the person raising it. Be wary of anyone who will only communicate by text or email and won't get on a call.

Signs something is wrong

• The price seems far too good for the breed.
• You're pressured to pay fast or "hold" the kitten with an immediate deposit.
• The seller refuses a live video call, or the kitten is never available on camera.
• They ask for gift cards or cryptocurrency, or pressure you to pay before you've seen the kitten live.
• The same kitten photos appear on multiple websites (try a reverse image search).
• They want payment sent somewhere else, or mention the kitten shipping from a different place than where they said it lives.
• The story keeps changing, or details don't add up.

Ask about health - it matters more with cats

Ask for the kitten's vaccination and vet records, and the name of the breeder's vet. Kittens are typically fully vaccinated by around 16 weeks.

Plan a vet visit within a few days of bringing your kitten home - many breeder contracts require it, and it's how you catch anything early. Ideally, know your state's pet purchase protection ("pet lemon law") timelines before you buy.

Understand FIP. Feline Infectious Peritonitis is uncommon but serious and can appear weeks to months after a kitten comes home, especially during the stress of a move. A good breeder contract addresses what happens if a kitten becomes seriously ill within a defined window. You don't need to be an expert - just ask the breeder how their health guarantee handles it, and make sure it's in writing.

Consider pet insurance, ideally arranged in the first days after adoption. Serious illnesses can be expensive to treat, and coverage is usually cheapest when your kitten is young and healthy.

What a good breeder contract includes

A reputable breeder - registered or not - should offer a written contract covering: a health guarantee and what it covers; the kitten's date of birth and description; the price and date; spay/neuter terms or breeding rights; registration details if applicable; the parents' lineage; and both parties' contact information. Hobby breeders without registry papers can be wonderful and are often more affordable - they should still explain the parents' lineage and provide a proper contract.

A kitten is forever

We believe good matches go both ways. When you bring a kitten home, you're making a commitment for its whole life. Take your time, ask questions, and choose the kitten and breeder that truly fit your home - the right match protects everyone, most of all the kitten.

See something wrong?

If a listing or breeder ever seems off, tell us. Reports help us keep EverKitten safe for everyone. Contact us any time at hello@everkitten.com.