Buy Kittens With Caution!

There are lots of ways to buy kittens. Some ways are more secure than others. Shelters, rescue organizations, and reputable breeders are all well established means of buying kittens that are healthy and happy.

Unfortunately, there are also less reliable ways of buying a kitten. Pet shops, classified ads, associates, and online breeders are more risky alternatives in terms of getting the best possible pet for your family. Buying a kitten through these venues could lead to more problems than necessary. If you choose to go the following routes when purchasing a kitten remember the axiom: Buyer Beware.

Pet Shops

Photo by Abcrumley @ flickr.com

Often, kittens that are sold in pet shops come from kitten mills or unscrupulous breeders. Kitten mills are run by companies that house kittens and cats in harsh and unsanitary conditions. Kitten mills are not quite as big business as puppy mills. But, they are still a lucrative business for unsavory businesses.

Kittens in pet shops are not well screened for medical problems. They may be lacking up-to-date shots. Even pedigreed kittens could be carrying altered and forged paper work.

If you must buy kittens from a pet store, look for stores that have a space rented out to cat rescue organizations. These organizations are not affiliated with the pet stops. And they are focused on placing kittens and cats in loving homes.

Newspaper Ads

You never know what you’re getting when your purchase kittens through classified ads. You have no idea if the kitten is healthy. It may or may not have its vaccinations. There may be no vet records. And you have to wonder why the person is trying to sell their kittens.

Unvaccinated, unaltered kittens cost more in the long run. On top of that, you may have little recourse if the kitten you purchase a kitten that has severe health problems that weren’t revealed to you.

Family/Friends

Family and friends are well-meaning when they offer to sell you kittens. Maybe their cat had a litter that was too big. It could be any number of reasons that they want to sell you kittens. You might want to pass on buying a kitten from your close associates.

First, if they sell you a sickly kitten, it might create tension in your relationship. Second, just as with the classified ads, kittens from friends may cost you more in veterinary bills. And for many of the same reasons.

Online Breeders

Reputable breeders do have web sites to advertise and solicit sales of kittens. You just have to be careful about ordering kittens online. If you live far from a breeder, you can’t see the cat you’re purchasing. You have no idea about the kitten’s temperament or its ability to socialize with you.

So, make sure you have an air-tight contract that states what recourse you have if you are not satisfied with your new kitten.

Remember…Buy kittens from established sources. Do some research on a specific company, organization, or breeder before making your purchase.

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