Buying a pedigree kitten online can be exciting—but also risky. Scammers often target cat lovers searching for specific breeds like Maine Coon, Sphynx, or Burmese. They create fake profiles, use stolen photos, and lure buyers in with unrealistically low prices and urgent payment requests.
If you’re planning to buy a kitten in Malaysia or internationally, here are six red flags to help you avoid getting scammed.
1. The Price Is Too Good to Be True
If someone advertises “free kittens” or offers a purebred cat for a few hundred ringgit, proceed with caution. Ethical breeders invest heavily in high-quality food, veterinary care, vaccines, and early socialization. These costs are reflected in the price.
For example, a healthy Burmese kitten raised in a registered cattery may cost between RM 5,000–10,000 or more, depending on quality. If someone offers a similar kitten for RM 500, there’s a good chance it’s not real—or not what they claim.
There are rare exceptions, such as special-needs placements, but legitimate breeders are transparent about those cases.
2. No Real Name or Registered Cattery
Reputable breeders use their real name and operate under a registered cattery. They’re usually affiliated with international associations like CFA or WCF and have a reputation within the breeder community.
If a profile is called something vague like “Sphynx Babies 4 U” and doesn’t mention a breeder name, website, or cattery registration, that’s a warning sign. Responsible breeders often share personal photos, details about their cats, and proudly represent their breeding program.
3. The Breeder Avoids In-Person Contact
Scammers often claim they’re located far away and refuse to allow visits. When you ask to meet the kitten or see the cattery, they may say they’re traveling, busy, or currently unavailable.
Real breeders usually allow in-person visits by appointment, or at least offer a live video call. They’ll be open to showing you where the cats live and how they are raised.
4. Pressure to Send a Deposit Immediately
A common tactic is urgency. You may hear:
“Others are already interested. If you want this kitten, you need to send a deposit now.”
Ethical breeders won’t rush or pressure you. They give you time to ask questions, think through your decision, and understand the process. If someone pushes you to pay right away, take a step back.
5. The Price Doesn’t Match the Promised Care
Raising pedigree kittens is expensive. A responsible breeder provides:
• High-quality nutrition for mothers and kittens
• Routine vaccinations (usually 2–3 rounds)
• Deworming and flea treatments
• Health checks and vet visits
• Genetic testing for parent cats
• Spaying or neutering before placement (if sold as a pet)
• Socialization and play enrichment
If someone claims they’ve done all of this—but their price is a fraction of the usual cost—it’s either dishonest, or the kitten doesn’t exist.
6. No Documents, No Proof, No Real Photos
A trusted breeder will always provide:
• Updated photos and videos of the actual kitten
• Official pedigree certification from CFA or another registry
• Veterinary records and vaccination history
• Purchase agreement and clear terms
If you only receive generic photos or vague messages, and nothing to prove the kitten’s identity or health, it’s not worth the risk.
How to Protect Yourself When Buying a Kitten
Before committing to a kitten:
• Ask for the breeder’s full name and cattery registration
• Verify if they are listed with CFA, TICA, or other reputable organizations
• Request photos and videos with dates
• Look for consistency across their social media, website, and messaging
• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, walk away
Final Thoughts
Buying a kitten should be a joyful and meaningful experience—not a painful lesson. Take your time, ask questions, and work only with breeders who are transparent, experienced, and genuinely care about the wellbeing of their cats.
At Marnad Cattery, we are proud to raise our European Burmese kittens in a healthy, ethical, and cage-free environment. We are always available to answer questions and help you find the right companion, whether you are in Malaysia or abroad.
If you’re unsure about a breeder or would like advice, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help.
