How to Spot Cat Breeder Scams Online

Online kitten scams have surged in recent years, with fraudsters creating convincing websites, stealing photos from legitimate breeders, and collecting deposits for kittens that don't exist. The emotional and financial toll on victims is significant — many lose hundreds or thousands of dollars and are left without the kitten they were promised. Here's how to protect yourself.

The most common red flag is a price that seems too good to be true. Purebred Maine Coon kittens from health-tested, registered parents typically cost between $2,000 and $4,000. If you find a "registered Maine Coon kitten" listed for $500 or $800, proceed with extreme caution. Scammers use low prices to create urgency and attract a high volume of victims. Similarly, be wary of breeders who claim to have kittens available immediately with no waitlist — reputable breeders often have waiting lists of several months to over a year.

Verify everything independently. Do a reverse image search on any kitten photos to check if they've been stolen from another website. Look up the breeder's claimed registration with TICA or CFA directly through the association's website. Call the veterinary clinic listed as their reference. Check our GoodCattery scam database for reports on the breeder's name, website, or contact information. Scammers frequently change their business names, so searching by phone number or email address can be more effective.

Never send money through untraceable methods like wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or cash apps like Zelle or Venmo. These payment methods offer no buyer protection and are nearly impossible to recover once sent. Legitimate breeders accept checks, credit cards, or secure platforms like GoodCattery that offer deposit protection. If a breeder insists on wire transfer only and becomes aggressive or pressuring when you ask questions, cut off contact immediately. Trust your instincts — if something feels off about a breeder interaction, it probably is.