In recent years, the world of online kitten purchasing has faced significant challenges, and in 2024, a new and alarming problem has emerged: Pop-Up Cat Breeders.

These “breeders” often start with little to no knowledge about cat breeding. Typically, they acquire unaltered male and female cats, sometimes several, and launch a Facebook page or website claiming to have been in business for over a decade. In reality, they are entirely new to the practice, often cutting corners and prioritizing profit over the health and well-being of their cats.

What’s the reality behind these operations?

• Neglect: Cats are frequently housed in basements or garages with inadequate care.
• Lack of Veterinary Oversight: No testing or vaccinations are conducted, and veterinary care is often limited to emergency procedures like C-sections.
• Poor Nutrition: These cats are fed the cheapest food available, leading to poor health outcomes.
• Deceptive Practices: Websites or social media pages present a polished front, making it difficult to discern the truth.

Sadly, the kittens produced under these conditions suffer greatly, and unsuspecting buyers often end up with sick or dying pets. Even worse, these operations leave behind serious consequences for the larger cat breeding community.

Why is this a critical problem?

• Widespread Misinformation: Pop-up breeders frequently misrepresent their experience and the quality of their cats, creating confusion among buyers.
• Health Crises: There have been reported outbreaks of feline leukemia originating from these catteries, causing heartbreak for both buyers and ethical breeders.
• Damage to Reputable Breeders: Established breeders are inundated with inquiries from devastated buyers seeking help for sick kittens purchased from these questionable sources.

Protect Yourself and Your Pets
If you’re considering purchasing a kitten online, do your research. Verify the breeder’s reputation, ask for veterinary records, and confirm their history in the field. Be cautious of breeders offering unreasonably low prices or making unverifiable claims about champion bloodlines.

Additionally, if you have experienced the loss of a kitten purchased online, please inform us honestly before proceeding with inquiries. It’s vital to address these issues to protect both our cats and the integrity of the breeding community.

We are dedicated to the health and well-being of every kitten and strive to ensure that our clients receive the happiest, healthiest companions possible. Let’s work together to spread awareness and safeguard the future of responsible cat breeding.