How to Avoid Maine Coon Kitten Scams: 15 Essential Rules

Looking for the perfect Maine Coon kitten should be an exciting and joyful experience, but unfortunately, scammers often try to take advantage of people searching for pets. We often see photos of our Maine Coon cats popping up in fake ads. In this article, we’ll share practical tips and advice to help you spot scams, stay safe, and confidently welcome your new Maine Coon kitten into your home.

Sometimes, people unknowingly send money for a kitten from a breeder — only to never see the kitten. It can be heartbreaking to lose money and not get your new furry friend. We can’t stress this enough: always keep an eye out for red flags to avoid falling into the hands of scammers.

✔ Rule 1: Watermark Photos and Videos

Any reputable cattery will protect its kittens’ photos and videos with watermarks to prevent scammers from using them.

✔ Rule 2: Time Identification

Simply writing a date on a paper next to a kitten isn’t enough. A responsible breeder will also include the buyer’s name in the video to prevent scammers from misusing it. This helps ensure the kitten is really yours.

✔ Rule 3: Check the Cattery’s Website

A serious breeder usually has an official website with updated photos, videos, and helpful information. Scammers rarely create a real website from scratch; if they do, they often copy content from other catteries. On a legitimate breeder’s site, you’ll see regular updates, articles, and new kitten photos.

• Check the Domain Age – Use services like Whois.com to see when the website was registered. Legit breeders usually have sites that have existed for several years. Very new sites can be a red flag.
• Look at the Owner Information – Whois often shows the registered owner or organization. If it’s hidden or looks suspicious, proceed carefully.

✔ Rule 4: Show the Kitten Live on Video

A responsible breeder should always be willing to show the kitten via live video call at the buyer’s request. This ensures that the kitten exists and is safe and that the breeder is reliable.

• The buyer can see the kitten in real time and confirm it’s healthy and active.
• Live video helps prevent scammers from sending photos or videos of someone else’s kitten.
• Schedule a time convenient for both you and the breeder to ensure a smooth video call.
• Popular apps include FaceTime, WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet, or any app you and the breeder prefer.

✔ Rule 5: Check Reviews and Recommendations

• Look for detailed reviews that mention specific experiences with kittens and the cattery.
• Positive reviews on social media, the cattery’s website, or cat forums can provide reassurance.
• Reach out to previous buyers if possible; talking directly to someone who has experience with the breeder can give you valuable insights.

✔ Rule 6: Look at the Presentation Style

• Check for consistency in backgrounds, lighting, and overall presentation style.
• Experienced breeders know their breeds well; scammers might mix up breeds or provide incorrect details.
• A legitimate cattery will usually provide multiple high-quality photos of each kitten, showing different angles and poses.

✔ Rule 7: Check the Cattery’s Email

A legitimate cattery usually has a unique email address without random numbers or strange characters. Scammers often use emails like “catterymainecoon87@gmail.com” or “usamainecoonforsale@gmail.com.”

• Enter the email in Google to see if it has any history or associated information.
• Our cattery FIRE STONE uses catteryfirestone@gmail.com.
• Always double-check the email before sending any inquiries or payments.

✔ Rule 8: Verify the Breeder’s Credentials

• Check with local or national cat associations to confirm the breeder’s registration.
• Don’t hesitate to ask the breeder to provide documentation if needed.
• Licensed breeders are more likely to follow ethical breeding practices and take proper care of their kittens.

✔ Rule 9: Ask About the Kitten’s Parents

• Request photos of the kitten’s parents.
• Ask for pedigree documents or registration papers.
• Seeing the parents gives a sense of the kitten’s appearance and characteristics.
• You can also reach out to owners of previous litters to learn about their experience.

✔ Rule 10: Never Send Money Before Doing Your Homework

• Double-check the breeder’s website, email, and credentials.
• Look through photos and videos, including those of the kitten’s parents.
• Make sure you fully understand the terms of sale and any agreements before paying.

✔ Rule 11: Search Kitten Photos Online

• Upload or paste the kitten’s photo into Google Images or TinEye.
• Check all the websites that show the same image to see if it’s being misused.
• If the photo appears on multiple unrelated sites, it’s a red flag.
• Using both Google Images and TinEye together increases your chances of spotting stolen photos.

✔ Rule 12: Take Action if You Encounter a Scam

• File a complaint with the registration authority of the scammer’s website if available.
• Report the fraudulent account or posts to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, etc.
• Keep records of all communications and transactions in case authorities need evidence.
• Be patient—sometimes it takes multiple reports and a few days for platforms to take action.

✔ Rule 13: Communication and Transparency

• The breeder should provide detailed information about the kitten, its parents, and care instructions.
• They should be willing to clarify any doubts you have before purchase.
• Prompt and clear communication is a strong sign of a professional and reliable breeder.

✔ Rule 14: Watch Out for Super Low Prices

• Check prices from several reputable breeders to see what’s realistic.
• Anything extremely cheap, “free kittens,” or just paying for shipping is a major red flag. Sometimes these kittens may not exist or have unclear lineage.
• Always put safety and honesty first—don’t get caught chasing a bargain.

✔ Rule 15: Be Careful with Social Media Listings

• Check how long the account has existed; Facebook often shows the registration date.
• Look at the friends/followers and who comments on posts—real accounts usually have consistent social interactions.
• Be cautious with accounts that send links in comments or private messages to other pages or groups with names containing words like “for sale kitten,” “available,” “adopt,” “for adoption,” “for rehoming,” “near me,” “needs a home,” “free,” and so on.
• Always verify that the seller is a legitimate breeder before engaging.
• Look for a consistent online presence: official website, professional photos, and clear communication.
• Avoid accounts that post generic or copied content—these are often scams.

It’s important to take your time when choosing a breeder for your kitten. Now you have all the essential information to avoid scams. Prepare a list of questions to ensure the breeder is 100% legitimate and that you feel confident and comfortable making your purchase.