How to spot a scammer
Step 1
How to spot a scammer. They are everywhere and always trying new things but there will always be ways to make sure you are talking to a real breeder. Read below...
- Ask for their name, location, Cattery name, and which organization they are registered with. You can call Tica or CFA to confirm the information is correct and they are registering the kittens. I'm registered with Tica and they no longer allow just anyone to look on their website for Catteries. Too many people were stealing names so they took it down. A few catteries are listed on Tica's website but those are ones who pay for advertisement. There are several catteries on there but you will have to call Tica and confirm. www.tica.org
- Ask for their vet information, google it to make sure it's a real place, and call them. My vet information is on the FAQ PAGE.
- If you can't follow your money do not trust them. If they only accept Walmart to Walmart, Money Gram, Western Union, etc that is how you cannot follow your money. Once it's gone it's gone. However if you are purchasing from another country that will be different. I import mine and have to use Western Union or Money Gram. In the states I would never use them.
- If they are pushy that's a red flag. Real breeders care where their kittens go.
- If the price is too good to be true it probably is. Breeding correctly is very expensive.
- If they have a generic name on their website or Facebook page that's a red flag too. A breeder is proud of their Cattery name. They will not have Maine Coons for Sale or Maine Coons for Cheap or anything along these lines. They will use their Cattery name.
- Look at pictures and they should all be very similar. If they have multiple backgrounds I would be leery of stolen pictures.
- Scammers usually post several kittens of all different colors and say they are the same age. Most do not realize certain parents cannot produce certain colors. Breeders never have that many kittens available at once at the same age either.
- On Facebook, once they scam someone, they have to make a whole new page. They will not have very many followers either. You should always go through their page and see if other families are posting pictures that have received kittens. Also I have a Facebook group for families who have kittens from me. Those with deposits in or already have a kitten/cat can join the Facebook group.
- Also on my Facebook page, I have scammers posting under people's comments all the time. I've been able to have them automatically blocked but sometimes they somehow come through. If you are on a breeders page and a random person comments they have Maine Coon kittens, it's a scammer. Breeders do not go to other breeders pages and do that.
- You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok @wildcatcreekcattery.
- Websites are similar and they are always making new ones with stolen pictures. They usually like to steal pictures from Russian breeders.
- A reputable breeder will not have issues answering these questions. You can also be scammed by just talking to the person on the phone or seeing a video. It's wise to always do your research before committing to a Breeder.
- Google the breeder, cattery, and find their social media.
- Make sure you do your homework before deciding on a breeder
- I am registered with Tica. The cattery name is WILDCATCREEK and my name is Crystal Rhine. You can call to confirm. Tica no longer allows you to look up Catteries on their website which is a great idea as to help prevent scams. The only catteries you will see on Tica are ones who pay for advertising. All other catteries you will need to call and confirm.
- A note from Tica: Some individuals were using the cattery list to falsify documents to look like one of the catteries listed on TICA's website.
If you are curious who is behind the pictures, videos, all that goes around here this is me. I'm Crystal, owner of Wildcat Creek Cattery LLC. I started this journey back in 2017. I have a love for animals, especially cats, my whole life. After having my first Maine Coon, I fell in love! These are some amazing and smart animals. They love their families and get along with other animals. I started my research on breeding. I took the jump and imported my Maine Coons from Russia. I did not have a mentor and had to learn everything myself. I will tell you that you will never stop learning new things along the way. I'm always reading and researching to this day. Thankfully I've met a few friends on this path and we help each other out.
Meet the Maine Coon Breeder
There is a lot that happens here to get families this amazing cat! When it comes to pick up days I get asked a lot won't you miss them? Of course I will! They are all my babies! BUT... I know what they are in for and the happiness they will bring to the family! I have repeat families coming back for another one quite a lot as well. Some even have 3 kittens. They are addicting! Each one has their own unique personality!
I'm also a mother, a wife, and it's a never dull moment here. I hope you enjoy the website as I keep adding to it with new pictures and information on Maine Coons!
I'm also a mother, a wife, and it's a never dull moment here. I hope you enjoy the website as I keep adding to it with new pictures and information on Maine Coons!