Buying a Kitten? Beware of Unethical Sellers!
Dear human, Did you know that when you buy kittens and puppies online, from flea markets, or pet stores, the pets may be from abusive mills that breed cats and dogs under cruel, neglectful conditions? According to the Humane Society of the United States1, kitten and puppy mills turn a blind eye to the most basic animal needs and make cat mothers birth as many kittens as possible. Cat (and dog) mothers spend horrible lives ignored and in cramped cages, sometimes forced to sleep in their feces and urine. The animals sold by mills can suffer from infections, overbreeding, and parasites, and are often inbred. If these ghastly conditions don’t deter you, know that your new kitten or puppy becomes ill or dies, getting a refund may be impossible. 1,2
Many kittens and puppies sold in pet stores are from mills. Unfortunately, mills can easily get licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, even after having violations for sick animals, filthy conditions and unsafe housing. In one case, a mill owner lost her license after she admitted her husband shot and killed 24 dogs they no longer wanted. The family obtained a new license from the U.S. Department of Agriculture by simply listing another family member’s name as the head of the business. 1,2
But there is good news. On December 15, 2022, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul passed groundbreaking legislation that stopped the sale of cruelly-bred dogs, cats and rabbits in pet stores across the state. Championed by Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal and Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, the legislation was overwhelmingly approved.4 Instead of buying from mills, pet stores now must work with animal shelters, and sell pets who already are need homes. This is a huge win-win! Now let’s work together to change laws across the country.
As a former starving stray, I ask that you help other stray cats and find your forever friends in a humane shelter.
Shelters work to save animals without a focus on profits. Instead, they rely on dedicated volunteers and donations.
If you still choose to buy, be careful my naïve human.
Mill breeders and sellers typically lie to people about the care they provide. They trick people if they can. We have a family friend who thought he purchased an “allergy-free” cat online. The website looked legit, showing photos of happy cats and a clean, beautiful kennel. The seller never showed up to drop off the cat, as was promised. The next day, the website was gone. Our friend lost $400.
Here are some warning signs that a seller is actually from a kitten mill 1,2 :
- The seller doesn’t ask lots of questions. If you can buy a kitten without screening questions, it’s probably a kitten mill.
- The seller is located in another state and wants to ship a kitten or puppy without an in-person meeting first.
- They sell different types of purebreds or refer to “designer” hybrid breeds.
- The seller will not commit to taking the pet back if something happens. Responsible sellers will do so.
- Kittens or puppies are being sold at less than six weeks old.
If you visit a breeder, ask yourself these questions 1,2 :
- Are the cats or dogs happy?
- Do they have clean pens, food and water, and room to move around?
- Are there physical clues that suggest poor treatment, such as matted fur, overgrown nails, or injuries (for example, an animal walking with a limp)?
- Is there an overpowering ammonia or chemical smell?
- Is the seller willing to show you the parents of the kittens or puppies?
For purebred breeders, ask yourself these questions 1,2:
- Does the breeder have kittens available all the time?
- Are rare or expensive breeds being sold for low prices?
- Does the breeder refuse to show you the place where animals are being kept? Ethical breeders will be happy to meet you in person and show you where the kitten or puppy was raised—and where their mother lives too.
- Is the breeder willing to share veterinary records, vaccinations and genetic tests, or provide their vet’s name?
Please, cherished human, we rely on you. Spread the word! Share this page and make sure your friends know how to put animal abuse for profit to an end!
Last, dear human, instead please consider going to a shelter when you want to adopt a pet. Here are some reasons why 3 :
- Millions of animals are euthanized in shelters every year. When you adopt a shelter animal, you are giving a sweet cat or dog what may be their only chance to live.
- Pay less! Adoption cost less than what pet stores (and pet mills) charge!
- Most shelters provide you with plenty of care information, support, and will evaluate each pet to make sure they have the right temperament for your home.
- Shelters also have many adult cats and dogs in need of a home. These pets are calmer and usually better trained.
- Another reason: To feel great about yourself! When you adopt a shelter pet, you support the welfare of stray animals in your community. Please, dear human, support an organization dedicated to helping rather than hurting animals. Support your local shelter. 3
Please visit your humane society. Someone there needs you : )
Love, Ginger
REFERENCES/FOOTNOTES:
1 https://www.humanesociety.org/all-our-fights/stopping-puppy-mills
2 https://www.petful.com/animal-welfare/kitten-mills/
4 https://www.humanesociety.org/news/animal-welfare-groups-commend-gov-hochul-signing-bill-end-retail-sale-dogs-cats-and-rabbits
