Ginger on sofa

Want to Buy a cat? Read This First!

Buying a Kitten? Beware of Unethical Sellers!

 

Dear human,

 

Ginger here. 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 Society1,  kitten and puppy mills turn a blind eye to the most basic animal needs. They make cat mothers birth as many kittens as possible. What’s more, 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. What the fur ball?!!

 

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

 

Things are getting better, but there are still pet stores who sell kittens and puppies who 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. In New York, a law was passed3,4 that requires pet stores to work with animal shelters, and sell pets who already are need homes. This is a huge win-win! Now how about doing us pets a favor and changing laws across the country?

 

Skinny- just two days after I found my forever home.

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 naĂŻve human.

 

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?
This perfect kitten is alive today because his humans went to the animal shelter.

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/

3 https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/pets/dogs/general-dogs/adopting-rescued-or-shelter-dogs-pros-and-cons-197578/

4 https://www.humanesociety.org/news/animal-welfare-groups-commend-gov-hochul-signing-bill-end-retail-sale-dogs-cats-and-rabbits

🐈😸😽

 

3 thoughts on “Want to Buy a cat? Read This First!”

  2. Celinne

    Given the large number of unhoused and feral cats and dogs, all puppy and cat mills should be banned immediately. No one should be making a living breeding and selling animals this way.

    Reply
  3. DR

    I don’t understand how people who run cat and dog mills can allow their animals to live in such conditions. I’d like to see the people who do this get stuck in a cage that they can barely move in and see what it’s like!

    Reply

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