Adopting with Confidence: How to Avoid Scams When Searching for a Ragdoll Kitten

Not too long ago, I was in your shoes.

I was searching for a Ragdoll kitten and quickly realized how overwhelming the process can be. There are many wonderful breeders out there. Unfortunately, there are also many scams. A quick online search will show story after story of families who lost money trying to adopt a kitten that never existed.

Even if you decide not to adopt one of my kittens, I hope these tips help you find a breeder you trust. Bringing a kitten into your home should be a joyful experience, and every family deserves to feel confident in the process.

Look for an Established Online Presence

A reputable breeder should have a consistent online presence. This might include a website, social media pages, or listings with recognized cat associations (e.g. CFA, TICA).

Take some time to review their content. Do they share updates about their cats? Do they show past litters? Are there photos or information about the queens and studs?

Scammers often create simple websites or ads with very little information. They may also reuse photos from other breeders.

If the breeder has very limited information online, that is a sign to slow down and ask more questions.

Check Their Social Media History

Social media can tell you a lot about a breeder.

Look at how long the page has been active. Are there posts going back months or even years? Do they show kittens growing over time? Are there interactions with families who adopted their kittens?

A legitimate breeder usually enjoys sharing updates about their cats and kittens. Their pages often show the daily life of the cattery.

Chosen Paws Ragdolls is on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Brand new accounts with only a few posts can be a red flag.

Ask for a Video Call

One of the easiest ways to confirm a breeder is legitimate is through a video call.

A trustworthy breeder should be willing to show you the kittens, their mother, and the environment where the cats are raised. This does not need to be a formal meeting. Even a quick video chat can provide peace of mind.

Scammers almost always avoid live video. They typically rely on photos only.

Common Red Flags of Ragdoll Kitten Scams

1. The breeder refuses a video call.

2. There's a lot of pressure to send money quickly.

3. The photos are too perfect.

4. No proof of cattery or registry.

5. Online presence started a day ago and there's 100 pictures posted.