President Ronald Reagan: "TRUST, BUT VERIFY."
There are some easy ways to tell if an online site really has the kittens it claims to have, or whether it just copied photos from another breeder’s website as a means of scamming unsuspecting purchasers.
First, call the breeder in person. If the breeder won’t talk to you on the phone, that is a big red flag. I am always happy to talk about Maine Coons, and I actually want to get to know at least a little bit about a buyer before I say OK to selling a kitten. I am not selling cans of beans or jewelry. These are living, loving creatures that need good homes and love in return.
Second, before you send any money, ask for a live video call with the breeder and the kitten you are interested in. This may be the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself. If a breeder is answering your questions in a live video call while holding the kitten, you know the breeder actually has the kitten and not just photos of the kitten stolen from someone else’s website. I am happy to schedule a live video call with any kitten listed as available on this website. You can see me answering your questions live while holding and interacting with the kitten. If a breeder you are dealing with won’t do this, again that is a reason to be very cautious.
Third, make sure the breeder is listed with the CFA and/or TICA, and make sure the website you are dealing with is the same website the breeder as listed in the CFA and TICA breeder directories. There are companies out there trying to redirect online searches for Maine Coons to sites that are not breeders themselves but simply collect buyer inquiries as “leads” and then try to sell those leads to breeders for a fee. I don’t trust these sites and don’t deal with them. So going through those sites won’t actually get your inquiry to Jellico Dream.
Finally, just use your own good common sense. If a price is too good to be true, it probably is. If a breeder doesn’t offer in person pick up by appointment as an option, be concerned about whether the breeder is really located where he or she claims. If the breeder does not offer a written contract that includes a health guarantee and will be signed by both buyer and seller before a deposit is paid, question why.
Even if you don’t get your Maine Coon kitten from me, I truly hope you get one from a good breeder. A Maine Coon is a wonderful animal. Don’t let scammers ruin your search for the perfect feline companion.
