How to Spot a Sphynx Breeder Scam: Protecting Yourself from Fraudulent Sellers.

Mar 27 min read

What to Look for in a Sphynx Breeder Scammer: How to Protect Yourself

The Sphynx cat, with its unique hairless appearance and affectionate personality, is a highly sought-after breed. However, the demand for these distinctive cats has also attracted scammers who prey on unsuspecting buyers. Whether you're looking to welcome a Sphynx kitten into your home or you're simply researching breeders, it’s crucial to know how to spot potential scammers. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to avoid falling victim to a Sphynx breeder scam.

1. Unusually Low Prices

One of the most common tactics used by scammers is offering Sphynx kittens at unbelievably low prices. Legitimate Sphynx breeders often charge a higher price because breeding these cats requires significant time, effort, health testing and are a financial investment. A price that is too good to be true is a huge red flag. While Sphynx kittens are expensive, a genuine breeder will charge within a reasonable range. If a price seems much lower than average (e.g., $500 when the typical price is around $1,500 to $3,500), beware—it could be a scam.

2. No Health Guarantees or Documentation

Reputable Sphynx breeders provide health guarantees for their kittens, ensuring that the animals are free of genetic issues, parasites, and other health concerns. They should also offer vaccination records and vet check-ups. Always ask for a copy of BOTH parents HCM scans. A preservation breeder will have no problem sharing this health testing with you. A scam breeder may avoid providing these details, or worse, may claim they don't have the necessary paperwork.

Some scam breeders will even offer "free shipping" or other enticements without mentioning the need for medical checks. Always ask for these guarantees in writing before committing to a purchase.

3. Limited or No Online Presence

Legitimate breeders usually have a clear online presence, whether it’s a website, social media profiles, or reviews. Scammers often lack a credible online presence, and their websites (if they have one) may seem hastily put together, with poor grammar or generic stock photos of Sphynx cats.

Take the time to research and confirm the breeder’s legitimacy. Check for reviews on trusted forums or social media groups, and ask for referrals from previous customers. If a breeder’s website looks unprofessional, doesn't have a website or their social media accounts are sparse or inactive, this is a warning sign. Scammers are getting even more bold and brave. They are stealing photographs from other breeders and using them as their own. It isn't until the potential pet buyers do a reverse Google search that they find out the photographs do not belong to that person.

4. Avoiding Direct Communication

When dealing with a scammer, communication will often be impersonal or overly generic, but not all the time. I will attach a recent interaction with a scammer at the bottom of this blog. Legitimate breeders are passionate about their cats and will engage in meaningful conversations with potential buyers. They’ll be more than happy to answer your questions and will often ask you about your home environment to ensure their kittens are going to a safe place.

Scammers, however, may be vague in their responses, provide generic or non-specific answers, or even avoid phone or video calls. If a breeder insists on only communicating through email or messaging platforms and refuses to offer a more personal connection, it’s a big red flag.

5. Requests for Upfront Payments

Scammers often push for an upfront payment or deposit before providing any real proof of the kittens’ existence. They may tell you that the kitten is being reserved or that you need to pay to “hold” it for shipping. Legitimate breeders will usually ask for a deposit but will always be transparent about their payment policies and provide contracts that outline the terms.

If a breeder demands full payment or an unreasonable deposit before you even see the kitten or receive a health guarantee, it’s highly likely you’re dealing with a scammer. Scammers will steal photos and videos from other breeders and provide you with kittens they do not own. Ask for a FaceTime call, a picture of the kitten with a piece of paper and today's date on it, or do a simple reverse Google search on the images they send to you.

6. Refusing to Meet in Person

A trustworthy Sphynx breeder will invite you to visit their home to meet the kittens or FaceTime with you to see the environment where they’re raised. If a breeder refuses to meet in person or only offers to send the kitten via shipping, that’s a major red flag. No reputable breeder should be so unwilling to meet their potential buyers face-to-face, especially when we have put so much work into the kittens. We care and are interested in knowing who they end up with. If home visits aren't possible, perhaps meet at the vet on vaccination day.

If the breeder insists on shipping the kitten without providing sufficient documentation, health checks, or any in-person/facetime meetings, it’s likely they are not being honest.

7. Over-the-Top Emotional Appeals

Scammers may try to tug at your heartstrings to manipulate you into making a hasty decision. They might claim they’re in financial distress or that their kittens need to find homes urgently. While legitimate breeders care deeply about their kittens, they will also be professional and focused on responsible breeding practices.

Be wary of breeders who present a desperate emotional narrative, particularly if they pressure you to make decisions quickly.

8. Unclear or Evasive Breeding Practices

A responsible Sphynx breeder is open about their breeding methods, health testing, HCM Scanning, and the lineage of their cats. They should have a thorough understanding of the breed’s genetics and be willing to share information about the parents, the kittens' development, and the health protocols they adhere to.

If a breeder is unclear, evades questions about their breeding practices, or refuses to provide documentation, such as the parents' pedigree, lineage, or health testing, it's a warning sign. Scammers might avoid these details to facilitate the sale of unhealthy or unqualified kittens.

9. Too Many Litters for Sale

A reputable breeder typically has a small number of litters available at any given time, with each litter receiving the proper care and attention. A scammer may try to sell an unusually high number of kittens or have multiple litters available with little care for their health and wellbeing. If you come across a breeder with several litters on sale, especially all at once, it may be an indication that they are running a commercial kitten mill, which is often associated with unethical practices. 10. Scammers do not Spay or Neuter Scammers typically do not spay or neuter their cats before selling them, as this can be an indication of irresponsible breeding practices. One of the key warning signs of a scammer or unethical breeder is their refusal to spay or neuter cats, especially when they are being sold as pets rather than for breeding purposes.

For scammers, there is often little concern about the health or well-being of the kittens they sell. Their main focus is on making a profit, which is why they might avoid spaying or neutering the kittens. By not altering the cats, they leave open the possibility for the new owners to breed them, which could lead to further litters. This is often an attempt to make extra money down the line by allowing the kitten to be bred, rather than ensuring it is spayed or neutered before being sold. Additionally, scammers often neglect the proper care and medical attention that comes with responsible breeding. They might sell cats with health issues or fail to provide necessary vaccinations or vet check-ups, further endangering the animals and the new owners. A legitimate, ethical breeder will ensure that their cats are altered, vaccinated, and have received proper care before selling them to the right homes.

When purchasing a cat, especially from a breeder, make sure to ask about their spay/neuter practices. If the breeder is unwilling to spay or neuter their kittens before selling them, or if they seem hesitant to discuss the issue, it’s a red flag. Always prioritize purchasing from breeders who have the animals’ best interests at heart and are committed to responsible breeding practices. Trust Your Instincts

Buying a Sphynx kitten is a big decision, and you should feel confident that you are purchasing from a responsible, ethical breeder. While scams can happen anywhere, there are plenty of legitimate breeders who care deeply about the welfare of their cats. By being cautious, asking the right questions, and doing your due diligence, you can protect yourself from scams and find a happy, healthy Sphynx kitten to join your family.

Remember, if something feels off or too good to be true, don’t hesitate to walk away. Trust your instincts and take the time to find a breeder who is passionate about their cats and committed to providing you with a positive, transparent experience. Attached is an interaction with a potential pet buyer who was nearly scammed. Scammers are becoming increasingly bold and daring. All the pictures the scammer provided are from my breeding program. Fortunately, the pet buyer used reverse Google image search and found me. This is how I learned about the interaction and why I'm writing this blog. It's a frequent occurrence, and I'm so tired of seeing people lose money to scammers and con artists. It's up to you, as a pet buyer, to conduct your research. When searching for a breeder through associations, it's important to follow the same scammer guidelines, as not everyone on the list is verified as an ethical or preservation breeder. Most listed breeders advertise mutants like ELF and DWELF, which are NOT sphynx cats. TICA: https://tica.org/browse-all-breeders/?filter_by_breed=sphynx