Vetting Buyers: How to Spot a Bad Owner#

When you have raised a litter of Maine Coons, hand-fed them, and socialized them for 12 weeks, handing them over to a stranger is terrifying. How do you know they won’t declaw him? How do you know they won’t let him roam the streets?

You have to be a detective. Here are the psychological tricks and research methods seasoned breeders use to filter out the bad homes.

The “Trap” Questions#

Don’t ask “Yes/No” questions. Ask open-ended ones that force them to reveal their mindset.

Bad Question: “Do you plan to declaw?” (They will just say No to get the cat).
Trap Question: “How do you plan to handle scratching on the furniture? Do you prefer Soft Paws, scratching posts, or surgery?”
- If they answer “Surgery,” you deny the application.

The Vet Reference Check#

On the application, ask for their vet’s name. Call them.

Ask: “Does this client keep their pets up to date on vaccines? Are their pets spayed/neutered? Do they have a history of ‘hit by car’ emergencies?” A vet reference is the only unbiased data you will get.

The “Google Earth” Stalk#

They said they have a “large safe garden.” Type their address into Google Earth.

Is it next to a 4-lane highway?
Is there a swimming pool without a fence?
Is it actually an apartment complex when they said it was a house?

The “Ghost” Buyer#

Be wary of buyers who want to buy two kittens of opposite sex and ask about “breeding rights” immediately. They are often looking to start a backyard kitten mill. Rule: Sell “Pet” kittens already neutered (Early Spay/Neuter). This eliminates the risk entirely.

Conclusion#

Trust your gut. If a buyer seems impatient, pushy about price, or cagey about their home environment, say no. You are the only advocate that kitten has.

References#

Walsh, L.G. (2013). The Maine Coon Cat. “Owners’ Stories,” p. 63.
CFA. Breeder Guidelines: Placing Kittens.
TICA. Code of Ethics.