Looking into buying a Sphynx...needing some help

[RosyPosy89]

Hello everyone,
I am new to this breed of cat, but I have wanted one forever as I have done tons of research on them, but it really has been only how to take care of one when I bring him/her home. I have been in contact with someone who is a breeder in Tifton, Ga, I started looking around and could not find any type of reviews, negative or positive about them. I contacted them, they said their kittens are $550 with $200 travel fee since I am out of state, and they will be setting up arrangements for the one I picked to be delivered. I think that is a tad bit too low of a price, everything about what they are saying sounds right except for the price and I am not so sure. I got as far as them sending me a bill of sale they are wanting me to sign and return before any kind of transaction happens. I have attached the bill of sale, again everything looks right, and we agreed on Venmo. On their bill of sale, it does say TICA, so I went to the website, couldn't find their name so I reached out and asked what their official name of their cattery is, and I haven't heard back yet. My gut feeling is it is a scam, but I just wanted to double check here just in case I am being a little bit to paranoid and someone has heard of them.

 

[Yoda mom]

@RosyPosy89 , welcome to the lair family glad you are researching and asking questions. we can PM you responsible breeders we have gotten our nakids from.

**** please do not send any money until we can chime and you read the reputable breeder thread and fraud tips thread. saved me heartache a few times. we are here for you.
I need to edit out the cattery name but wrote it down to google it and look into it some more. I always google cattery names, owners names and google search photos. that price seems a bit off for responsible breeder kittens imho.
you can always PM me any cattery names. I

*** I always say go with your gut! and you wrote what your gut is telling you.

where are you located? I have a very reputable breeder in FL who I have known for a decade. I got my girl from her and we stay in touch regularly. she is very meticulous with her cattery, HCM heart screening listing the scan dates on her website etc.

we are here for you.

@RosyPosy89
***** I recognized that kitten sitting up picture immediately from the internet**** I google searched it for exact match and found it listed at least 10 different sites *** different languages countries**. photo back at least from 2020 online I personally would pass. especially too with a Venmo pay in full price***

What to expect from a responsible sphynx breeder

We get this question quite a bit here on Sphynxlair so I figured we would compile some useful information, a check list if you will for a first time sphynx buyer or even an existing sphynx parent looking to get another sphynx cat or kitten. All of these items listed below aren't necessarily deal...

sphynxlair.com

Ways to help detect fraud & scammers when adopting/buying a cat

NEVER send money via Western Union. If possible - get a cat or kitten that is in driving distance of your home. Most breeders selling kittens or people re-homing or adopting out will communicate no problem via phone, emails or in person. If not - look somewhere else. Visit the breeder’s home if...

sphynxlair.com

 

[RosyPosy89]

Yoda mom, thank you so much for responding!

I emailed them back and said I was going to pass; it just felt a little weird. They did respond and told me their cattery name was in fact Cresent Sphynx Kittens, but I could not find them under the registered catteries listed for Georgia on the TICA website. I asked if they could send me a link or something showing they were registered and they responded saying that all documents would be arriving with the kitten but if I was uncomfortable, I could always go to their place to see the kitten for myself. So, I politely let them know I was no longer interested, I live in Idaho so I wouldn't be making a trip to Georgia any time soon. Better safe than sorry!

 

[Yoda mom]

@RosyPosy89 phew, I was hoping you got my message soon! we are here for you... we can refer you to reputable breeders ! we are here for you to help the sphynx stars align.... sooo glad you passed. as soon as I saw that kitten sitting up photos big Red flag.
my reputable breeder is in FL very experienced in shipping goes above and beyond . we have other members in other states too that can pm you their reputable breeders.

kudos to you for researching... their are creative scammers out there .

we gotcha!
jump in and enjoy this fun friendly bunch! the info center is a great resource on sphynxlife. do you have any othere pets? all paws are family

ps.. I am going to edit/delete your copy of bill of sale as it has your personal info.

 

[Yoda mom]

@RosyPosy89 , here is great link we all refer to. never hesitate to ask questions.

feel free to start a new post asking for PM of reputable breeders in your state, surrounding areas.

Sphynx Cat Help Center

Check in here for useful articles about the sphynx cat.

sphynxlair.com