Frequently asked questions about Peterbalds, scroll down to #1
For frequently asked questions about Servals, scroll down to #40
For frequently asked questions about Savannahs, scroll down to #60
There are many scams on the internet, and many people ask me how to avoid being scammed. Here is some information and things you can do to ensure that you are not being scammed while buying a cat. It can be a daunting endeavor to buy a cat and send money to a total stranger, one that you found online. But there are ways to find out if the breeder is legitimate and to avoid being scammed. Disclaimer: As with everything, scammers always discover new ways to scam, and the information written below is my own way to avoid being scammed when I buy my own cats online. This is my expressed personal opinion, and does not form a legal opinion. PurrFound accepts no liability for the content of this information, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of this information.
a. When buying a cat, the first thing to do is find out if they have a registered cattery. A registered cattery means that the breeder has registered their cats through an association, and is accountable for those cats, as well as the good-standing for their cattery. We are registered with TICA (The International Cat association), and our registration number is 15485. We are also part of the Ethical Breeders club of TICA. The Ethical Breeders Club upholds ethical breeding and sale standards. We are proud to say that we exceed these standards. We are also members of the Small Exotic Feline Society of B.C. and our number is 017.
b. Because selling cats provides an income, all breeders legally need to have a business number, and claim their income from the sale of cats. Some breeders say they don't have a BN because they are just doing it as a hobby. For most, like us, it is a passionate hobby,; however, government Canada does not see it that way, and legally all income needs to be accounted for. PurrFound is a registered business with a Business Number, and we claim the income on our taxes. For safety reasons, I will not post our BN here, but you may request it privately.
c. Some breeders take pride in showing their cats, and checking to see if they have won awards through the TICA site (Standings), can be one way to check if the breeder is legitimate. Now, having said that, not all breeders show their cats. IT is expensive to do (you have to travel a lot and paid for fees, etc..), and you have to like doing it. So a breeder who does not show can still be legitimate. We do show our cats, and have won over 100 awards, including Best Peterbald Cat and Best Peterbald Kitten quite a few times over the years.
d. You can ask for references. However, just like when applying for a job, people only give references that will have good things to say about them.
e. Ask for the breeders website. It is true that not all legitimate breeders have a website, but if they do, you can go look at it, and see what they have. A good website will have a lot information about the breed, as well as procedures, and pictures. Do check to see how many people have visited the site. You can get a feel for the breeder by seeing how the breeder presents themselves. If you get a 'red-flag' feeling then trust your gut.
f. Check the prices. Most of the time, the set price is firm. If someone is offering the cats/kittens at very low prices, ask them why? This can be a red flag, or it could be simply an older cat (typically about 1/2 price of a kitten), or one with special needs/sick, or the breeder may be retiring, or re-organizing. In any case, there is a reason.
g. Once you have found a breeder that you are confident with, and have chosen a cat or kitten, ask the breeder to send you a picture of that cat/kitten with a certain household object. For example, you could ask the breeder to take a picture of the cat with a mug or a can of soup in front of it. Pick something simple that you know the breeder will have in their house. The reason for this is because many scammers will steal and use other breeders pictures (this has happened to us quite a few times). Scammers don't actually have the cats/kittens and won't be able to produce that picture. So, a legitimate breeder should be able to take the cat/kitten you are interested in and take a picture of that cat/kitten with that object. Scammers don't have that cat/kitten and will not be able to take that picture.
h. If it is possible, go and visit the breeder. Be polite with your request! We have a lot of people who ask to come see our cats, but we can't honor everyone's request because it would be too overwhelming, so we limit it to people who are seriously interested, or to those that have purchased a cat/kitten. Remember a breeder's home is not a zoo, and you shouldn't expect them to invite your to their homes if you are just coming to take 'a tour' or a 'look-see.' On the other hand, if you are a serious buyer, then you should expect to be able to visit. Visiting the breeder really ensures that they are a breeder. You will see the cats and kittens (if any at that time). It also shows you how the breeder takes care of the cats. The cats should be part of the family. Queens with kittens should have their own nurseries (they need to feel safe and protected and to have the area to protect their kittens). Males should be separate from females unless it is breeding time. Some males spray and do need to be confined. Ask to see where the sprayers males live. Ideally, they will be in large condos, or in a bathroom. Females should never be continuously bred. A female can have 1.5 litters a year healthily. You do not ever want to buy from someone whose queens have back-to-back litters. That is a cat mill, and it is never good to buy from that type of breeder. It is not ethical, and they are doing it just for money and not taking care of the health of the cats nor the kittens (so you are just buying into trouble). If you do buy from this type of breeder, you are also encouraging them to continue to breed unethically, so you have to walk away form this situation.
i. When you can, buy within your own country. It is safer because you can track them down easier, and you have legal recourse within your own country (out of country, it is quite a bit harder to get recourse). However, there are some good breeders in the States and overseas. When I buy my cats overseas, I always follow my own rules, plus I always buy from a known cattery in TICA.
j. Ask to see the breeder's written sales agreement or contract. Look to see for provisions for the cat's safety and well-bring as well as the breeder's right and the buyer's right. A good contract is one that is comprehensive. Look at the health guarantee (usually provided with kittens, not necessarily with adults ) to see what the breeder will do in case of a congenital defect. Don't expect a breeder to replace the kitten if the kitten ate some plants and was poisoned. Once you have your kitten, it is your responsibility to keep it safe. But if it has a heart defect or other congenital defect) and dies from it, then the breeder should have some WRITTEN provisions for that. If buying an adult, ask the breeder if they will transfer their file form their vet to your vet, and ask for the vet's name.
k. There are different ways to send money. There are good choices and bad choices. Once you are ready to buy, the first thing is to always get a full name and an address. With an address, you can Google Earth it, and see where they live. If it comes up as a shopping mall, then you know it's scam. If they are asking you to send it to a different name, then that's red flag. If they refuse to give it to you (or ignore this request), that's also a red flag. Many breeders (us included) will ask for a deposit to reserve you kitten, or in the case of an adult, full payment. A legitimate breeder will not accept partial payment before and the rest after the kitten is shipped. This is a red-flag.
Paying by check: Sending a check is a good choice because it is really hard for someone to deposit a check if they are using a fake name. Also, if you are mailing a check, then the breeder has to be able to accept it at that address. You also get your returned check back and can see its route.
Paying by wire transfer: Wire transfers are also a good choice because the breeder has to provide correct name and address that matches the bank information.
Paying by e-mail interac: This is a convenient way to pay, and is as safe as using your bank. Money goes from bank to bank, so the recipient has to have a legitimate bank account.
Paying by PayPal: This is a so-so choice. Anyone with an e-mail address can set-up a Pay pal account. But that PayPal account is linked to a bank. We have had some technical issues with Paypal, therefore that we do not accept Paypal for our cats/kittens.
Paying by Western Union: This is not a good choice. The receiver only needs a driver's license with their name on it, and this is fairly easy for a scammer to do. This is sometimes the only way to pay someone overseas.
Paying by cash: If you are able to go to the breeder's home and pay in cash, then it is safe (because you have already checked their home and know where they live). Make sure you ask for a receipt. If you can not give cash in person, then don't do it.
FAQ section
I have a respiratory problem and I need to get a hairless cat. Can I get a Peterbald?
Why do I have to leave a deposit? What if I change my mind after I leave a deposit?
Do you provide a written sale agreement that includes a health guarantee,
Do you provide registration papers (more commonly known as the blue slip or pedigree papers)?
Do you have retired adults, or 'fault' Peterbald kittens available at a lesser price?
I'm from Canada and I'm getting a kitten from the States. Do I have to pay taxes?
Are there any health issues that plague purebred cats in general?
I can't seem to find any references to health issues with the Peterbald. Why is that?
What is the difference between a Peterbald Sphynx and a Canadian Sphynx?
What is the difference between an Oriental and a Peterbald? What is the same?
How can I insure that my cat always uses the litterbox properly?
Will my Peterbald get lonely if I leave at home all day while I am at work?
What is the difference between a breeder Serval and a pet Serval?
How do I find out if it is legal to own a Serval in my city?
If male Savannahs are sterile until the 4-5th generation, what do you use to breed your females?
2. I have respiratory problems and I need to get a cat without hair. Can I get a Peterbald?
3. I'm allergic to cat hair. Can I get a hairless cat?
YES. We have successfully placed many Peterbalds with people who have cat hair allergies.
4. I'm allergic to cat saliva. Can I get a Peterbald?
5. When can I take the kitten home?
6. Why is the breeder asking me questions?
7. Why do I have to leave a deposit? What if I change my mind after I leave a deposit?
We ask for a deposit so that we know that you will follow through on the purchase. We have learned from experience that it is very common for people to say that they will take a cat. Then, we put them on our list, and when it comes time to pick a cat, they change their mind. In the meantime, we have turned away or lost customers because our waitlist was too long. We have also learned from experience that some people default on the kitten by not picking up the kitten on the pre-arranged pick-up date, or they change their mind, or they can no longer take the kitten, etc... So, all deposits are non-refundable. If you change your mind, fail to pick up the kitten, or default on the purchase in any way, you are forfeiting the deposit. This deposit can NOT be applied to any other purchase present, past, or futures. Once you have left a deposit on a kitten, you are bound to purchase that kitten. So, you need to MAKE SURE about your decision.
8. When is final payment for the kitten due?
9. What should I do after I bring the kitten home?
10. What are the characteristics of this breed?
11. Do you provide a written sales agreement that includes a health guarantee?
Yes. We offer a written sales agreement that includes a health guarantee. We typically send you the agreement about 4-6 weeks prior to the kitten being ready for his/her new home. If you wish to see the agreement before then, I can send you an electronic version for you to look at.
12. Do you provide registration papers?
Yes. We provide what is commonly known as the 'blue slip.'
13. How are the kittens raised?
Peterbald kittens are born on our bed (AKA the maternity ward). Their mom raises them and both mom and kittens are together until the kitten goes on to its' new home. We play with the kittens constantly. When the kittens have received their first vaccinations and health check, they (and mom) have access to the remainder of our house and can sleep and play anywhere they want. We do not use cages.
14. Are you a large or small cattery?
We are a small cattery, with only 5 breeder Peterbalds, 2 Servals, and 2 Savannahs.
15. Do you have retired adults, or 'fault' Peterbald kittens available at a lesser price?
Sometimes. This is a great way to get a hairless for those who can't quite afford one. However, if you can not provide for the basic care, food, and veterinary services for an animal, then you should not be getting one.
seal point
chocolate point
lilac point
blue point
red point
chocolate
black
brown
lilac
red
cream
white
combinations of the above
mackerel
spotted
pointed
patched
torbie
tortie
solids
18. Can you supply references?
No. We both have jobs. Breeding is our hobby.
21. Are there taxes on kittens?
Yes. We are required by law to collect taxes on all kittens sold. We have included the taxes in the price.
22. I'm from Canada and I'm getting a kitten from the States. Do I have to pay taxes?
Yes. You are required by law to pay taxes. When you go to pick up your kitten at the airport, you will be required to pay taxes/duty/customs clearing fee, a Canadian Food Inspection fee, and a receiving fee. They will make you pay before the kittens are released into your care.
If the kitten travels by ground (by car), the fees are collected at the border.
24. How much is shipping going to cost me?
Shipping varies a great deal depending on the method of shipping and the distance. In addition to the shipping, you pay for the carrier ($55.00), and anything else that the airlines may require. Once we know your city, we can give you an estimate on shipping.
We always check the plane flights just in case there is a seat sale and we can deliver the cat to you. In many instances delivery is CHEAPER than shipping, especially if we find a seat sale. Delivery means that we take a flight and bring the kitten in the cabin with us (yes, that is allowed). You meet us at the airport, and we hop on the the next flight back home.
For Vancouver and surrounding areas, we will deliver the kitten at a cost of $160.00 (ferry and gas).
25. I've changed my mind. Can I get my deposit back?
26. Are there any health issues that plague purebred cats in general?
Purebred cats work within a set gene pool, therefore genetic and inheritable diseases and illnesses are more commonly seen in purebreds. One such disease is called FIP, and 5% of all purebred cats develop it.
Furthermore, almost all breeds have a prelidiction towards a certain health problem and you can find out what they are with a little research. You can start by visiting this web page which lists cat breeds and their health issues: http://www.dr-addie.com/breeds.htm If a breeder tells you that there are no health issues with their particular breed, then they are most likely lying.
27. I can't seem to find any references to health issues with the Peterbald, why is that?
Peterbalds are a relatively new breed (since 1994) and we have yet to discover a specific prevalent health issue to this breed. However, there is emerging evidence that all hairless breeds, including hairless dogs, pigs, and rats, seem to have issues with gums and teeth. In essence, this is logical as the teeth are formulated out of a hair, and when your are dealing with a gene mutation that affects the hair, you can expect to see teeth issues. Peterbalds are therefore at a higher risk for teeth and gum issues, and owners need to use vigilance and regularly check the teeth and gums. Additionally, for very obvious reasons, Peterbalds and Sphynxs are more likely to get sunburns and chills.
Because Peterbalds are outcrossed with Siamese and Orientals, some health issues related to these breeds can be found in Peterbalds.
28. What is the difference between a Peterbald and a Canadian Sphynx?
The only similarity between the two breeds is the hairlessness and the need to have their eyes and ears cleaned regularly.
The Peterbald is a long, muscular, elegant, extremely intelligent, active cat with huge ears and webbed feet. Due to the vigilance of responsible breeders, the Peterbald is known to be healthy. Sometimes, a Peterbald will produce oil on his/her body and needs to be cleaned. This is usually done with a baby wipe, but sometimes a bath is necessary (depends on your flooring). We have 5 adult Peterbalds and only one requires a baby wipe every week, and the other 4 do not require anything.
The Canadian Sphynx has a body shaped like a wine bottle, looks like a Gremlin, and has normal intelligence. They are very cute and will share their humans. They have a wonderful, loving personality and love to cuddle. The Canadian Sphynx produces oil on their bodies and need to be bathed one to three times a week. The Sphynx seems to have some health issues with IBS.
29. What advice can you give me?
Buy a kitten from a breeder who offers a health guarantee and written sales contract. If they are not willing to put it on paper, then you should go somewhere else.
Buy a kitten from a breeder who is a member of a cat association. Although this is no guarantee as to the quality of the kitten, it does mean that the breeder has agreed to certain standards. Even better, ask the breeder if they have signed an ethical breeding contract or are part of an ethical breeding program with their association.
Although breeders know more about cats than the average person, they are still not veterinarians, and you should always consult your vet on appropriate care.
We highly recommend getting pet health insurance, especially for your kitten's first year when he/she is most vulnerable.
30. We live nearby, can we stop and visit?
If you are interested in purchasing a kitten, please e-mail us and we can set up a time for a visit.
31. What is the difference between an Oriental and a Peterbald? What is the same?
The Difference
The Similarities
32. What kind of toys should I buy my new Peterbald?
Peterbalds love to play with all kinds of toys, so any kind will do. DO NOT EVER BUY toys covered in fur. These toys are often made from real animals, including cats and dogs and this is a practice that needs to be stopped. Do not buy fur toys because you are encouraging cruelty to cats and dogs. Instead, buy toys as pictured below.
My own PDs really like the sparkly two-ball (pic #2). You should also provide a couple of scratchers, a cat bed or a solid igloo (not a soft-covered igloo), and some toys similar to these:
33. If I pay cash, can I get a break on the taxes?
34. What plants are poisonous to cats?
35. Does a purring cat mean a happy cat?
Cats will purr when they are content. But, they also purr when they are sick, injured, afraid or anxious. Some cats will also purr when they are dying, A kitten first sensation is to hear the purr of his/her mother. This purring comforted the kitten when it was young. Purring is related to comfort. And so, a cat will purr to convey its' comfort, or it will purr to comfort itself when it is not well.
36. Can I train my cat to do tricks?
Absolutely! Peterbalds are very intelligent and naturally want to please their owners. They can be taught to play fetch, shake, come, sit up, wave bye-bye, speak, give me a kiss, take a bath, roll over, jump through a hoop, lie down, sit, and use a human toilet.
37. How can I insure that my cat always uses the litterbox properly?
Litterbox Guidelines:
Provide one litterbox for every cat, plus one more. This allows cat to avoid conflicts and territorial issues with other cats.
Litterboxes should have two entry/exit points. This prevents the cat from feeling trapped.
Place litterboxes in low-traffic and quiet areas.
Scoop the litterboxes every day. No one wants to use a dirty toilet!
Provide positive reinforcement when your cat uses the litterboxes: lots of hugs, kisses, and petting.
Clean out the whole box every week, and re-fill with fresh litter.
38. Will my Peterbald get lonely if I leave him/her at home all day while I am at work?
Peterbalds are social cats who always want to be around you. If a Peterbald is left at home alone all day, it will want to monopolize your attention when you get home. He/She will follow you around, rub up against your legs, and will meow at you for attention. A simple solution to this situation is to get a feline friend for your Peterbald to play with. Another Peterbald is ideal. A second option is to get a similar breed, such as an Oriental.
41. Servals are expensive. Can I get a price discount?
No. If you can not afford the initial price of buying the cub, then you are not financial stable enough to own a Serval. If you are looking for a deal, then that tells me that you may skimp on the essential of caring for your Serval, such as food and basic vet care. Servals are a high-class animal and we expect you to be in a situation where you can financially care for them. Don't buy the Mercedes-Benz if you can't afford the oil change :)
It takes a lot of time and effort to breed and raise Servals. This is reflected in the cost.
42. I have heard that anyone can keep a Serval. Is this true?
NO. Servals are an exotic animal with special requirements. The following are examples of people who should not own a Serval:
People who are not dedicated to a lifetime commitment. Statistically, this Serval will most likely last longer than your marriage.
People living in cities that prohibit private ownership (check your city by-laws for any exotic animal by-laws).
People who cannot dedicate a significant amount of time to their Serval.
People who foresee financial difficulties, or those that can not adequately provide for their Serval.
People who need to move from city to city often.
People with babies. This is because a Serval will think a baby is a great play toy.
People who spend more waking hours at work than at home.
People living in non-permanent homes (apartments, rentors, etc...).
People who are neglectful of basic veterinary care (vaccines, yearly check-up, etc...).
People who travel a lot and will leave their Serval with a cat-sitter on a regular basis.
43. When can I take the Serval home?
It is essential for Servals go to their new homes as early as possible to allow for a strong bond with their new owners, typically around 6 or 7 weeks of age.
45. How many Serval cubs do you have in a year?
46.What is the difference between a breeder Serval and a pet Serval?
47. How many times a year do you breed your females?
49. I want a white Serval. Do you have any?
There are currently only 2 white Servals in the world.
We have had 1 white Serval in the past. We do not expect to get another one. In the unlikely event that we should have a white Serval, the price of a white Serval is $80000.00 (eighty thousand) as a pet and $100000.00 (one hundred thousand) as a breeder.
50. What generation are your Servals (F1-F5)?
I hate hearing this question. It means you haven't done your research and you have no idea what a Serval is. When people refer to generations (F1, F2, F3, etc.), this indicates how many generations back you have to go to get to the wild ancestor. An F1 hybrid means that the parent is a wild ancestor. An F2 hybrid means that the grand-parent is a wild ancestor. A Serval can not have generations seeing as IT IS the wild ancestor.
51. How do I find out if it is legal to own a Serval in my city?
You need to check two places. You have to check your municipality bylaws. It is ultimately your responsibility to verify this. Check the animal bylaw and check to see if there is any exotic animal bylaws. You also need to check with your provincial bylaws. I have listed SOME bylaws on my website and you can check those, but bylaws change all the time so you need to verify again. If you are having difficulties doing this, I can assist you.
No. You will lose your deposit. As mentioned above, it is ultimately your responsibility to verify your bylaws. We put a lot of time, effort, and money into what we do, and we do not refund deposits because you are not able to fulfill your part of the obligation for whatever reason.
A savannah is a cat that has a Serval in its ancestry. The serval could be an immediate parent or a great-great-great parent. This is explained more in detail in question #62. Because a Savannah is a result from breeding a Serval and a domestic cat, it is considered a hybrid cat. Once you reach the F4 generation, it is considered by most laws, regulations, and associations to be a domestic cat.
61. Why are Savannahs so expensive?
There are many costs associated with breeding such as vet bills, breeding bills, birthing bills and supplies, vaccinations, de-worming, altering, health checks, supplies, many, many pet toys, cat shows, paperwork, office supplies, registration fees, web hosting fee, cleaning fees and supplies, association registrations, permits, ferry costs, cat food, and so much more. Secondly, it may take a while and a few breeders to find one that a Serval will mate with. You may have to buy 4-5 Savannah females (costing $10000.00) each to get one or two that the Serval will recognize as a mate, and one that is long enough for the Serval to mate. This is also the case with F2s and on, the right pairing is often difficult as male cats have to 'recognize' that the female is a cat that he can breed. So, there is a lot of expense going into finding the right breeding cats. Lastly, Savannah babies can also be too big to birth, therefore C-sections are sometimes required. On top of this, Savannahs have a gestation period that is shorter than the Serval. This means that Savannahs are born premature (more so in the higher generations). This sometimes means extra neonatal care is required for savannahs. And also means that the litters are small (from 0-3 survive). All three of these reasons mean that you could have spent 100000.00 (yes, one hundred thousand dollars; I'm not kidding) before your first viable litter is even born.
62. What does the "F" in front of the Savannah's name mean?
The "F" refers to how far back the Serval ancestor is. An F1 means the Serval is 1 generation back (a mom or dad). An F2 means the Serval is 2 generations back (grand-father or grand-mother) and so on. Sometimes breeders will post Serval percentage beside the Savannah, Such as F1 Savannah 75% Serval. blood. This mean the father is a Serval and the mother is a F1 Savannah, making the percentage of Serval blood higher in the Savannah.
63. How do I decide which generation is right for me?
There are a lot of factors to consider, mostly about your own personal taste and preferences. For example, are you comfortable with feeding a raw food diet (for F1s)? Do you want a big cat or a small cat? Do you travel a lot or are away form home a lot?
Size is generally determined by the generation. Savannahs can be from 12 pounds to 23 pounds. A lot of factors can change the size, so there are no guarantees.
65. How big are Savannah litters?
Very small, from 0 to 3 kittens.
66. What do I feed my Savannah?
Higher generation Savannahs thrive on a raw food diet. Lower generations can eat a high-protein, no-carb kibble, such as Taste of the Wild.
67. What are the characteristics of this breed?
They are curious, playful, gentle, loving, and tons of fun. They like to play fetch and walk with you.
68. Are there health concerns with this breed?
There have been some reports about sensitivity to certain vaccines, therefore, please read your care manual that I provide, to make sure your vet uses the right vaccines.
69. Does my Savannah need a cat friend?
Savannahs love to have a friend, but it is not a necessity.
70. Are there regulations concerning Savannahs?
Yes, some city bylaws prohibit hybrid ownership. Some provincial law prohibit certain generations.
71. When can I take my Savannah home?
Typically between 12 and 14 weeks of age. And, no, we do not let them go 'early' under any circumstance.
72. What do I do after I bring the kitten home?
I provide a care manual with instructions on how to properly care for your Savannah.
73. Are there special vaccines for Savannahs?
Yes, these are written down for you in the care manual.
74. Are your Savannahs purebred? Are they registered?
All our Savannahs are purebreds and registered. Wea re part of the ethical breeders club, The International Cat Association, and the Small Exotic Feline Society of B.C.
75. What colors do you get? What markings do you get?
We get brown and black and blue. We get solids and spotteds.
76. Are Savannahs a CITES cat?
Yes, Savannahs are a CITES cat; therefore, permits are required to get them form the States or to send them to the States. If you got a Savannah outside of Canada without a permit, it is illegal, and will be confiscated if found out. Also, traveling with your Savannah to and from other countries, including the States, requires a CITES pet passport. Crossing the border without one will get your Savannah confiscated (will not be returned). Most breeders will charge extra for CITES permits.
Yes, we do CITES permits.
78. Do I need a CITES permit if I am buying one from you?
If you are a Canadian resident, then no. You only need a CITES permit when importing/exporting to another country.
If you do not reside in Canada, then yes, you need one. We do all of the paperwork and get the permits for you.
79. If male Savannahs are sterile until the 4-5th generation, what do you use to breed your females?
Allowable outcrosses for Savannahs are Savannahs (F5 or lower generations), Oriental Shorthairs, and Egyptian Maus. We use Oriental Shorthairs.
