Kitten Mills - Warning Signs and What You Can Do

Here are some red flags to look for when researching and visiting a breeder:

• Do the cats look happy and healthy?
• Is there an overpowering smell of air fresheners, chemicals, or ammonia?
• Do the cats have space to move around?
• Are they injured (e.g. limping, missing eyes or extremities, etc.)?
• Do they have matted fur or overgrown nails?
• Is the water and food clean?
• Are you buying the cat outside a home, parking lot, or a gas station?
• Are there rare/expensive breeds for sale at oddly low prices?
• Are there clumps of cat hair in corners or on the floor?
• Are you allowed to see the parents of the kittens? If yes, do they appear to be in good health?
• Is the breeder able to show veterinary records, vaccinations and health/genetic test reports?
• Is the breeder able to provide the local vet's name?
• Does the breeder always have an abundancy of kittens?
• Can the breeder explain the standards of the breed and possible genetic issues?

What you can do to stop kitten mills:

• Encourage pet stores to stop selling pets and start featuring pet adoptions
• Stop buying from pet stores and think about adoption first, since kitten mills rely on supply and demand
• Consult your local legislators about harsher penalties for animal cruelty
• Report mill owners and irresponsible breeders
• If you are a vet, keep an eye on pet owners who continuously bring in pregnant animals

Works Cited

"Are You Buying from a Puppy or Kitten Mill?" Zoe's Animal Rescue. N.p., 16 Feb. 2016. Web. 24 July 2017.

Bardroff, Jenna. "Heard About Puppy Mills? Now Learn the Shocking Truth About Kitten Mills." One Green Planet. N.p., 24 July 2014. Web. 24 July 2017.

Lacoste, Kristine. "Kitten Mills Do Exist. Here's How We Can Stop Them." Petful. N.p., 04 Apr. 2013. Web. 24 July 2017.