It’s a well-known warning on the Internet – don’t offer your kittens and puppies as “free to good home”, especially on Craig’s List!
There are people who look for these ads. Some are true sickos that want to do unspeakable things to our innocent, precious little furballs. And there are others who will sell them to laboratories for research or to be used as bait animals, used to train dogs to fight and kill (often Pitties). Sometimes hoarders watch for the ads and collect the free animals. They may do it out of love, but often end up keeping them in unsanitary and unhealthy conditions. Another reason is that people don’t always value something they don’t have to pay for. A huge percentage of animals that are dropped off at shelters, or have to be rescued, are ones that were free. I have even heard of free kittens being fed to a pet snake!
Edit: Annie Beal made a comment that adds yet another warning, especially important at this time of year (fall):
I was looking for homes for a litter of kittens, and screening people very carefully (which means I kept most of them). I received a call for a kitten that was all black, no color bleeding, had to be pure black. The call came from hundreds of miles away, which was suspicious in itself. Even though I had two of them, I said I did not have a black kitten. At the time, I was volunteering at the local shelter and they had warned me about witches covens looking for black cats to sacrifice. Be very, very, very careful finding homes for kittens and puppies. Evil abounds.
Edit #2: I need to clarify the above comment. Several people have expressed vehemently that witches/Wiccans do not sacrifice their black cats, they adore them! I apologize to those of you who were offended. However, I have heard of bad things happening to black cats near Halloween, whether by Satanic cult members, or just evil-minded people. Many shelters and rescues suspend adoptions of their black cats around Halloween, for this reason. End of edit.
The best way to protect these babies is to charge for them. Even if they are “mutts”, and even if you are desperate to find homes for them.
Sylvia Smithwick, of New Bern has a great suggestion.
Please, just ask for at least $10 each. Most people who really want a pet would gladly pay that amount, but not the others as it would cut into their profit.
Ten dollars is not a lot to ask, and it will weed out the unscrupulous. If it is a relative, friend, or neighbor that you know and trust, of course, that is a different story. Let’s keep our furr babies safe!
So scary not knowing if they will be going to good homes or not.
Thats y u always ask if u can come see them when ever u want to .. n make a contract n both partys sing it …
Also ask for the name of their vet, call and ask how the potential adopter is about vet care
Yes it is awful to think people hurt the beautiful Gods creations!I hope n pray people like that burn in hell!
You CAN’T trust anyone!
I agree you can’t trust anyone. I don’t think a $10.00 fee is going to turn them away if they are perverted and cruel enough.
<3
Amo animais.Que lindos filhotes.
just gave away 1 today have two more to give but yes I do worry but the only shelter here puts down kittens that were ferril
Charge £30, at least, if this helps them go to a good home it’s worth it, and if they are genuine they would happily pay what you ask.
It is spelt “feral” and more often than not even feral kittens can find a home when you charge for them.
If you’re going to nit pick someones spelling …. spelt is “spelled”
Actually, in British English, “spelt” is a perfectly acceptable variation of “spelled”.
British English……lmao
You never kmow what plans they have for these precious little animals.There are some very strange people out there.
Charge at least a little for them Vernon!
i love kittens !!!!
There’s a lot of cruelty and evil out there.
Of course if you spay or neuter your animals you give them a better life, and you don’t have to worry about finding good homes for their babies.
Get them spay/neutered/chipped, with you as a contact number so if they get into a kill shelter you can get them out. Charge a fee to offset that cost. Free spay and neuter is available and chips are $10 to $20
Better yet, get your female cats spayed so this can’t happen!!!! (And while you are at it, neuter the boys too – it takes two to get a pregnancy started!)
How about spaying/neutering instead of compounding the problem of unwanted pets
I read a few comments saying to spay/neuter, so you don’t have to find homes for unwanted pets. I agree that that would solve most problems, but not everybody giving away a pet is giving away a pregnant pet, or a pet’s babies. While I don’t agree with most reasons people give up pets, they give them away for many different reasons: They’re moving, they’re allergic or family member is allergic, new significant other doesn’t like cats or dogs, or the pet owner becomes too sick to care for the pet or has to spend a significant amount of time in the hospital, or worse, dies. I have two cats, and they are fixed and solely indoors, so I don’t have to worry about babies coming from them. However, I know I can’t afford to care for more than two, so if I found one in distress and rescued it (I definitely wouldn’t leave it alone to die) and the no-kills are full, I would most definitely look for a home for it after getting it fixed, vaccinated, vetted, etc., and I would charge a fee to compensate for some of that.
And if everybody did what you do, there wouldn’t be the horrific problems. I work with a small no-kill organization, and have seen more than I ever bargained for. Thank you for being kind and responsible to these wonderful animals.
I only have indoor cats & I spay/neuter everything that comes to my home. If I can’t afford more pets, I don’t get them. Ppl use cats & dogs ( & many other kinds of animals) for “research” & bullet ” testing” for years.. Sad & sick ..
That’s one reason y I have 3 males no females bc I dont want no baby’s bc then I will have to move to a farm bc I wouldn’t want to get rid of the babys one of my male cats I had to bottle feed him …
Seth says:
“Of course if you spay or neuter your animals you give them a better life, and you don’t have to worry about finding good homes for their babies.”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-2469
I understand doing it but at the same time I have to vet and shot a cat or dog I take in- I can go to a shelter and adopt one for a bit of money depending on if the shelter has specials going your pet could be anywhere from free to $300 (for a dog) usually cats are a lot less and that includes spay/neuter vaccines etc. At a vet a spay/neuter on a cat can cost $350 by the time you pay for anesthesia and everything.
Annie Horne I know it can be very expensive to get a pet spayed or neutered at the vet’s office! You can search online for much better deals from your local rescues, shelters, and organizations like the Humane Society. I just saw one today (in MA, I think it was) for$10.00!!
I was looking for homes for a litter of kittens, and screening people very carefully (which means I kept most of them). I received a call for a kitten that was all black, no color bleeding, had to be pure black. The call came from hundreds of miles away, which was suspicious in itself. Even though I had two of them, I said I did not have a black kitten. At the time, I was volunteering at the local shelter and they had warned me about witches covens looking for black cats to sacrifice. Be very, very, very careful finding homes for kittens and puppies. Evil abounds.
I was looking for a home for my cockatiel and got some short, odd responses like, “I’ll take it. Tell me where you live.” or, “I’ll come get him ASAP.” No emotion, no info about them. Luckily I found a WONDERFUL family (2 parents & 2 kids all came to meet the bird!) who already had other similar birds, and sent me pictures of him being treated like a king!
Maybe if you’re giving away an animal you can offer to bring it to the new owner’s home to meet them first before deciding. Obviously if they say no or stop replying then they were shady.
kw says:
“I was looking for a home for my $#%&!@*atiel and got some short, odd responses like, “I’ll take it. Tell me where you live.” or, “I’ll come get him ASAP.” No emotion, no info about them. Luckily I found a WONDERFUL family (2 parents & 2 kids all came to meet the bird!) who already had other similar birds, and sent me pictures of him being treated like a king!
Maybe if you’re giving away an animal you can offer to bring it to the new owner’s home to meet them first before deciding. Obviously if they say no or stop replying then they were shady.”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-2557
Ann Beal says:
“I was looking for homes for a litter of kittens, and screening people very carefully (which means I kept most of them). I received a call for a kitten that was all black, no color bleeding, had to be pure black. The call came from hundreds of miles away, which was suspicious in itself. Even though I had two of them, I said I did not have a black kitten. At the time, I was volunteering at the local shelter and they had warned me about witches covens looking for black cats to sacrifice. Be very, very, very careful finding homes for kittens and puppies. Evil abounds.”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-2544
Julie says:
“Charge £30, at least, if this helps them go to a good home it’s worth it, and if they are genuine they would happily pay what you ask.”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-2605
A true witch, Pagan or Wicca practitioner will not sacrifice any animal! They worship nature and all its creatures and live by the creed “Do what ye will lest it harm none.” As for black cats the consider those truly magical and would never harm one. You may get a cult that would sacrifice, but this blaming witches is done by people who don’t know what they are talking about and are simply spreading fears and superstitions.
That blurb about witches sacrificing pure black cats is wildly innacurate and should be removed. Cats, especially pure black cats, are highly valued companions to most wiccans. Thats like saying dont give your kittens/puppies to asian people because they eat them.
alicia says:
“That blurb about witches sacrificing pure black cats is wildly innacurate and should be removed. Cats, especially pure black cats, are highly valued companions to most wiccans. Thats like saying dont give your kittens/puppies to asian people because they eat them.”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-2613
LauraJean1962 says:
“A true witch, Pagan or Wicca practitioner will not sacrifice any animal! They worship nature and all its creatures and live by the creed “Do what ye will lest it harm none.” As for black cats the consider those truly magical and would never harm one. You may get a cult that would sacrifice, but this blaming witches is done by people who don’t know what they are talking about and are simply spreading fears and superstitions.”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-2611
We have had scammers that call the owners up, and say they found the lost pet. They say the pet was injured in an accident or fight, and the caller paid $2-300 for medical care. They will be happy to bring the beloved pet home … IF … the owner agrees to reimburse them for the vet fees. Most owners agree to pay, and the pets are returned hurt and untreated.
Bit Twiddler says:
“We have had scammers that call the owners up, and say they found the lost pet. They say the pet was injured in an accident or fight, and the caller paid $2-300 for medical care. They will be happy to bring the beloved pet home … IF … the owner agrees to reimburse them for the vet fees. Most owners agree to pay, and the pets are returned hurt and untreated.”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-2621
So why don’t the police set up some stings?? They could first highlight the issue in the news (depending on the political and media agendas at the time of course), asking for information from the public. They could then set traps to pose as animal keepers giving away free pets. Anyway, I am not a police officer so I’m sure they could tackle this crime. However, funding being as it is from this tight fisted and very corrupt government of ours, perhaps a request from the public for donations would help stop this crime and put those cruel cruel ppl who do this behind bars. Animal cruelty should equal the same punishment as human cruelty in my opinion.
Ezzie says:
“So why don’t the police set up some stings?? They could first highlight the issue in the news (depending on the political and media agendas at the time of course), asking for information from the public. They could then set traps to pose as animal keepers giving away free pets. Anyway, I am not a police officer so I’m sure they could tackle this crime. However, funding being as it is from this tight fisted and very corrupt government of ours, perhaps a request from the public for donations would help stop this crime and put those cruel cruel ppl who do this behind bars. Animal cruelty should equal the same punishment as human cruelty in my opinion.”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-2642
An even better solution…. Spay and neuter your animals so you are not trying to find a place to land their offspring.
AmyLu says:
“An even better solution…. Spay and neuter your animals so you are not trying to find a place to land their offspring.”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-2660
1. $10 is not enough.
2. Shelter is a kill shelter so giving them away is better? If they are torn apart by dogs that’s better? (Comment made earlier)
3. Witches sacrifice black cats? NO. Satanists might, but witches? NO. “Witches” are technically Wiccans, Wicca is an earth based spiritual path and animals are revered. Particularly black cats, which are often familiars. Furthermore, witches/Wiccans do NOT believe in the devil – the devil is a Christian convention and does not exist to Wiccans. Stop this ridiculous misinformation, stop spreading it. Satanist however might, I don’t know, because I don’t know any. However, DOC keep your black cats close because there are a lot of sickos that DO believe this misinformation and will harm such cats for their own twisted and misguided selves.
4. I have five “fosters” that I have had for over a year because no one is good enough in my eyes. You can trust the most perfect-appearing person and they might be doing exactly what this article describes – out gathering bait.
Padfoot says:
“1. $10 is not enough.
2. Shelter is a kill shelter so giving them away is better? If they are torn apart by dogs that’s better? (Comment made earlier)
3. Witches sacrifice black cats? NO. Satanists might, but witches? NO. “Witches” are technically Wiccans, Wicca is an earth based spiritual path and animals are revered. Particularly black cats, which are often familiars. Furthermore, witches/Wiccans do NOT believe in the devil – the devil is a Christian convention and does not exist to Wiccans. Stop this ridiculous misinformation, stop spreading it. Satanist however might, I don’t know, because I don’t know any. However, DOC keep your black cats close because there are a lot of sickos that DO believe this misinformation and will harm such cats for their own twisted and misguided selves.
4. I have five “fosters” that I have had for over a year because no one is good enough in my eyes. You can trust the most perfect-appearing person and they might be doing exactly what this article describes – out gathering bait.”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-2668
Actually, asking $10 for adopting a pet is NOT always enough – one should find out how much cats/kittens/dogs/puppies sell for at a pet shop in the area, and charge just a bit more! One must make it not worth their while to get “free to good home” advertised pets to feed their large snakes and monitor lizards!
Natalie Jarnstedt says:
“Actually, asking $10 for adopting a pet is NOT always enough – one should find out how much cats/kittens/dogs/puppies sell for at a pet shop in the area, and charge just a bit more! One must make it not worth their while to get “free to good home” advertised pets to feed their large snakes and monitor lizards!”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-2678
louise lorette says:
“I agree you can’t trust anyone. I don’t think a $10.00 fee is going to turn them away if they are perverted and cruel enough.”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-2675
I love all 3 of my cats with all my heart they r just like my kids .. I cant see y ppl would be so heartl n hurt them in any kind of way
Ment to put heartless n not heartl
Jayne Isaacs says:
“Yes it is awful to think people hurt the beautiful Gods creations!I hope n pray people like that burn in hell!”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-2867
we have a no kill facility… kuddos to those who work there and volunteer. every animal is worth trying to save. spay and neuter will help but there is always going to be irresponsible pet owners out there. not right by a long shot but it happens. open up your doors. and your hearts and adopt a rescue dog or cat. they will love you forever..
denise says:
“we have a no kill facility… kuddos to those who work there and volunteer. every animal is worth trying to save. spay and neuter will help but there is always going to be irresponsible pet owners out there. not right by a long shot but it happens. open up your doors. and your hearts and adopt a rescue dog or cat. they will love you forever..”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-2885
$10 fee is NOTHING to a dog fighter who makes huge profits.
Ace says:
“$10 fee is NOTHING to a dog fighter who makes huge profits.”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-2909
Agree. $10 is NOT enough!!! Some people buy whole litters to use as fish bait! Home visitation might not be enough either! ‘Dress nice’? to fool when some of the nicest people just wear jeans and tshirts.
appifish says:
“Agree. $10 is NOT enough!!! Some people buy whole litters to use as fish bait! Home visitation might not be enough either! ‘Dress nice’? to fool when some of the nicest people just wear jeans and tshirts.”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-2917
Mary says:
“And if everybody did what you do, there wouldn’t be the horrific problems. I work with a small no-kill organization, and have seen more than I ever bargained for. Thank you for being kind and responsible to these wonderful animals.”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-3100
Rose says:
“It is spelt “feral” and more often than not even feral kittens can find a home when you charge for them.”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-3102
Ailsa McKillop says:
“Actually, in British English, “spelt” is a perfectly acceptable variation of “spelled”.”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-4206
Annie says:
“British English……lmao”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-1/#comment-6707
I have just paid £50 to adopt a cat from our local RSPCA. People think I am mad to pay that amount, but I think it is worth every penny.
My cat is chipped, neutered, health checked and inoculated for the next 12 months, if I had to pay my vet to do all that it would cost me a lot more. I also received 6 weeks of free insurance with a local vet. This allowed me time to set up my own insurance scheme.
Also that payment helps to pay for the care of other homeless animals.
People who are giving away kittens and pups are just irresponsible owners who can’t be bothered to neuter their own pets and and end up with unwanted litters.
If you have a pet that is not neutered just contact your local rescue centre and ask if they know of any voucher schemes to help reduce the cost. Prevention is a lot better than trying to find home for unwanted kittens and pups.
Angie says:
“I have just paid £50 to adopt a cat from our local RSPCA. People think I am mad to pay that amount, but I think it is worth every penny.
My cat is chipped, neutered, health checked and inoculated for the next 12 months, if I had to pay my vet to do all that it would cost me a lot more. I also received 6 weeks of free insurance with a local vet. This allowed me time to set up my own insurance scheme.
Also that payment helps to pay for the care of other homeless animals.
People who are giving away kittens and pups are just irresponsible owners who can’t be bothered to neuter their own pets and and end up with unwanted litters.
If you have a pet that is not neutered just contact your local rescue centre and ask if they know of any voucher schemes to help reduce the cost. Prevention is a lot better than trying to find home for unwanted kittens and pups.”
From: https://www.kittenswhiskers.com/free-to-good-home-read-this-first/comment-page-2/#comment-6964
w that is not fair!. Yes there are people who actually use kittens as food for pets but know the person you are giving the kitten to. I am 71 and disabled,all my kids are grown and gone, I wold love to have a kitten to share my life with and now you are telling my I cannot go on craigs list or anywhere else and find one to spoil.
Anybody want for free can no longer care for me
Have you still got any kittens