Let’s talk about cats
Savannah Scam
Hi there,
I just happened to see your website,
when I was looking for something
else.
I would just like to warn all your
members of a scam that is going on
– and I have been a victim. Kittens
(pedigreed and quite costly) are
advertised on Gumtree, and similar
sites.
I always wanted a Savannah kitten,
but was told some years ago, that
Savannahs are not legal in SA.
So imagine my delight when I saw
an ad for Savannahs on Johannesburg Gumtree last week.
The kittens were R 2 500 each, and
the breeders in P.E.
I asked for the name of their cattery,
and got a name that I also found on
the SACC website.
Well – I am lucky, as I paid “only”
a 50% deposit. No kitten ever
showed up of course.
They also told stories about someone being ill, then in hospital, in a
coma, and eventually dying.
Due to some stupidity of the scamsters, they mistakenly forwarded
my proof of payment for the
deposit to someone else who had
paid the whole amount already.
So – cellphone not answered anymore, emails not responded to, so
called pet transport agency and so
called breeders disappeared.
That lady, and her friend, both paid
the full amount, but then contacted
me over Easter when they were
asked to shell out a further 3k as
deposit for a crate.
That’s when every alarmbell
started ringing.
The other lady bought the same
kitten that I paid a deposit for.
The “breeders” then got quite upset when we asked for some proof
etc, but we got a copy of an ID,
and a copy of an SA passport.
We will lay a charge at the SAPS,
we have contacted Standard Bank’s
(where the scammers accounts
were held), and so on.
As I said – just a warning to your
members. There are some very
sick people out there.
Oh and by the way – will get a cat
form a shelter this afternoon!
All the very best,
Susanne
They also carried on about how
religious there are, and that they
would never defraud people.
Letter from a fan
Cat Enclosures
Dear Kittycat
Dear Kittycat
Just wanted to tell you that I’m an ardent fan.
I want to make a safe cat enclosure for my indoor
cats to access our garden, but have no idea who to
ask.
I love your website and Facebook page. I have
thoroughly enjoyed reading the cat stories and
love Kittycat of the Month.
It’s great that you are always networking / sharing
pics of the unfortunate kittens and cats that are
looking for forever homes.
Can any readers give any advice on where to get
something like this done in the Johannesburg area?
Thank you.
Sarah Prinsloo
Keep up the good work.
Fond regards
Mary Jane Lewis
We would love to hear from you.
Send your letters to:
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Kittycat Issue 1 January/February 2014
40