Buying a Cat or Kitten in Ireland: Questions to Ask

Choose for the cat's lifetime

Cats can live for many years and differ greatly in grooming, space, companionship and veterinary needs. Decide whether a kitten or adult cat suits your household, other animals and budget before responding to an advert.

• Consider an established rescue as well as a private seller or breeder.
• Check landlord or household restrictions before committing.
• Budget for vaccination, parasite control, neutering, food, litter and unexpected veterinary treatment.

See the kitten at home

Visit the place where the kitten has been raised and, where appropriate, see it with its mother and littermates. Observe breathing, eyes, nose, coat, movement and behaviour without treating a brief viewing as a veterinary examination.

• Do not accept a car-park handover or unexplained delivery-only sale.
• Ask about socialisation, litter training, diet and time spent with people.
• Confirm that the kitten shown is the animal in the photographs.

Check the seller and advert information

Republic of Ireland pet-advertising rules require adverts to include specified details such as age and country of origin, and the relevant registration number when the seller falls within the registration system. Anyone selling or supplying six or more pet animals in a year must generally register with DAFM.

• Ask for the seller's real name, address and telephone number.
• Check a claimed DAFM seller or charity registration against the official register.
• Ask whether the kitten was bred by the seller and why it is available.

Health, age and records

AnimalAds requires kittens to be weaned and at least eight weeks old before sale or supply through the marketplace. Ask for the date of birth, veterinary history, vaccinations, parasite treatment and any known illness. Pedigree, health-test or vaccination claims should be supported by original records.

• Consider an independent veterinary check.
• Get a written receipt identifying the animal, seller, buyer, price and date.
• Agree clearly how any registration or microchip details will be transferred if the kitten is chipped.

Pause when something does not add up

Walk away if the seller will not show the home, changes identity or price, supplies conflicting ages, pressures immediate payment or offers several breeds without a credible explanation. Report concerning adverts to the platform and contact the appropriate authority if there is an immediate welfare concern.