How to Sell Kittens and Cats in the United States
To sell kittens or cats in the United States, keep kittens with their mother until at least 8 weeks old, give buyers written vet records, check your state and city rules, and hand each kitten over in person with a simple written contract. Breeders who keep more than four breeding females and sell kittens buyers have not seen in person may also need a federal USDA license.
This guide covers the legal basics, preparing your kittens, setting a fair price, writing an ad that attracts careful buyers, and getting paid without falling for the scams that target sellers.
Key points
- Do not let kittens go before 8 weeks; Massachusetts and Maryland, for example, make selling a cat under 8 weeks illegal, and many breeders wait until 12 to 13 weeks.
- Under the federal Animal Welfare Act, keeping more than four breeding females and selling sight unseen can require a USDA license.
- Buyers expect a vet check, first vaccines, deworming and ideally an FeLV/FIV test; put it all in writing.
- Meet buyers in person, use a written contract and never accept overpayments or send money back.
- Transfer the microchip registration to the new owner on the day of handover.
Is it legal to sell kittens in the US?
Yes, private people and breeders can sell cats in every state, but the rules depend on where you live and how many cats you breed. Check three levels before you advertise.
- Federal: the USDA's Animal Welfare Act rules exempt anyone with four or fewer breeding female dogs, cats and similar pets in total. Above that, selling animals the buyer does not see in person before buying, such as shipping after an online sale, generally needs a USDA license. Selling face to face, where buyer, seller and kitten are all present, falls under the retail exemption.
- State: some states set a minimum sale age. Massachusetts has barred anyone from selling or transferring a dog or cat under 8 weeks since April 2025, and Maryland bars selling a cat under 8 weeks unless it is with its mother. Some states, for example New York, have pet lemon laws that give buyers refund rights against commercial sellers. Several states license commercial breeders or kennels.
- City or county: many have limits on the number of cats per household, breeder permits or rules on selling animals in public places.
How do you prepare kittens for sale?
- Keep kittens with their mother and littermates until at least 8 weeks, fully weaned and eating kitten food. International Cat Care notes that pedigree kittens often leave at about 13 weeks, after their vaccination course.
- Book a vet check. Ask for the first core vaccines (the FVRCP combination), deworming and flea treatment, and write the next due dates on the record.
- Test for FeLV and FIV. The AAFP recommends knowing the status of cats at risk, and buyers with other cats will ask.
- Microchip each kitten and register the chip, so you can transfer it to the buyer.
- Decide on spay or neuter. Veterinary groups including the AVMA and AAFP endorse spaying or neutering cats by 5 months of age. If kittens go before that, put a spay or neuter clause in your contract.
- Handle the kittens daily and let them meet visitors, other pets and household noise so they are confident when they leave.
What records should you give a kitten buyer?
| Document | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Vet record with vaccines and deworming dates | Shows care so far and when boosters are due |
| FeLV/FIV test result | Lets buyers with other cats introduce the kitten safely |
| Microchip number and registry | Lets the new owner register their details |
| Registration papers (CFA, TICA) if pedigree | Proves parentage; state whether pet or breeding rights |
| Written contract or bill of sale | Records price, health promises, spay or neuter terms and return policy |
| Feeding and care sheet | Reduces stomach upsets and stress in the first week |
CFA notes it is common for pedigree breeders to hold back registration papers until the buyer proves the kitten has been spayed or neutered. If you do this, write it into the contract so there is no dispute later.
How should you price kittens for sale?
Look at current kittens and cats for sale of the same breed or type in your area. Pedigree kittens from registered, health-tested parents sell for more than mixed-breed home litters. A price that clearly reflects vet work already done, such as vaccines, microchip, tests and spay or neuter, also reassures buyers.
Avoid pricing far below similar listings. The FTC lists unusually cheap purebred pets as a common sign of a scam, so very low prices can make careful buyers suspicious. Avoid very high prices for unregistered kittens described as a breed; sell them honestly as mixed breed or breed type.
How do you write a kitten for sale ad that attracts good buyers?
- Clear, recent photos of each kitten, plus the mother if possible. Buyers often search photos online to check they were not copied.
- Age, date of birth, sex, color and coat length, and the date the kitten can go home.
- Exactly what is included: vaccines, deworming, microchip, tests, spay or neuter, papers.
- Personality and how the kitten reacts to children, dogs and other cats.
- Your general area, so local buyers can plan a visit.
- What you expect from buyers, for example an indoor home or a visit before reserving.
When you are ready, post your kittens for sale free. Buyers can message you through PetzLover, which lets you ask your own questions before sharing your address.
How do you vet buyers and hand over a kitten safely?
- Ask about the home: other pets, children, landlord permission, who cares for the cat when they travel, and whether the cat will live indoors.
- Ask whether they have had a cat before and which vet they will use.
- Invite them to visit and meet the kitten before you take any deposit, and give a receipt for any deposit you accept.
- Hand over in person, ideally at your home, with the contract signed by both of you.
- Accept cash or a payment you can confirm has cleared. Never accept a check for more than the price and send back the difference; the FTC describes this as a common fake check scam.
- Transfer the microchip registration and keep a copy of the contract and the buyer's contact details.
Be cautious of buyers who will not visit, want to pay a courier to collect, or show no interest in the kitten's health. Shipping a kitten unseen also brings in federal licensing rules if you have more than four breeding females.
What happens if a buyer can no longer keep the cat?
Responsible sellers ask to be contacted first and offer to take the cat back or help rehome it. Put this in your contract. If you are placing an older cat rather than a litter, read how to list a cat for adoption, and if you plan future litters, see advertising your cat for mating. Buyers may also read how to buy a kitten or cat, so meeting the standards there helps your ad stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old must kittens be before I sell them?
At least 8 weeks, weaned and eating solid food. Some states, such as Massachusetts and Maryland, make selling a cat younger than 8 weeks illegal. Many pedigree breeders wait until about 12 to 13 weeks so the kitten has had its first vaccines.
Do I need a license to sell kittens?
Federally, you generally need a USDA license only if you keep more than four breeding females and sell animals that buyers do not see before buying. Your state, county or city may require a breeder or kennel permit at a lower number. Check with your state agriculture department and local animal services.
Should I sell kittens already spayed or neutered?
It is a good option if your vet is happy to do it before the kittens leave. Veterinary groups endorse spay or neuter by 5 months of age. If kittens go earlier, a contract clause asking for proof of spay or neuter is common.
What payment methods are safe when I sell a kitten?
Cash at handover, or a payment you have confirmed has fully cleared, is safest. Never refund an overpayment from a check, and be wary of buyers who want to pay by courier or will not meet. Give a written receipt for any deposit.
Do I have to give a health guarantee when I sell kittens?
Some states have pet lemon laws that apply to commercial sellers, giving buyers rights if a vet finds the kitten was ill when sold. Even where not required, a written health statement and vet record builds trust. Keep it honest and specific.
Can I sell kittens in a parking lot or on the street?
Some cities and counties restrict selling animals in public places, so check local rules. A home visit is also better for the kitten and lets the buyer see the mother. Arrange visits through PetzLover messages first.
Helpful guides
Pet for SaleHow to Buy a Kitten or Cat in the United StatesBuy a kitten or cat in the US by meeting the seller and the kitten in person, checking vet records and papers, and paying only after you see the animal; budget about $1,900 for the first year.
Pet for FreeHow to Get a Free Kitten or Cat Safely in the United StatesA free kitten or cat in the US still needs vaccines, testing, a microchip and spay or neuter; meet the owner and animal first, never pay shipping fees, and see a vet within a few days.
Pet for FreeHow to Give Away a Kitten or Cat for Free Without Risk in the United StatesGive a kitten or cat away safely in the US by waiting until kittens are 8 weeks or older, screening every caller, meeting in person, signing a short rehoming agreement and transferring the microchip.
Pet for AdoptionHow to Adopt a Kitten or Cat in the United StatesTo adopt a cat in the US, choose a shelter, rescue or owner listing, complete the application and meeting, pay the adoption fee, then give the cat a quiet room and a vet visit in the first weeks.
Pet for AdoptionHow to List a Kitten or Cat for Adoption in the United StatesList a cat or kitten for adoption in the US by setting clear adopter criteria, preparing vet records, charging a fair fee, screening applicants with a meeting, and signing an adoption contract with a return clause.
Pet for RehomingHow to Take In a Rehomed Kitten or Cat in the United StatesBefore taking in a rehomed cat in the US, ask the owner why it is being rehomed and about its health, habits and vet records, meet it at home, then give it a quiet room and several weeks to settle.
Pet for RehomingHow to Rehome Your Kitten or Cat Responsibly in the United StatesRehome your cat responsibly in the US by checking any return clause first, preparing vet records, writing an honest listing, screening applicants in person and handing over with a signed agreement and microchip transfer.
Pet for MatingHow to Find a Mate or Stud for Your Cat in the United StatesBefore you look for a cat stud in the US, check that both cats are registered, health tested and blood typed, and agree the terms in a written stud agreement.
Pet for MatingHow to Advertise Your Cat for Mating in the United StatesFinish health tests and blood typing, check local breeding rules, then list your cat for mating with papers, results and clear stud terms, and screen every queen owner.
Pet WantedHow to Respond to a "Cat Wanted" Ad in the United StatesBefore you answer a cat wanted ad, check that the person is real, can keep a cat where they live and will meet in person, and refuse any overpayment or shipping request.
Pet WantedHow to Post a "Cat Wanted" Ad and Get Replies in the United StatesA good cat wanted ad says what cat you hope for, where you live, how far you will travel and your budget, and you should never pay a stranger to ship a kitten unseen.
Lost PetHow to Help Find a Lost Cat in the United StatesLost cats usually hide silently close to home, so the most useful help is to search your own yard, garage and shed, report sightings with a photo and time, and never chase.
Lost PetWhat to Do When Your Cat Is Lost in the United StatesIf your cat is lost, search hiding spots within a few houses first, update the microchip registry, visit shelters in person, post a lost cat ad, and never pay a stranger before you see your cat.
Found PetHow to Find Your Lost Cat Through Found-Pet Ads in the United StatesCheck found cat ads and shelter lists every day, match by photos rather than descriptions, and have vet records, microchip papers and photos ready to prove the cat is yours.
Found PetWhat to Do When You Find a Cat in the United StatesWhen you find a cat, first check whether it is really lost, then get a free microchip scan, report it to local animal services, post a found cat ad and check proof before handing it over.