A warning has been issued to the public after a kitten bought through an online advert died days later despite emergency veterinary treatment.
The buyer said the kitten was advertised as seven weeks old and was collected from the Firthmoor area of Darlington for £60. They were told the kitten was not yet weaned but was well.
After bringing the kitten home they purchased milk and supplies but the animal would not feed. The kitten was taken to the vets where serious health issues were discovered.
They said the vet told them the kitten had fleas so severe that most of her blood supply had been lost and that she had a possible parasite and cat flu. The kitten was kept on intravenous fluids but died two days later.
The buyer said the vet believed the kitten was much younger than advertised.
They said: "We answered an online ad saying she was seven-weeks-old. We went to get her and they took £60.
"I asked if she was weaned and they said no but she was well. We then bought her milk and other bits which she wouldn't take. We took her to the vets and they said the fleas had sucked most of her blood supply and she had a possible parasite and cat flu.
"They kept her on IV but sadly she died after two days. They said she only looked about four-weeks-old."
They added: "The vet has informed the police and RSPCA. The kitten was for my mother and we paid £60 for her and the vet bill was £258."
The buyer urged others to take precautions when purchasing pets online.
They said: "If you buy any pet please ensure they have been microchipped and have had a vet check. That way you know that they have been looked after."
Police and the RSPCA have been informed by the veterinary practice.
An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We’re really sorry to hear that such a young kitten has died in these circumstances and the upset it has caused.
“Many social media companies prohibit the advertising and selling of animals on their platforms, although there is little to no moderation, which is why so many people fall victim to unscrupulous breeders.
"The Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) has developed some advertising standards to help reduce the risk of prospective purchasers being missold a pet and tackle the problems associated with the way animals are traded online.
“Kittens should be with their mother until they are fully weaned and at least eight weeks old. This is essential for them to be fully weaned, ensure they can manage being separated from their mother and siblings and have had developmental learning opportunities.
"Kittens who are separated early are at increased risk of developing behavioural issues in the future and weakened immune systems which may cause long-term health problems.
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“It’s also crucially important to always view a young animal with their mother so you can check what conditions they have been raised in and ensure you are welcoming a happy and healthy pet into your home. Sadly, the breeding of cats is not regulated, unlike dog breeding, so there are less protections for the animals and people who fall victim to poor breeding practices.
“If you’re thinking of getting a cat we’d encourage people to go to a reputable rescue organisation like the RSPCA. Cats or kittens who are adopted from us are microchipped, neutered, vaccinated and wormed and have had a full health check prior to rehoming.
“If you decide to go ahead and buy, we'd urge people to use our Kitten Checklist to help you find a happy and healthy kitten from a seller who puts animal welfare first.”
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