At Chatlerie, our waitlist deposit is $400, fully refundable if we can't match you within your preferences. The reservation deposit is $1,000, non-refundable, collected after your Zoom consultation when you've chosen a specific kitten. I structured it this way for a reason — and understanding how deposits work protects you from the scammers who ask for $2,000 upfront via Zelle before you've even seen a kitten on video.
How Kitten Deposits Work
A deposit reserves a specific kitten for your family exclusively. Once a deposit is placed, that kitten is no longer offered to other families. It's a commitment from both sides — the breeder commits to holding the kitten, and you commit to completing the adoption.
At most reputable catteries, the deposit is collected after an application review and a consultation (video call or in-person visit). You should never be asked to send money before you've seen the kittens live.
Typical Deposit Amounts
| Deposit Range | What It Signals | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $200–$500 | Common for smaller breeders | Lower barrier but also lower commitment |
| $500–$1,000 | Standard for quality breeders | Shows serious buyer commitment |
| $1,000+ (Chatlerie) | Premium/European programs | Applied against total price; reflects kitten value |
| Full payment upfront | ⚠️ Unusual | Legitimate only after meeting kittens live |
At Chatlerie, the reservation deposit is $1,000, non-refundable, and applied against the total $4,000 kitten price. It's collected via Stripe, Zelle, or Venmo — never wire transfer, Western Union, or gift cards.
Refundable vs. Non-Refundable
Most reputable breeders use non-refundable deposits. This isn't punitive — it's practical. When a breeder holds a kitten for you, they turn away other qualified families. If you change your mind, the breeder has lost weeks of marketing time and potentially missed other placements.
However, a good breeder will typically offer flexibility in genuine emergencies — transferring your deposit to a future litter rather than forfeiting it entirely. Ask about this policy before you pay.
What Should Be Refundable
- If the kitten develops a health issue before go-home — full refund or transfer to another kitten
- If the breeder cannot fulfill the reservation for any reason — full refund
- If health testing reveals a problem with the kitten's parents — full refund
Safe Payment Methods
✅ Acceptable
- Stripe or PayPal (buyer protection available)
- Zelle or Venmo (common for established breeders)
- Personal check (less common but legitimate)
- Cash at in-person meeting
🚩 Never Use
- Wire transfer (Western Union, MoneyGram)
- Gift cards (iTunes, Amazon, etc.)
- Cryptocurrency
- Any method with no recourse if something goes wrong
Deposit Red Flags
🚩 Warning Signs
- Deposit requested before you've seen kittens on video or in person
- Pressure to pay immediately ("another family is about to deposit")
- No written receipt or contract provided after payment
- Deposit amount exceeds 50% of kitten price with no explanation
- Breeder becomes unreachable after receiving deposit
- No clear timeline for when balance is due
Chatlerie's Deposit Process
$1,000 non-refundable deposit, collected only after application approval and a live Zoom consultation. Applied against $4,000 total. Secure payment via Stripe, Zelle, or Venmo. Written receipt and contract provided immediately. Start your application →