Originally Posted by gskinner123

I agree, for the most part. I'm very trusting and can honestly say that I've never had anyone who's come to see kittens that I've been the least bit suspicious of and that's over several decades. I don't think it hurts to be vigilant though; the world seems to me to be a very different place than it was even just 30 years ago. Pets (usually pedigree dogs) stolen from gardens and people's houses... and the instance of the kitten I mentioned above, although rare, isn't a solitary case.

I keep a few 'pure bred' chickens (just for eggs, we don't breed them) and, as unbelievable as it may sound, the theft of pure bred poultry from enthusiasts premises is a huge problem countrywide.. most often the thefts happening when a member on an internet forum has openly discussed, in general conversation, what shows they're attending and thus away from home all day.

I don't get hung up on it and it's usually the furthest thing from my mind when I'm dealing with kitten enquiries and people visiting... but I don't think it hurts to be a bit mindful.