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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions!
Most of your questions asked about Maine Coon cats, kittens and our cattery are answered here!
We are always happy to answer any additional questions you may have about us or the breed --- if you have anything to ask, please send us a msssage!
General FAQ
Our price is a fixed $3800 regardless of color or gender, unless kittens require additional tests/care (Ex. Solid white.)
These prices are strictly for the kitten pet class. Show rights are including if disclosed your intention to show. Crystal Star does not offers breeding rights outside of formed relationships with breeders who follow the same breeding ethics.
Click here for an article explaining price of Maine coons!
To ensure the health of all of our cats and kittens, prior to breeding, all of our cats start by getting DNA testing. After turning 1 year of age, all our cats get Echocardiogram (HCM) screenings, as well as OFA Hip Dysplasia evaluations. (Girls will typically only have preliminary results due to age requirements.)
Any cats carrying or at risk for any such issues are always instantly retired from our program.
Each kitten will also go home with an HCM test, which tests for any genes associated with genetic/congenital issues that can put the kitten at risk for developing Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM).
All these tests help us prevent any potential genetic or congenital issues from passing down to kittens, and are always public under each cat on the Adults page!
Every Crystalstar kitten goes home with a personalized goodie bag that includes toys, small bag of dry food, two cans of wet food, and a small blanket.
Most importantly you will get:
- The kitten's records
- TICA Registration Breeder Slip
- Immunizations record
- Spay/Neuter Certificate
- Rabies Certificate
- Microchip info
- HCM DNA Test Results
- Parasite Testing Results
- Deworming Record
- 30 days free Trupanion Pet Insurance
- Physical vet exam record
- Sales contract
- Lifetime breeder support!
Additionally, we offer a 5 Year Health-Guarantee Replacement policy, which means that if a kitten from our cattery were to pass away within that 5 years, we are always open to offer a replacement kitten of equal value.
Our guarantee covers nearly any reason for the death, including genetic and non-genetic health causes, and other accidents, as we know some things are simply hard to prevent, and offering another companion can hopefully help the healing process!
*Retirees are not subjected to the same guarantee as adult and kitten price values are different. Additionally, genetic and congenital conditions are generally ruled out due to undergoing strict testing in our cattery prior to breeding, leaving only accidents or preventable causes as the result of mortality.
Unfortunately we are a closed cattery and do not typically allow in person visits for any reason, due to the health at risks posed to our cats and our own families safety.
We however will personally deliver the kitten to your home or preferred meeting spot, or meet half way when necessary!
If you have doubts of our legitimacy, we are always more than happy to offer you a video call through FaceTime or Google Meet!
*For kitten specific videos, kittens must be over 10 weeks old
Kittens go home no earlier than 14 weeks of age.
A specific date often depends on vet availability, vaccination schedule, and spay/neuter healing.
We primarily work through a wait list. By doing so, we have time to better build relationship with our kitten families, answer any questions, and ensure kittens are going to fully committed homes.
Occasionally, we have kittens passed by our wait list that will be available to other pre-approved families. You can subscribe to receive an email when that happens under each litter.
Our Reservation Info page goes into more detail regarding our entire process!
Yes, each kitten from our cattery will go home spayed/neutered.
Have you owned cats/kittens before?
- Maine coons may not the best first pet type of cat for every family. They are extremely smart, just like dogs, and need very specific care, with a high quality diet, constant brushing and bathing, and non-stop need for attention, so it's very important to understand what it means to take care of a cat.
- Kittens specifically, are also extremely different than adult cats. They are more high energy and need a lot of patience to train them what is and what isn't okay to do, and how to do it, and need to be well monitored much closer than an adult.
Are you financially stable?
- After adoption, you are officially required to provide the cat/kitten with the highest quality of life possible. You must invest in the cats general and medical finances with no exceptions.
Is your entire household on the same page?
- Did you talk to all members in your household about the decision of bringing in a cat, and did everyone agree to provide the cat the outmost care and attention?
Do you have any small children or other pets?
- If you have small children, please take the time to educate them on how to responsibly act around the cat.
- If you have any other pets, are you sure they are friendly and open to another cat in the house? Are you sure the new cat won't be bullied or feel unwelcomed in the new home?
Are you ready to dedicate your life to the cat?
- After bringing the kitten home, you are officially responsible to provide for the cat for the rest of its life. All sales are final, and no cat from Crystal Star will be rehomed again unless strictly necessary. If you are ever unable to continue providing for the cat, Crystal Star should be the first and only option of rehoming. The cat should never be given away to any adoption centers, shelters, or left outside.
FAQ
Get To Know The Breed!
Despite seeming simple, buying a pure bred kitten, especially of such a popular breed as the Maine coon, there are many requirements and precautions you must take to find the correct breeder for you and your family.
One rule that many unfortunately skip over actually comes before the search even should begin, and that is first getting to know your breed.
By now, you probably know size and color expectation, basic personality traits, maybe even the grooming and nutrition requirements, but do you know the gold standard health testing every breeder must do? Do you know the breed standard? Do you know what age kittens are allowed to go home and basic protocol? And are you prepared to pay the correct price for it all?
If you answered no to a single question, please put some research into the following:
Health Testing
The gold standard for the Maine coon breed extends much past a basic DNA Panel despite common misconception. Every cat in a program must have the following:
A complete DNA test for the minimum of breed specific conditions, aka HCM, PKDef and SMA, however a complete 40+ marker panel is preferred for conditions such as MDR1 or Factor XII Deficiency which are a rising issue in the breed.
Annual echocardiograms from a board certified cardiologist. These are the only way to fully rule out or catch early onset of HCM that even genetically clean cats can develop.
Hip x-ray screenings for hip dysplasia through OFA, Pawpeds or Pennhip.
Patellar Laxation screening through OFA or certified veterinarian.
Never settle for less when searching for a healthy kitten, this is the minimum for a reputable breeder and never an excuse to cut costs. The potential issues the lack of testing may bring can forever affect the cats and their offspring so this must be the last thing you overlook.
If a breeders page only mentions "Full Health Testing" or "Genetic Health Testing" with no specifications or proof, always make sure to reach out and ask before putting down a deposit and buying a kitten.
Breed Standard
Every breeder must know their breeds standard like the back of their hand, and the best way to tell is by learning it too! Reading the official International Cat Association (TICA) standard page or FIFe standard page is the best way to learn.
If that is too complicated, finding a breeder who shows and titles their cats in TICA and/or CFA is just as great!
Kitten Protocol
After focusing on the adults of the program, it is now time to shift towards the kittens themselves. By rule of thumb, a kitten must NEVER leave a cattery before 12 weeks of age with absolutely no exception. Many kittens still stay nursing with mom until 8-10 weeks and do not complete the required vaccination schedule of at least 2 vaccines until a minimum of 12 weeks. Giving only one or completely skipping vaccinations is never ethical, alongside avoiding or skipping vet exams.
Most reputable breeders will send each kitten home spayed and neutered with no exception for not only the buyers convenience, but also the kittens' safety and will never advertise casually offering breeding rights to just anyone.
Microchipping is also a vital part of every cattery. Each kitten should go home pre-chipped and many breeders may prefer to have the cattery as a second contact.
Every good breeder will also have a Health Guarantee extending to at least genetic and congenital conditions for a minimum of 1 year.
Every single kitten must go home registered through TICA or CFA. It is not simply a pretty paper, it is the only proof of pure bred lineage and helps us trace pedigrees for future breed betterment and population track.
Price
If it is too good to be true, it is.
The bare minimum price of a healthy, well bred kitten from a reputable breeder will never cost less than $2500, however typically extends all the way up to $4500 in the United States, reflecting the money, care and time put into raising each kitten. This may differ per price of living in the area and what additional tests/goodies the kittens go home with.
Everything mentioned is not a breeder going above and beyond, it is the breeder doing what is necessary and what is right for the well being of their cats and kittens. Getting a kitten from a breeder who doesn't do their best doesn't mean "saving" a kitten or "not caring about papers", it means supporting unethical behavior and directly going against basic animal welfare.
An initially cheaper kitten most commonly becomes the most expensive once issues and vet bills pile up.
The Maine Coon is one of the few cat breeds naturally originating from the United States. Though their official origins are still a mystery, their name came to be from theories of being a cat-racoon hybrid --- though that is known to be scientifically impossible.
Before the Maine Coon became an officially recognized breed, they were often seen as working cats at farms. After much bragging about their intelligence, these farmers started to throw their own cat shows for the beloved breed until they were officially granted Championship status in CFA in 1976.
Learn more about their origin theories and history through:
https://cfa.org/maine-coon-cat-article/
https://www.gccfcats.org/getting-a-cat/choosing/cat-breeds/maine-coon/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maine_Coon
Maine Coons, often known as the golden retrievers of the cat world, are an extremely social and human oriented breed. Originating from working farm cats, they are a very intelligent and loyal breed who wishes to be involved in every activity. This makes them wonderful travel and sport companions, family pets and therapy cats, who still maintain a degree of independence making them trustworthy even when you're away.
They are known to be very agile and smart, easily learning tricks and solving puzzles just like dogs, yet are referred to as "gentle giants" who despite their size and intimidating look are very mellow, soft and docile, thus making them wonderful with children of all ages and other pets of all species.
They are generally referred to as a more "quiet" breed, though that title is granted mostly due to their tendency to chirp, trill and chitter rather than distinctly meow rather than stay actually silent. They are otherwise quite vocal and talkative, needing to be included and voice their opinions during every conversation.
It is rare for a Maine coon to not be a cuddler as well. They are typically big lap cats who are extremely sweet and loving. Many love to be held all day long, letting themselves be twisted and turned with no complaint, and sleep right on your chest or pillow all night.
Many hold the belief that in this breed, the males are much sweeter and more social, while the females are more independent and avoidant, however that cannot be further from the truth. Both the males and females are equal parts loving and out going, and even though the breed standard physically values the male over the female, as a cattery we strive for that gender split to not be so distinct.
Product Recommendations
Our cats follow a strict routine of kibble available 24/7 to free feed and wet food twice a day, morning and evening. This routine works for us, however we also can recommend cutting out kibble for adults 1 year+ and feeding wet, wet mixed with kibble or rehydrated kibble 2-3 times a day instead.Kittens require more frequent feedings of wet 3-4 times a day and kibble out to free feed 24/7 up to 1 year of age. Kibble:All our kittens will go home eating a mix of Royal Canin: Mother and BabyCat and Fussie Cat: Chicken with Goat Milk Kitten Recipe. We encourage to continue this mix for the first 1-3 months from going home before switching to any other brands to ensure comfort and familiarity. After 6-8 months of age, we recommend to cut the Royal Canin: Mother and BabyCat and continue with the Fussie Cat Kitten or your other preferred brand. As a cattery focused on health and longevity first and foremost, we work closely with our veterinarian and trust scientific research. Because of this, we support even mainstream science backed foods and brands, such as Purina Pro Plan, Royal Canin and Hills Science, nor strictly seek out grain-free or low-ingredient foods.We advise following your own veterinarians or a board-certified nutritionists opinion when necessary. Other Kitten kibbles we recommend:Ziwi Peak: Chicken & Turkey Grain-Free Kitten KibbleWellness CORE: Turkey & Chicken Grain-Free KittenRoyal Canin: Kitten Spayed/Neutered Dry FoodOrijen: Chicken, Turkey, Salmon & Herring Kitten Formula
(Orijen is a great brand that we previously consistently fed, however now only recommend it in moderation or mixed with a non-fish protein kibble due to the brands high fish content which in excess can start affecting the bladder, especially in males.)Adult kibbles:Fussie Cat: Essence LineFussie Cat: Market Fresh LineFussie Cat, similar to Orijen, has many fish-forward recipies however still have a variety of non-fish ones. We still recommend their fish recipies for mixed or interchangable feedings with another protein.Wellness CORE+: Chicken & RiceWellness Core+: Grain-Free ChickenOpen Farm: RawMix Open Prairie Grain-FreeOpen Farm: Dry Food CollectionRoyal Canin: IndoorRaw Diet:Twice a day, our cats also get wet food, with majority preferring Raw Meat. Our cats get a home-made mix, however for your average pet owner, we recommend a pre-formulated raw due to the complexity of a well balanced mix. Our top choice is VivaRaw, specifically their Cat Complete Mix Beef and Rabbit. (This direct link will offer you a 20% discount.)We also recommend Blue Ridge Beef: Venison & Beef Mix. Warnings: No matter the raw mix brand you continue with, we highly encourage continuing with beef or other meats besides chicken, as surprisingly many cats are allergic or can develop allergies on it! We only recommend chicken in treats or organs. Avoid any dog or supposed "cat AND dog" blends. They typically have heightened amounts of bones and such which can actually be harmful for a cats health. If you would like to learn even more, there is a great Facebook group called: Cats Completely Raw And Proud (Cat CRAP). Wet Food:Aside from raw meat, we also recommend a variety of other canned wet foods either as a replacement or in rotation with raw. We encourage a rotation of flavors and brands!All kittens will go home already introduced to a rotation of wet foods, including raw and the following:Kitten:Weruwa: Kitten LineWeruwa: BFF Kitten LineFussie Cat: Goat Milk Mousse & Shreds Kitten RecipeAdult:Weruwa: BFF OMG Gravy! LineFussie Cat: Goat Milk Gravy LineStella & Chewy's: Carnivore Cravings Savory Shreds LineWe also highly recommend occasional toppers and treats to maintain a cats interest with the consistent rotation, supplement their health, and build a better relationship with you!Toppers:Quail Egg Yolk - 1-2 times a week (Raw or Freeze Dried)Pure Pumpkin - once daily to 2-3 times a week
(Either as 100% organic canned Pumpkin - about 1 table spoon, or as a Dry supplement)Bone Broth - once dailyHearts (Chicken or beef) - once daily to 1-3 times a week (Raw or Freeze Dried)Tiki Cat: Meal ToppersStella & Chewy's: Dust Topper Treats:Northwest Naturals: Freeze Dried Cat Nibbles (Topper or treat)Paw Up: Freeze Dried CollectionZiwi Peak: Air Dried Beef recipe (Topper, meal or treat)Vital Essentials: Beef & Chicken Crunchy NibsVital Essentials: Beef & Chicken Soft NibsFussie Cat: Goat Milk PureeRAWZ: TreatsIf you ever need help or need nutritional advice in regards to maine coons or one of our graduates, please feel free to reach out to us anytime!
We prefer automatic litter boxes. Large, open-top litter boxes are a must for this breed, so Neakasa is our personal favorite recommendation.
Our kittens are also first introduced to automated litter boxes through a smaller option: Meowant, which is still a great option for Maine Coons on the smaller side - but can get too small for larger boys.
Another great option for any sizes is the PetSafe Classic Self-Cleaning litter box.
For litter, we prefer World's Best Cat Litter! Our personal favorites are the Poop Fighter and Low Tracking & Dust Control options.
We find this option to work great with any type of litter box, while also having unscented options, and being ecofriendly and overall healthy for you and your cat!
Cat Trees:
For Maine coons, we recommend investing in a good, big and strong cat tree. They are big cats, and need a tree that will support their weight, and give them space to jump around on and stretch out as needed. My cats personally love this cat tree from amazon! - 77.5" Cat Tree Here is also a cheaper alternative I have!
- 69" Cat Tree Scratchers:All cats will need at least a few scratchers around the house, the more the better. Scratchers are useful to cats for many reasons. Many cats scratch their claws as a form of exercise and marking territory, it is a self-soothing motion most cats do. It also helps them maintain their nail health, keeping their claws nice and sharp. It will also prevent any unpleasant scratching all over your furniture and carpets! My cats also like to sleep in their scratchers, so I like to have many different shapes and sizes for them to choose from! - Lounge Bed Scratcher- Circular Scratcher - Scratching Post - Scratching Post With BedGrooming Supplies: Getting a Maine coon means getting a long haired cat, which requires a lot of grooming and care. You will need to figure out a schedule between you and your kitty for constant brushing, baths and nail trimming. Here are a few things you'll need that you should be able to find at your nearest pet store or any online store! - Nail Clippers - Metal Combs (Do not use a de-shedding brush, it can rip out and damage their coat.) - Our Favorite Comb- Dematting Spray - Toothpaste and Brush - Eye and Face Cleansers - Degreaser - Full Body Degreaser - Cleanse Shampoo - Coat Shampoo - Conditioner If you would like an even more in-depth, show-quality groom, we highly recommend Grooming By Parita!Carriers:For carriers, a Maine coon will need a spacious and sturdy one, that will fit them comfortably and support their weight. For this, we recommend Sturdi Products Pet Carriers of the larger sizes. While they are quite spendy, we think it is definitely worth the investment. Bowls and Fountains:For all food and water bowls, we highly recommend glass products over plastic, metal, stainless steel or ceramic as glass is the least likely to harbor bacteria. This helps provide your cat with fresh, clean water at all times and prevent chin acne. For bowls, we recommend any pet-specific glass bowls or converting glass tupperware.Cats are also very instinctive animals. This makes them love running and moving water, making water fountains a house-wide favorite!We highly recommend the Brook Water Fountain.
Product Recs
Breed Info
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