Frequently Asked Questions!

Most of your questions asked about  Maine Coon Cats, Kittens and the 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!

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.