How to find a Reputable Breeder:

Genetics:

It is important to ask the right questions when looking for a breeder. An ethical breeder will be taking courses to improve their knowledge of the breed, or they will have a mentor helping them. They will be looking at genetics to make sure they are not inbreeding their cats. It is important to look at several generations of the cat’s genetics before picking the pair to breed to keep the coefficient (inbreeding) down . Backyard breeders will only look at what is on the papers and breed without looking into the COI and often have an inbred line

An ethical breeder will be doing proper testing. Echocardiograms, hips and full DNA should be done. Echocardiograms are done to rule out HCM. HCM is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. It is a genetic condition that causes the heart muscle to thicken, which makes the heart less efficient. It is linked to a specific gene mutation MYBPC3. Symptoms will be Lethargy or a heart murmur. Some cats will be asymptomatic until they are in an advanced stage, so it is important to have the testing done. It needs to be done before breeding and then should be repeated as the cat ages to rule out that you are not breeding an unhealthy animal. A good breeder will be looking at the generation of echocardiograms on grandparents and possibly further down the line if available. About 30% of Maine Coons have HCM so it is important to be breeding away from it. DNA is done to look at blood typing and traits that the cat’s carry. Only one gene can be looked at for HCM so the echocardiograms are vital to rule it out.
Hips can be done before breeding but can’t be certified before the age of two. Back yard breeders will sometimes only do DNA. Make sure you ask to see the testing. There are some people that are dishonest and will lie that the testing is done.

Housing of Cats:

An ethical breeder will have small groups of cats together. If your numbers get out of control you will struggle with sickness. Cats need to be socialized and need to be around people. Tom cats need to be kept separate from the female to avoid accidental breeding’s. The cats should not be in cages unless it is for birthing or for the health of the cat.
Socialization of Kittens and Cats:
Raising the kittens in our homes is important. You want your kitten used to the sounds of the house. You want a well-rounded socialized kitten that isn’t scared of everything. Cats should not be raised in cages.

Breeding to standard:

Showing and Breeding Cats: If you are looking to purchase a show cat you want to be working with a cattery that breeds to standard and has show quality cats. An ethical breeder will not just sell a breeding cat. They will want to know where that kitten is going and how it will be housed. A lot of breeders will want to know if you have not been breeding for a while if you have a mentor helping you. They will want to know that you are doing proper testing and if you will be showing their cat. They will want to know that the kitten is going to a good home that will properly care for the kitten. A backyard breeder will sell to anyone.

Pet and Companion cats:

The breeder will want to talk to you to make sure it is a good fit for you to have a kitten. They will want to know where the kitten is going and will educate you on nutrition and how to introduce your kitten to its new home. A back yard breeder will sell to almost anyone. A responsible breeder will have a contract for you to sign with health guarantee and what is expected from both parties.

Maine Coons should have straight legs and not cow hocked. Their body should be rectangular and long. They should be overall balance. They should have a broad chest and level back. Boning will be substantial. They should have a shaggy coat. The tail should be as long as the body. It will be wide at the base and will taper to the tip. It should be full and flowing fur. Eye should be large and slightly oval. They only look round when they are excited. Ears should be large and wide at the base. The outer base should be set just slightly farther back than the inner base. The outer base of the ear should be just above the level of the top of the eye. The ears will be set high on the head with no more than one ears width apart, with lynx tips. They should have a slight outward tilt that is not past 11and 1 o’clock. The chin is wide and deep enough to complete a square. The muzzle is square and
the profile has a gentle curving forehead. No nose bumps. They are muscular with the females being smaller than males. Females are 10 -15 lbs and Males 15-25 lbs. Feet should be round and well tufted. The polydactyl Maine Coons will have extra toes. They can be mitten or patty foot. It is preferred to have a maximum of seven toes on any on foot.
Nutrition:
Nutrition is important. If the kitten is not being fed high quality food it will be at a higher risk of developing issues later on in life. At our cattery we feed raw and we pay attention to the nutritional needs of a pregnant cat or a kitten. Cats are obligate carnivores. They need 4 different meats to stay healthy. They need appropriate calcium intake, vitamins and omega 3.

Temperament:

Temperament is important. Maine Coons are generally gentle giants. How every there are some lines that are more spicy. An ethical breeder will be making sure they are not breeding any cats that don’t have favorable temperaments.

Scams:

Unfortunately, there are scams out there. Be suspicious if the price is low and there is no application or approval process before purchasing a kitten. Most breeder will not let you come and pick your kitten out because it is a bio hazard for us. Cats can spread sickness easily without symptoms. This is the reason for not letting people come into your cattery for casual visits. Backyard breeders might not be aware and will let people in for visits. Most reputable breeders will face time or send you videos of the kitten to help you pick out your kitten. Unfortunately, we have people stealing our pictures. Make sure you can see the kitten on video. Ask to see the side view and the kitten in different positions, to make sure that there is a kitten and not someone trying to scam you out of money. Most reputable breeders will have a website that you can go and look at. Going to the shows and meeting the breeder you would like to work with is a good way to find a breeder. You want someone who will be there for you if you have any questions along the way with your kitten. A good breeder will not have an issue if you want to contact their vet for a referral.

When to wean:

Ethical breeders will not let you take a kitten home until it is at least 12 weeks. We usually send our kittens home at 14 weeks. You can have behavioral problems if the kitten is weaned too early. It is recommended that kittens are weaned at 14 -16 weeks.