Top 10 Questions to Ask a Maine Coon Kitten Breeder

Website design By BotEap.comWhen looking to buy a Maine Coon cat, you’ll want to ask every breeder the same questions. Most breeders are more than happy to share information and answer your questions. They want to make sure their kittens go to a safe and responsible owner.

Website design By BotEap.comWhen you visit the breeder, look for active and curious kittens. Kittens may not necessarily approach you, but they should be withdrawn, lethargic, or listless. These questions will help you find responsible breeders and also ensure that you get a quality, loving, healthy kitten. Do your homework. It is the first important step in pet ownership.

Website design By BotEap.com1. Do you show your cats? Legitimate breeders will say yes. Don’t dismiss this as a snobbish or unimportant question. Showing cats is not just for titles and awards. It is a way to connect with other breeders, find out about health problems, improve breeding programs and find emotional support.

Website design By BotEap.com2. Do you have a registered kennel? A registered cattery is important because it identifies the cat’s pedigree for generations. The breeder’s name remains in the pedigree forever. Catteries raise each kitten as a show cat, which means the cat is well cared for: brushing, bathing, nail trimming and interacting with people at a young age. Show cats are bred for their calm temperament.

Website design By BotEap.com3. Can I see the pedigree? Legitimate breeders will be happy to show you the cat’s pedigree, including titles such as champion, grand champion, regional or national winners. Your kitten must have at least one, if not both parents, titled. This means that the cat has been judged against industry standards. Since two major associations, the CFA and the TICA, do not recognize each other’s titles, you may only see one side of the pedigree in the CFA without any titles because they are strictly displayed in the TICA.

Website design By BotEap.com4. What are health problems or hereditary diseases? Beware of the breeder who says no. Legitimate breeders will inform you of the breed’s health problems and give you advice on how to prevent future problems for your kitty. Responsible breeders stay up to date on news, health issues, and changes to the breed.

Website design By BotEap.com5. When can the kitten come home? Breeders keep kittens until they are at least 10 weeks old and most keep kittens until they are 12-16 weeks old. Kittens need to bond with their mother during those important first weeks. If the breeder is trying to sell a kitten less than 10 weeks old, he is more concerned with money than the cat’s welfare.

Website design By BotEap.com6. Will the kitty check in? This is a simple act that usually costs $10. The breeder will provide an official record once you neuter the kitten and notify the breeder.

Website design By BotEap.com7. Do you offer a contract and written health guarantee? Legitimate breeders will provide a written contract with a guarantee of the kitten’s health. As with all contracts, please read them carefully. Typical requirements include keeping him indoors only, no declawing, neutering at a specified age, and not transferring to another home without permission. State laws vary, but most warranties will specify the time period of the breeder’s liability and the rules about sick kittens. Clarify any doubt with the breeder.

Website design By BotEap.com8. Have any of the other cats had any recent illnesses? In addition to making sure the kitty currently lives in a clean environment with toys, water, food, and warmth, you’ll want to know if any of the other cats have contracted a strain of cat flu.

Website design By BotEap.com9. What is the kitten’s personality? Depending on your home situation, make sure your new cat is comfortable around small children or other animals, such as dogs or other cats.

Website design By BotEap.com10 Will the cat have its vaccinations before coming home? Legitimate breeders can give their own vaccinations, but the kitten should also be seen by a vet to make sure it’s healthy. Your kitty should have at least one visit to the vet before coming home.