With thousands of Maine Coon kittens available for sale across the country, across different online forums, you might be tempted to not purchase/adopt from registered Maine Coon breeders.
Registered Maine Coon breeders screen their breeding cats for genetic medical issues, prior to breeding. Do not purchase a kitten under 13 weeks of age. Breeders should provide kittens’ registration certificates, vaccination history, medical history, dietary needs, and pedigree status. Check breeder is registered with major cat bodies i.e. TICA.
Picking a kitten or cat is an emotional experience.
It is far too easy to find an adorable Maine Coon kitten not sold by a registered breeder online, that is immediately available, and hand over your money. Before you do this, however, STOP!!
Buying a Maine Coon kitten is a serious financial decision, and you need to make sure that you get it right the first time.
Failure to invest time upfront in finding suitable registered Maine Coon breeders may result in large ongoing vet bills that you didn’t budget for.
You also need to watch out for the many Maine Coon cat scams doing the rounds at the moment. Only purchase from a trusted Maine Coon breeder that is registered with the appropriate cat organizations.
Maine Coon Breeders Near Me
Finding the right Maine Coon breeder might not always feel like an easy task.
How do you find a registered breeder?
Who should you trust?
How do you know if the breeder really is registered, or not?
In order to simplify matters for you, the table below lists the Maine Coon breeders registered with:
- TICA
- The International Cat Association‘
Details are listed in alphabetical order, and are correct as of November 2019 (source 1):
Please note that neither TICA, nor Maine Coon Central endorses any of these breeders listed, their products, or their services.
This table only summarises the sellers that have made an extra level of effort, to register as a Maine Coon breeder.
| Country Of Residence | Maine Coon Breeders | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Canada: Quebec | MAINECOOL | mainecool.com |
| MISSMAINECOON | missmainecoon.com | |
| Canada: Ontario | NEWCHOICE | britkittens.wixsite.com/ newchoicemainecoon |
| France | VANDOLL | www.facebook.com/ vandoll.ragdoll |
| Germany | ARISTOPEARLS | www.aristopearls.com |
| CHAFERVALLEY | www.chafervalley.de | |
| Poland | FURORPOETICUS | www.furorpoeticus.pl |
| Spain | KIMZKOONZ | www.kimzkoonz.com |
| United Kingdom | GREYTUONO | pets4homes.co.uk/ users/Greytuonocoons |
| JAZZCATZS | Jazzcatzs.uk | |
| MAJESTICOON | www.majesticoon.com | |
| USA: Arkansas | METATRONEYES | metatroneyes.com |
| USA: California | FIVESTARSZ | fivestarszmainecoon.com |
| USA: Colorado | COMAINECOONS | coloradomainecoons.com |
| MATROSKIN | matroskinmaine cooncats.com | |
| USA: Connecticut | ELEGANTLYNX | mainecoonkitten.net |
| USA: Florida | CAYLEESCOONS | Facebook.com/ CayleesCoons |
| KINGKLAUDRCOONS | kingklaudrcoons.com | |
| REIGNINGCATS | reigningcats.com | |
| SASSYKOONZ | sassykoonz.com | |
| SPORTINGFIELDS | Sportingfields.com | |
| USA: Georgia | MAINEVU | www.mainevu.com |
| USA: Illinois | CHEMICOONS | www.chemicoons.com |
| USA: Kansas | EUROCOONS | eurocoonsmainecoon cattery.com |
| USA: Michigan | FLUFFYGIANTS | fluffygiantscattery.com |
| USA: Montana | MTMCOONS | mtnmainecoons.com |
| USA: New Hampshire | GOLDENSFARM | mainecoongoldens farm.com |
| USA: New York | COONOMAGIC | coonomagic.com |
| MCATTERY | mcattery.com | |
| USA: North Carolina | MEGACOON | www.megacoon.com |
| SASSIETAT | sassietatsmainecoons.com | |
| USA: North Dakota | MAINECOONECTION | mainecoonections.com |
| USA: Ohio | EREBOR | www.catsoferebor.com |
| USA: Oklahoma | HAPPYTRILLS | happytrills@juno.com |
| TUFTSNTRILLS | tuftsntrills.com | |
| USA: Oregon | HAVAH | havahcoons.com |
| USA: South Carolina | CAESARHEADCOON | caesarheadcoon.com |
| CAROLINAMC | carolinamainecoons.com | |
| HISSYFITCOONS | www.hissyfitcoons.com | |
| USA: Tennessee | LOVINGLYNX | www.lovinglynx.com |
| THELIONSWHELP | thelionswhelp.com/ | |
| USA: Texas | ALIANA | alianamainecoons.com |
| DAWNTREADER | Dawntreadermaine coons.com | |
| SILKYAMBER | www.silkyamber.com | |
| USA: Virginia | DREAMCOON | dreamcoon.com |
| SARAJEN | www.sarajencats.com | |
| TREMETHICK | tremethickmainecoons.com |
As you can see, this list is pretty extensive, but definitely does not include all registered Maine Coon breeders in existence.
For further breeder information, I recommend you contact the ‘Cat Fanciers Association’ who may be able to identify yet more registered breeders that you can speak with.
Benefits Of Using Registered Maine Coon Breeders
The Maine Coon cat is the oldest natural cat breed in North America.
There is so much to love about the Maine Coon cat breed, including their:
- Beautiful Looks
- Hardy Nature
- Stunning Fur
- Big Long Bushy Tail
- Gentle Temperament
- Energetic Behavior
- Overly Affectionate Nature
All of these factors have combined, making the Maine Coon cat an extremely popular cat breed to own.
In fact, in the United States, it is thought that the Maine Coon cat is now the third most popular cat breed to own.
Maine Coon cats don’t come cheap though, costing an average of $1000 per kitten (£811).
Some Maine Coons are even being sold for up to $2500 (£1940), to owners that are interested in purchasing premium Purebred Maine Coon show cats.
With their ever-increasing popularity and expensive pedigree price tag, it probably wouldn’t surprise you to learn that many fly-by-night Maine Coon breeders have flooded the marketplace.
Such breeders hope to make a quick buck out of the less savvy buyers and move on quickly if there are any customer complaints.
They are not officially registered Maine Coon breeders and are only interested in producing as many kittens as they can so that they can sell their kittens for as much as they can.
The rise in fly-by-night cat breeders has led to many Maine Coon kittens being sold with:
- Genetic Defects
- Incorrect Pedigree Paperwork
- Mixed Lineages
- Without Recommended Medical Vaccinations
It is therefore important to only buy your Maine Coon kitten from registered Maine Coon breeders.
This is because you are increasing your chances of buying a purebred pedigree Maine Coon kitten, that is fit and healthy.
IMPORTANT!
If you are considering buying a Maine Coon kitten, please visit the registered breeder’s premises first.
This is a vital step in the process as you will get a gut instinct as to whether you can trust the seller, or not. Use your own judgment to make the decision.
Make sure that the kitten you are buying is in good health and has been fully vaccinated before you collect it.
It is standard for breeders to sell kittens 13+ weeks of age.
Ask the breeder for the:
- Kitten’s registration certificate
- Proof of pedigree
- Health record
- Vaccination Record
Why You Should Buy From Registered Maine Coon Breeders
Still, wondering why you should use a registered Maine Coon breeder?
Here are a few key benefits:
- Fanatics: Registered breeders are often massive fans of the Maine Coon cat breed. They are not just breeding kittens to make money.
- Wide Knowledge: They are very knowledgeable about the Maine Coon cat breed. They love the breed, so are happy to offer advice on looking after this particular cat breed.
- Meet The Parents: Registered breeders will often introduce you to both of the Maine Coon kitten’s parents. They will be able to give you detailed advice regarding the personality traits, and characteristics of your kitten’s parents.
- Legitimate Pedigree Paperwork: If you buy from registered Maine Coon breeders, you know for certain that the kitten’s pedigree paperwork is legitimate.
- After Care Service: Registered breeders rarely ‘disappear’ overnight. They love the kittens they produce and are more than happy to assist an owner should they have an issue after the kitten has been purchased.
- Genetic Defects: It is far less likely for your Maine Coon kitten to be sold with a genetic defect if you buy from registered Maine Coon breeders. This is because legitimate breeders screen their breeding cats for health issues commonly associated with the breed i.e. hip dysplasia.
- Vaccination History: Registered breeders always make sure that their Maine Coon kitten’s vaccination history is up to date. They will not sell unvaccinated kittens.
- Standard Of Care: If you chose to buy from a registered Maine Coon breeder, you can rest assured that the kitten has been treated well. Such breeders care passionately for the cat breed, and never mistreat their kittens or cats.
- Funding Legitimate Businesses: Buying from registered Maine Coon breeders ensures that money is not being given to the less legitimate outfits in operation, to keep them in business.
Avoid Maine Coon Breeders That Do This
Sadly, there will always be bad people trying to make a quick buck out of the honest individual’s pocket.
Avoid falling for their traps, by keeping an eye out for Maine Coon kitten sellers presenting these warning signs:
1. Switched Cat
Did you find the perfect Maine Coon kitten, arrange to meet the seller, only to discover that the advertised Maine Coon kitten was no longer available?
If this situation sounds familiar you may have stumbled upon a less honest seller, who is out to make a quick buck.
To give you a better understanding of how this scam works, I will explain it in more detail below:
‘Switch-It Tactic’
Some less desirable Maine Coon sellers like to use the ‘switch-it’ tactic to lure potential buyers in.
They attract buyers by advertising beautiful Maine Coon kittens at very competitive rates, yet do not actually have these kittens to sell.
BUYING TIP
Before visiting any seller, you should always check the advertised photo online, to make sure that the Maine Coons photo is not a stock photo from the internet.
You can also ask the seller to provide multiple pictures of the advertised kitten in their natural environment.
If the seller is unwilling to do this, it might be because they are using free Maine Coon stock photos.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The buyer arrives at the seller’s home, or place of business.
The seller explains that the advertised kitten is no longer available, due to various reasons.
The buyer is obviously disappointed because they have emotionally committed to buying that particular kitten.
The seller then takes this chance to offer a different Maine Coon kitten that they actually do have for sale, to the buyer.
Due to the emotional investment made, the buyer often then agrees to buy the alternative kitten instead.
If this situation happens to you, always walk away from the seller even if you have driven for hours to get to the seller’s location.
2. Seller Asks For A Deposit
Legitimate Maine Coon breeders will never ask a buyer for a deposit if the buyer has not actually seen the Maine Coon kitten in person.
Should a seller request you provide a deposit in advance of viewing, politely decline and cease correspondence with this seller.
It is important to follow this advice since many crooks target naive buyers in hope of making a quick buck.
In most scenarios, the Maine Coon kitten doesn’t even exist.
The advertisement for the kitten is simply a way of luring buyers into conversation with the crook, who is only interested in accessing your monies.
The criminal has no intention of ever selling you an actual Maine Coon kitten.
3. Money Overseas
Never transfer any monies outside your country of residence, in full payment for an advertised Maine Coon kitten.
Only ever pay for a kitten if the listed kitten is sat right in front of you, and you are taking them home with you.
4. Gut Instinct
Listen to your gut instinct.
If something doesn’t seem, or ‘feel’ right, then do not continue with the transaction.
It might only be something very small that has you on edge, but nonetheless, your gut feelings should never be ignored.
Where Can You Buy Maine Coon Kittens?
There are a variety of places where you can buy a Maine Coon kitten, some of which are more legitimate and ethical, than others. These include the following:
- Registered Maine Coon Breeders
- Gumtree
- Craigslist
- Backyard Breeders
- Pet Shops
Choosing to buy a Maine Coon kitten is a serious financial decision, so make sure not to rush into any purchase without conducting full and detailed research on the seller in question.
Gumtree And Craigslist
Ideally, you should also avoid buying a Maine Coon kitten from Gumtree, or Craigslist, since the pedigree status of the kitten cannot be guaranteed.
Many backyard breeders target social platforms such as this, to capture the interest of naive buyers.
Backyard Breeders
Backyard breeders are not advised because they do not screen their breeding cats, to check for health issues prone to the Maine Coon cat breed.
This is problematic since the kittens they are selling may have genetic defects that will develop into undesirable health issues as the kitten grows.
Such Maine Coon breeders are also not interested in the cat breed and tend not to treat this treasured cat breed with the respect that it deserves.
They also do not care for the kitten’s welfare and are only interested in breeding on mass, then selling these kittens for as much as they can.
Pet Shops
Please do not purchase your Maine Coon kitten from a pet shop, unless they come highly recommended.
Maine Coons are a specialist pedigree cat breed that needs an extra level of care and attention.
Pet shop workers often do not understand enough about the breed, and it is likely your kitten will not have been fed with the correct nutritional diet.
Facebook Groups
There are many Facebook groups online that have amazing communities, full of Maine Coon owner fanatics that regularly offer valuable insight into the cat breed.
When users raise a question, they often receive comprehensive answers direct from Maine Coon owners within just a few minutes.
It’s like a free question-and-answer service!
If you looking for registered Maine Coon breeders in your area, why not ask one of these Facebook groups for recommendations on their favorite Maine Coon breeders.
Here are some great Maine Coon Facebook groups for you to look at:
- Maine Coon Cat Nation
- Maine Coon ID
- Maine Coon UK
- Maine Coon Cat Lovers
- Maine Coon
Buying A Maine Coon Cat
If you are keen to learn more about how to buy a Maine Coon cat, read my article: “Complete Guide To Buying A Maine Coon Cat“.
This guide has everything you need to know, all in one place.
You may also be interested in my other articles:
- “Maine Coon Grooming Tips You Need To Know”
- “Top 5 Brushes For Maine Coons“
- “How To Care For A Maine Coon: Beginners Guide“
- “Do Maine Coon Cats Shed A Lot?“
Owning a Maine Coon cat is an amazing experience.
This highly intelligent breed has so much love to give, and they really do enjoy spending as much time with their human family as they can.
They make amazing family pets, and you will often think that you own a dog, rather than a cat!
Conclusion
Buying a Maine Coon cat doesn’t need to be as challenging as you might first imagine, as long as you only purchase from registered Maine Coon breeders in your country of residence.
Although it might be tempting, you should avoid purchasing your Maine Coon kitten from the nearest seller that you find on the internet.
Furthermore, if the kitten advert looks too good to be true, it probably is, so do not buy such kittens unless you are completely certain of their authenticity.
Social media platforms such as Gumtree and Craigslist should also be avoided, unless the seller has come highly recommended by multiple users on a trusted Maine Coon fanatic Facebook group.
This is important because it will not be possible for you to validate the authenticity of any cat claimed to have a purebred Pedigree status.
Criminals rely on the fact that buyers will believe them if they state the cat is a purebred pedigree.
Therefore, buyers may unwittingly purchase a kitten of mixed Maine Coon breeding, yet pay monies equivalent to what a purebred pedigree kitten would have cost.
Despite the various pitfalls of buying a Maine Coon cat, the extra level of hassle that you have to undergo to make sure you are buying a purebred Maine Coon kitten really is worth it.
Their fun-loving, sociable, and affectionate personalities make them great family pets.
If you’re concerned about whether a Maine Coon cat will make a great family pet, or not, take a look at this video, on Youtube: Are Maine Coon Cats Good Family Pets.
View our Google Webstory for Maine Coon Breeders.