Finding A UK Pedigree Maine Coon Kitten
When I first started researching Maine Coon cats over 12 years ago, I was drawn to their majestic size and unique personalities. These famous cats are not only the largest non-hybrid domestic cat breed but also have tufted ears that make them resemble wild lynx!
Despite their popularity, Maine Coons are not the most popular breed in the UK. They rank high amongst cat lovers, particularly those with families due to their friendly and laid-back nature, but it’s the British Shorthair that takes the title.
Keep reading to find the best Maine Coon breeders in my home country! I’ll also walk you through what I wish I had known when I first bought a Maine Coon kitten.
What Makes Maine Coons Special?
There are a thousand different things that make these gentle giants so special, but I don’t want to bore you to sleep! Instead, here’s a summary of my thoughts:
Physical Characteristics
Maine Coons are renowned for their striking appearance and size. Often referred to as “gentle giants,” they are among the largest domesticated cat breeds in the world. They are the largest if you’re just comparing non-hybrid cat breeds.
According to Tica.org the males typically weigh 18 and 22 pounds and females 9-15 lbs. Wikipedia also ROUGHLY supports this, saying:
“On average, males weigh from 18 to 22 lb (8.2 to 10.0 kg), with females weighing from 12 to 15 lb (5.4 to 6.8 kg).[22]“
Don’t listen to the FACTUALLY INCORRECT WEBSITES claiming male Maine Coons only weigh up to 18 lbs. This frustrates me, as I know they’re wrong – I’ve also lived with two 20 lbs male MCs! Google needs to stop displaying the wrong info!
I think the dimension error occurs because big organizations like TICA report completely different sizes across their articles.
For instance, in this article, TICA states males weigh 18-22 lbs and the female weighs 12-15lbs. In this contradictory article, however, females shrink to 9-12 lbs and males to between 13-18lbs. Go figure the TRUTH on that one!
Anyway, RANT OVER!!!!
When we discuss the physical aspects of the Maine Coon cat it’s not all about size. For starters, it’s also important to highlight that Maine Coons have a muscular build, long bushy tails, and tufted ears that give them a somewhat wild look.
Their dense, semi-water-resistant fur is one of their most distinctive features and is designed to protect them from harsh weather conditions.
While this coat adds to their beauty, it requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, especially around the chest and belly. One of my cats is prone to tangles so brushing is essential to keep his fur in great condition.
My Mika might look small in this picture – don’t be fooled! He’s 20 lbs of fluffy goodness!
Personality Traits
One of the most endearing aspects of Maine Coons is their fun-loving personalities. They have unique quirky preferences and behaviors that make them truly special. For example, Bali (pictured below) is incredibly playful, always engaging in activities and seeking attention. Yet, he’s often jealous if Mika (his brother) gets attention!
Bali barges Mika out of the way so that all eyes are on him!! But, in my mind that isn’t fair so I tell him to wait his turn!! … I really must stop talking to my cats like they’re human babies!! hah!
Here’s an awful picture of my precious Bali. He’s not cross-eyed, that’s simply my appalling camera skills!!
On the other hand, Mika, though affectionate, prefers a quieter, more relaxed environment. This contrast illustrates that while Maine Coons are generally sociable, friendly, and intelligent, individual temperaments can vary significantly.
Maine Coons are known for their dog-like loyalty and intelligence, often enjoying interactive play and even learning tricks.
They are super clever … watch this YouTube video of my adorable furbaby completing a DOG TREAT TOY! Subscribe whilst you’re watching!
Finally, both male and female Maine Coons tend to form strong bonds with their owners and, unlike many other cats, enjoy human companionship without being overly demanding.
Their playful and curious nature makes them highly engaging pets.
Suitable For Families And Other Pets
I first stumbled upon this large cat breed while searching for a breed that would be family-friendly and gentle toward my 18-month-old son.
Maine Coons are popular in the UK for households with children or other pets because their patient and gentle disposition means they are generally tolerant of young children and adapt well to multi-pet homes.
Despite their size, Maine Coons are not overly aggressive and are known to coexist peacefully with dogs and other cats. Read this article if you don’t believe me!
While they are adaptable to apartment living, it is worth considering their size and energy levels first before taking the plunge and bringing home a Maine Coon.
Although they can be fine living in a flat if the owner takes them for regular walks, and the home has plenty of mental stimulation and places to climb, it’s always a risk that a small apartment may impact your cat’s mental health.
Here are the key signs of cat stress to watch out for.
Maine Coons enjoy having space to roam and explore, so larger homes or access to safe outdoor environments are usually preferable.
Unique Aspects Of Owning A Maine Coon
Owning a Maine Coon comes with a few unique responsibilities. For instance, their large size means they often have a bigger appetite than smaller cat breeds, which makes sense!
I feed Bali and Mika a dry food diet plus 2-3 sachets of wet food each week. This is my personal preference, so don’t worry I won’t be offended if you prefer to follow the Maine Coon Raw Food Diet!.
As my furry friends have both suffered from urinary tract infections in the past I have them both on this Royal Canin Urinary Dry Food (as per vet advice). They love this dry food, and since they’re exceptionally fussy cats, that’s a win-win in my books!
Providing them with high-quality, nutritious food is essential for maintaining their health, especially considering their potential for conditions like hip dysplasia.
Things To Consider When Buying
When buying a Maine Coon kitten it’s essential to make informed decisions to ensure you’re adopting a healthy, well-bred cat. Below are key factors to consider.
Health And Wellness
Maine Coons, like all cats, are susceptible to certain health issues, some of which are breed-specific. Therefore, it’s crucial to look for breeders who prioritize health screenings and follow proper veterinary protocols (1,2,3).
Vaccinations
When you adopt a Maine Coon kitten, they should have already received their initial vaccinations. Kittens typically receive vaccinations for:
* Feline distemper (panleukopenia)
* Feline herpesvirus
* Calicivirus
* Rabies (depending on your location)
Ensure that the kitten has an up-to-date vaccination record before paying.
Authenticity Of Breed
If you’re looking to buy a purebred Maine Coon, it’s essential to ensure the kitten is truly part of this breed and not a part-Maine Coon or a different long-haired cat.
Authenticate the breed by using the following checks:
Pedigree Papers
A reputable breeder will provide you with pedigree papers that verify the kitten’s lineage. These papers should come from recognized breeding associations like The International Cat Association (TICA) or the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) in the UK.
The papers will detail the kitten’s ancestry and confirm its status as a purebred Maine Coon.
Appearance / Behavior
Maine Coons have specific physical traits, such as their large size, tufted ears, bushy tails, and shaggy fur. While kittens won’t fully exhibit their adult size, they should have distinct features like a square muzzle and long, sturdy limbs.
Additionally, your future furbaby will have distinctive personality traits. For instance, they are typically playful, sociable, and affectionate. They also LOVE water!
Breeder Reputation
Finding an ethical breeder is crucial to ensuring you adopt a healthy, well-cared-for Maine Coon kitten. Ethical breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their cats over profit, and they will be transparent with you throughout the process.
1. Research ONLINE
Begin by searching for breeders that are affiliated with reputable organizations like TICA or GCCF. These organizations set standards for ethical breeding practices.
Here’s my latest 2024 TICA Registered Maine Coon Cat Breeder list.
2. Visit The Breeder OR FACETIME
A responsible breeder will allow you to either visit their facility/home to see the living conditions of the kittens and their parents OR will permit a video call where you can view their premises and the kitten being sold.
Keep in mind that the environment should be clean, and the cats should appear healthy and well-socialized.
Avoid breeders who refuse to let you see where the cats are raised or seem secretive about the conditions.
3. Questions To Ask
Ask breeders about their breeding practices, health screenings, and how they socialize their kittens. Good breeders will be happy to provide detailed answers.
To get you started, here are 20 Questions that you MUST ASK the breeder.
The breeder should also ask you questions to ensure their kittens are going to responsible homes, indicating their commitment to the welfare of their cats.
4. Avoid Backyard Breeders And Scams
Oh my, the number of Maine Coon cat scammers operating is crazy. I’ve lost count of the number of buyers who email me weekly to say they were tricked by scammers.
PLEASE READ my guide: 24 Maine Coon Cat Scams so that you don’t fall victim too.
Always be cautious of breeders that advertise kittens at unusually low prices as they may not be following ethical breeding practices or giving their kittens proper care.
Price
Maine Coon kittens tend to be more expensive to purchase than other cat breeds due to their popularity, large size, and the costs involved in ethical breeding practices.
In the UK, the typical price range for a Maine Coon kitten can range between £600-2,500 per kitten, depending on the following factors:
Varied Cost
The exact price depends on the breeder’s reputation, the kitten’s pedigree, and whether the kitten is intended for pet ownership or show/breeding purposes.
Kittens from champion bloodlines or show-quality cats may be on the higher end of the price spectrum.
What’s Included
When buying a Maine Coon kitten, the price often includes more than just the kitten itself. Most reputable breeders will include:
* Paperwork: Pedigree papers to prove the kitten’s lineage and authenticity.
* Microchipping: Many breeders will microchip the kitten before adoption, which is a requirement in some countries for identification purposes.
* Vaccinations: First round of vaccinations and a vaccination record.
* Health Certificates: A health certificate from a vet stating the kitten is in good health.
* Neutering/Spaying: Some breeders will neuter or spay the kitten before the sale, while others may include this cost in the purchase price for you to arrange at a later time.
It’s important to note that lower-priced kittens may not include these extras, and you may have to cover these costs yourself.
Avoid breeders who ask for full payment upfront without providing guarantees of the kitten’s health or authenticity.
Where To Find Maine Coon Kittens For Sale
If you’re looking to find a Maine Coon kitten in the UK, there are several reliable avenues to explore, from reputable breeders to rescue centers, online platforms, and cat shows.
Reputable Breeders
One of the most reliable ways to ensure you’re getting a healthy, well-bred Maine Coon kitten is to go through a reputable breeder.
Ethical breeders focus on the health and welfare of their cats, testing for genetic conditions common in Maine Coons and ensuring their kittens are well-socialized.
Here’s how to find trusted breeders:
1. Affiliations With Breeder Organizations
Reputable breeders are often registered with organizations like:
- Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF)
- The International Cat Association (TICA)
- Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe)
These organizations maintain strict standards for breeding practices, ensuring that kittens come from responsible breeders. Breeders registered with these associations can be found on their websites.
2. Visit Breeder Websites
Many breeders maintain their websites where they share information about upcoming litters, their breeding philosophy, and the care they provide.
3. Ask For Recommendations
Connect with Maine Coon owners in online forums, Facebook groups, or breed clubs to get breeder recommendations from people with firsthand experience. They offer insights into the breeder’s reputation and the health of the kittens they produce.
Rescue Centers
Another way to find a Maine Coon is through adoption from a rescue center or breed-specific rescue group. While purebred Maine Coons may not be as common in rescues as mixed breeds, it’s still possible to find them once in a while.
Maine Coon Rescue UK
This is a breed-specific rescue group that works to rehome Maine Coons in need of new families. Their website lists available cats and kittens, and they often have older Maine Coons that are looking for homes.
Cat Protection
A UK-wide organization, Cat Protection may occasionally have Maine Coons available for adoption. Although the chances of finding a purebred kitten are lower, it’s worth checking their listings if you’re open to adopting an adult Maine Coon or a mixed breed.
Local Shelters
Many local animal shelters and rescue centers have adoption programs. Register your interest in Maine Coons with them and they’ll notify you when one becomes available.
Online Platforms
There are several trusted online platforms where breeders and private sellers list Maine Coon kittens for sale. These platforms allow you to search by breed, location, and price, making it easier to find a kitten near you:
- Pets4Homes: One of the most popular websites in the UK for finding pets, Pets4Homes allows you to search specifically for Maine Coons. You can filter by location, breeder reviews, and whether the kitten has received vaccinations and microchipping.
- www.pets4homes.co.uk
- Preloved: Another popular platform in the UK, Preloved allows private sellers and breeders to post listings for Maine Coon kittens. Be sure to ask for pedigree papers and health certificates to ensure you’re dealing with a reputable seller.
- www.preloved.co.uk
- Cat Chat: This site connects potential adopters with cats in shelters across the UK. While not specific to Maine Coons, they sometimes list pedigree cats available for adoption.
- www.catchat.org
Cat Shows & Communities
Cat shows are a great place to meet breeders in person, see their cats, and get a feel for the Maine Coon breed. Breeders often participate in shows to showcase their cats, and it’s a good opportunity to ask questions and make connections.
Look for shows organized by GCCF or TICA, as they often feature Maine Coons in competitions. Upcoming shows are often listed on the GCCF and TICA websites:
GCCF Cat Shows: gccfcats.org/shows-events
TICA Cat Shows: tica.org/events
Joining a Maine Coon enthusiast group or club is a great way to learn more about the breed and connect with breeders.
In the UK, the Maine Coon Cat Club organizes events and offers resources for owners and breeders. These groups are invaluable for finding reputable breeders or even adopting retired show cats.
