FAQ & Health Guarantee

Maine Coon Kitten & Cattery FAQ

1. General & Cattery Policies
Are your breeding cats health tested? - Yes. All our breeding stock undergoes comprehensive genetic screening (DNA testing for HCM, SMA, and PKDef), bi-annual echocardiograms by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Are your kittens registered? - Yes. Every kitten is registered with TICA. Registration papers are provided upon proof of spay/neuter unless full breeding rights were explicitly contracted.

Do you sell kittens with breeding rights? - As a rule, our kittens are sold as altered pets or under a strict spay/neuter contract. Breeding rights are only granted to established, vetted candidates who share our commitment to health and breed standards.

Can I visit the cattery to see the kittens in person before committing? - No, to maintain a strict biosecurity protocol and protect vulnerable, unvaccinated newborn litters from external pathogens, our cattery is closed to general public visits. We offer video calls, high-definition photos, and detailed updates for prospective buyers. We do sometimes meet a prospective new buyer at a neutral site to meet in person if you are local to Central Oklahoma

2. Pricing, Deposits & Process
How much do your Maine Coon kittens cost? - Pet-quality kittens generally range from $2,500 to $4,000 depending on lineage, color, and physical traits. If you decide to reserve a kitten from us a $500 non-refundable deposit will be required to secure your reservation. No exceptions

How does the deposit process work? - Once your join our waitlist we will have a few quick details to discuss before we go forward. If both parties agree to go forward with the process of adopting the kitten, a FaceTime or Zoom meeting will be set up. The goal of this meeting will be to discuss any questions you have and to view the actual kitten desired. Once your questions are answered and you have viewed the kitten of your choice, we will discuss deposit options. At this point a non-refundable $500 deposit holds your place on our waitlist or secures a specific available kitten. Deposits go toward the final purchase price agreed upon, Deposits can be paid by personal check, CashApp or Bank Transfer, If you would like to meet face to face to pay the deposit with cash that can also be arranged upon request

When do kittens go home? - Kittens are ready to join their new families between 12 and 16 weeks of age. This ensures proper physical development, that they complete two rounds of vet administered vaccinations, and essential social learning from their mother and litter mates.

What comes included with my kitten? - Your kitten comes with a 7 year health guarantee, complete vaccination and worming records, copies of all veterinary health records, a new home starter pack with familiar food and toys, and registration verifiction and instructions on how and when you can register your kitten with TICA.

3. Appearance & Grooming
How big will my Maine Coon get? - Maine Coons are the largest domesticated cat breed. Males typically weigh between 15–22lbs (or more), while females generally range from 10–15 lbs. They grow slowly and take 3 to 5 years to reach full size and coat development.

Are Maine Coons hypoallergenic? - No. Maine Coons produce the "Fel d1" protein in their saliva and dander just like other cat breeds. They are not hypoallergenic.

How often do Maine Coons need grooming? - Their dense, semi-long coat requires brushing 2 to 3 times a week to prevent mats and tangles, particularly around the belly, britches, and underarms. Regular nail trimming and periodic ear cleaning are also required.

Do Maine Coons shed a lot? - Yes. They have a double coat and shed seasonally (blow coat in spring and autumn). Routine brushing significantly reduces shed hair around the house.

4. Temperament & Environment
What is their personality like? - Known as the "gentle giants" of the cat world, Maine Coons are affectionate, playful, highly intelligent, and social. They are usually dog-like in their loyalty, often following their owners from room to room.

Do Maine Coons get along with dogs and children? - Yes. Their confident and easygoing nature makes them exceptional family pets that adjust very well to respectful dogs and children.

Do Maine Coons really like water? - Many do! Maine Coons often display a fascination with running water, scooping water with their paws, or hanging around sinks and showers due to their water-resistant coats.

Can Maine Coons be strictly indoor cats?Yes, and we require it in our contract. Keeping your Maine Coon indoors protects them from traffic, infectious diseases, parasites, and theft.

5. Maine Coon Health & Genetics FAQ

***Primary Genetic Conditions
What is Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), and why is it a concern in Maine Coons? - HCM is a genetic heart condition characterized by an abnormal thickening of the heart walls. Left unmanaged, it can lead to heart failure, blood clots, or sudden cardiac death. We screen for HCM through both DNA testing (checking for the MYBPC3 gene mutation) and annual echocardiograms (cardiac ultrasounds) performed by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist.

Why do you perform echocardiograms if your cats are DNA clear for HCM? - DNA testing only identifies the known genetic mutation for HCM in Maine Coons. However, cats can develop HCM through other, yet-unidentified genetic pathways. An echocardiogram allows us to visually inspect the actual physical structure and function of the heart. DNA tests state what a cat carries; echocardiograms confirm how the heart is functioning.

What is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)? - SMA is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder specific to Maine Coons that causes the loss of motor neurons in the lower spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and an unstable gait in the hind legs. Symptoms typically appear around 3 to 4 months of age. SMA is a simple recessive trait; because we test all breeding stock, none of our kittens will ever inherit or develop this condition.

What is Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKDef)? - PKDef is an inherited deficiency in an essential red blood cell enzyme, which can cause intermittent or severe anemia, lethargy, weakness, and weight loss. Like SMA, it is an autosomal recessive condition. Through DNA screening, we ensure carrier-to-carrier pairings never occur, guaranteeing our kittens are safe from developing the disease.

***Joint & Structural Health
Are Maine Coons prone to Hip Dysplasia? - Yes. Due to their large frame and heavy bone structure, Maine Coons have a higher incidence of hip dysplasia than most other cat breeds. This malformation of the hip joint can cause early-onset arthritis, stiffness, and pain. We screen our breeding cats using X-rays evaluated by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) to selectively breed for healthy, structurally sound hips.

What can I do as an owner to protect my kitten’s joints? - Because Maine Coons grow so rapidly over 3 to 5 years, keeping your cat at a lean, healthy weight is the single most effective way to prevent joint stress. Avoid encouraging high impact jumps from extreme heights while their growth plates are closing during their first year, and feed a high-protein diet designed for steady, controlled growth.

***General Health & Preventive Care
What is Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), and how do you manage it? - FIP is caused by a common feline coronavirus that mutates in a small percentage of cats. While no breeder can guarantee a kitten will never contract coronavirus, we lower risk through strict sanitation, biosecurity protocols, low-stress environments, and maintaining healthy immune systems in our cattery.

Do Maine Coons require a special diet for their long coat and large size? - Maine Coons thrive on a high-animal-protein, low-carbohydrate diet (moist wet food, raw, or high-quality commercial formulas) to support their large muscular frames and dense double coats. Fresh water should always be accessible, preferably via a circulating water fountain, which Maine Coons naturally prefer.