You may be tempted to buy or adopt a Maine Coon kitten from any source, as there are many of them available online and across the country.
But wait, before you pay the money, ask yourself:
- Should you trust the breeder? Or, who should you trust?
- How do you find a registered breeder?
You don’t want to buy a cat with health issues. You should always choose a registered Maine Coon breeder, as they have many advantages over other sellers.
Registered Maine Coon breeders test their cats for genetic health problems before they breed them.
They also do not sell kittens younger than 13 weeks old.
They provide all the necessary information about the kittens, such as their registration certificates, vaccination records, medical history, diet, and pedigree.
They are also affiliated with major cat organizations, such as TICA.
Getting a Maine Coon kitten is a big financial commitment, and you want to make sure you do it right the first time.
What is TICA?
TICA is short for The International Cat Association, the world’s largest genetic registry of pedigreed cats, household pet cats, and kittens. It was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Harlingen, Texas.
Certified catteries that breed cats must use the TICA rules to name their cattery.
TICA gives certificates to catteries that keep their cats and their place clean and healthy.
Therefore, finding breeders on TICA can help you get a healthy, well-bred, and beautiful cat that meets its breed’s standards.
TICA breeders have signed the TICA Breeder Code of Ethics, which means they agree to follow specific standards and practices regarding their cats’ health, welfare, and breeding.
They can provide you with official registration papers for your cat, which prove its pedigree and ancestry.
This can be useful if you want to show your cat in TICA-sanctioned shows or breed it with other registered cats.
TICA breeders can also offer you advice and support on how to care for your cat, as well as access to various services and events that TICA provides for its members
Registered Maine Coon Breeders Near Me
If you want to see more Maine Coon breeders, you can visit TICA’s website. For your convenience, I selected some breeders in the table below.
But do know that TICA and Maine Coon Central do not support or recommend any of the breeders, products, or services on this list.
The table shows the breeders registered with TICA as Maine Coon breeders, which means they have done more work than others as such.
I strongly advises you to be careful and smart when you deal with breeders, just like you would be in any important business matter.
| Cattery | City | Phone |
| ADAMOMC | Montreal | +1(514)700-0127 |
| FURRYPAW | Winnipeg | +1 (204)952-7645 |
| GRANDMAINECOON | Ottawa | +1(613)807-9039 |
| HAPPYVALLEYMC | Courtenay | +1(250)703-3681 |
| NOBEL | Dunrobin | +1(343)297-4842 |
| BESTBANDCOON | Perm | +79 024 733927 |
| SARAJEN | Asheville (Weaverville) | +1 (828) 273 6253 |
| APERFECTCATTERY | Fultondale | +1(205)243-6101 |
| BARACOA | Miami | +1(786)400-0945 |
| BELLESPURR | San Antonio | +1(210)488-7794 |
| BENEVOLENCE | Fort Meade | +1(813)485-6630 |
| BESTBANDCOON | Perm | +79 024 733927 |
| BIGPAWCOON | Plant City | +1(813)786-7644 |
| CHAMPIONCOONS | Tampa | +1(305)709-7606 |
| HHRANCH | Austin | +1 (512)963-3412 |
| HOPEDIAMONDMCO | Milton | +1(850)266-8474 |
| KALYPSOSKOONS | Clermont | +1(623)692-8066 |
| MYSTCDREAMMAINE | Hollywood | +1(954)445-3343 |
| MYTHICMAINECOON | Spring | +1(936)444-6290 |
| ROCKETKITTYCOON | Madison | +1(316)200-4364 |
| THIRTEENTHMOON | Sunderland, Tyne and Wear | +07840927381 |
| KLEOOKET | Goole, East Yorkshire | +44 7557122692 |
| THIRTEENTHMOON | Sunderland, Tyne and Wear | +07840927381 |
| THIRTEENTHMOON | Sunderland, Tyne and Wear | +07840927381 |
| THIRTEENTHMOON | Sunderland, Tyne and Wear | +07840927381 |
| AURACOONZ | Norwich, Norfolk | +44 7915672538 |
| LOWESCOONS | Colchester | +07725002642 |
| MANEKICOONS | Bishopstoke, Hampshire | +44 7854737640 |
| MONACOON | Basildon | +44 07852277336 |
| THIRTEENTHMOON | Sunderland, Tyne and Wear | +07840927381 |
Get A Full List of TICA Registered Maine Coon Breeders
Sign up below and download a full list of breeders(with breeders’ phones & websites)
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Why You Should Buy From A Registered Maine Coon Breeder
Buying From A Breeder VS Buying From A Pet Shop
Buying a Maine Coon cat from a breeder is more expensive than buying one from a pet shop, but it also ensures that you get a purebred Maine Coon cat that is healthy and has a known lineage.
A breeder can provide you with official registration papers, genetic screening, health guarantee, and advice on how to care for your cat. A pet shop may not have these services or information available for you.
Buying a Maine Coon cat from a breeder also allows you to choose from a wider range of colors, patterns, and personalities. A breeder can help you find a cat that matches your preferences and lifestyle. A pet shop may have a limited selection of cats or need to learn more about their traits.
In a word, buying a Maine Coon cat from a pet shop may be cheaper and more convenient, but it also comes with some risks and drawbacks. But it’s up to you to decide.
Benefits of Buying From A Registered Maine Coon Breeder
Passion
Registered breeders are not just selling kittens for profit.
They are passionate about the Maine Coon breed and want to preserve its quality and health.
Expertise
They have a lot of knowledge and experience about the Maine Coon breed.
They can answer your questions and advise you on how to care for your kitten.
Parentage
Registered breeders will usually let you meet the parents of your kitten.
This lets you see their size, appearance, temperament, and health.
You can also learn more about your kitten’s genetic background and history.
Pedigree
Registered breeders will provide you with authentic pedigree papers for your kitten.
This will prove that your kitten is a purebred Maine Coon and has no crossbreeding.
Support
Registered breeders will not disappear after you buy your kitten.
They will offer you ongoing support and guidance if you have any issues or concerns.
They will also keep in touch with you and follow up on your kitten’s progress.
Health
Registered breeders will ensure that their kittens are healthy and free from genetic defects.
They will screen their breeding cats for common health problems associated with the Maine Coon breed, such as hip dysplasia.
They will also vaccinate and deworm their kittens before selling them.
Vaccination Records
A registered breeder will always keep the vaccination history of their Maine Coon kittens up to date.
They will never sell kittens that have not been immunized.
Ethical Practices
When you buy from a registered Maine Coon breeder, you can be confident that the kitten has been well cared for.
Such breeders are passionate about the breed and never abuse their kittens or cats.
Supporting Responsible Businesses
Buying from registered Maine Coon breeders also ensures that you are not giving money to the less reputable operations that exist, and helping them stay in business.
How To Spot A Bad Maine Coon Breeder?
Some people are dishonest and want to trick you into buying a Maine Coon kitten that is not what they advertised.
They may use different methods to fool you and take your money.
Here are some warning signs that you should watch out for when looking for a Maine Coon kitten:
1. Bait And Switch
Did you see a beautiful Maine Coon kitten online, but when you went to meet the seller, they said the kitten was gone?
This could be a sign that the seller is lying and trying to scam you.
They may use a fake photo of a Maine Coon kitten to attract buyers, but they don’t actually have that kitten for sale.
So how to avoid this scam?
Before you visit any seller, you should always check if the photo they used is real or not.
You can do this by searching the image online, and seeing if it comes from another website.
You can also ask the seller to send you more photos of the kitten in their home.
If they refuse or make excuses, they may be hiding something.
If you go to see the seller and they tell you the kitten is no longer available, but they have another one for sale, don’t fall for it.
Walk away and look for another seller.
2. Deposit Request
A good Maine Coon breeder will never ask you for a deposit before you see the kitten in person.
If a seller asks you to pay a deposit in advance, say no and stop talking to them.
This could be a way for them to get your money without giving you anything in return.
They may not even have a kitten for sale at all.
They may just use a fake photo or a fake story to make you interested in buying a kitten from them.
3. Overseas Payment
Never send any money outside your country for a Maine Coon kitten.
Only pay for a kitten when you see it with your own eyes and are ready to take it home.
Some scammers may try to lure you into paying for a kitten in another country, and promise to ship it to you.
They may use fake documents or fake websites to make it look legit.
But once you send them the money, they will disappear and you will never get your kitten.
4. Gut Feeling
Trust your instincts.
It is if something feels wrong or too good to be true.
Something small or big could make you suspicious, but don’t ignore it.
Do your research and ask questions before you buy a Maine Coon kitten from anyone.
Only buy from them if you are satisfied with the answers or the evidence.
How To Find Maine Coon Kittens For Sale?
Besides the breeders I mentioned above, there are some alternatives you can check out.
But remember, not all of them are reliable and ethical. Here are some of the common places where you can find Maine Coon kittens for sale:
Pet Shop
To be honest, I do not recommend to buy a Maine Coon kitten from a pet shop unless you are sure they are reputable.
Maine Coons are a special breed of cats that require extra care and attention.
Pet shop staff may not know enough about the breed, and they may not have fed your kitten with the proper nutrition.
However, if you still decide to buy a Maine Coon kitten from a pet shop, here are some things you need to check before buying:
- Ask for the kitten’s health records and vaccination certificates. Make sure the kitten has been dewormed, vaccinated, and tested for common diseases like feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
- Ask for the kitten’s pedigree and registration papers. Make sure the kitten is a purebred Maine Coon and not a mix or a fake. Check the papers for the breeder’s name, address, and contact information. You can also verify the papers with the relevant organization like [MCBFA] or [TICA].
- Ask for the kitten’s parents’ information and pictures. Make sure the parents are healthy, well-groomed, and have the typical Maine Coon features like large size, long coat, tufted ears, and bushy tail.
- Observe the kitten’s behavior and appearance. Make sure the kitten is alert, active, playful, and friendly. Avoid kittens that are shy, aggressive, lethargic, or sickly. Check the kitten’s coat for any mats, tangles, fleas, or dirt. Check the kitten’s eyes for any discharge, redness, or cloudiness. Check the kitten’s ears for any wax, mites, or infection. Check the kitten’s nose for any sneezing, runny nose, or congestion. Check the kitten’s mouth for any bad breath, drooling, or dental problems.
- Ask for a health guarantee and a return policy. Make sure the pet shop offers you a written contract that guarantees the health and quality of your kitten. The contract should also state what will happen if you want to return or exchange your kitten for any reason.
- Take your kitten to a vet as soon as possible after buying. Have your vet examine your kitten thoroughly and confirm its health status and breed. If your vet finds any problems or discrepancies with your kitten, contact the pet shop immediately and ask for a refund or a replacement.
Facebook Group
If you are a Maine Coon lover, you might want to join some of the Facebook communities that are dedicated to this amazing cat breed.
These communities are full of passionate and experienced Maine Coon owners who are happy to share their knowledge and advice with others.
You can ask any question you have about Maine Coons, and you will likely get helpful and detailed answers from other members in no time.
It’s like having a free consultation service!
If you are looking for registered Maine Coon breeders near you, you can also ask these Facebook communities for their recommendations and reviews on the best Maine Coon breeders.
Craigslist
You might see some Maine Coon owners selling their kittens on Craigslist.
Craigslist has no verification or regulation system.
Many sellers on Craigslist are fraudsters and animal abusers who sell stolen or abused kittens.
If you want to buy on Craiglist, choose the ones you can at least visit.
Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Maine Coon
Before diving into the world of Maine Coon breeders, it’s essential to understand the Maine Coon cat itself fully.
Here are some key points to keep in mind.
- Maine Coons are the largest domesticated cat breed, with males weighing between 13 to 18 pounds and females weighing between 8 to 12 pounds. Some large males can even reach over 20 pounds! Be prepared for a big, sturdy cat that requires ample space to move around.
- Maine Coons are friendly and social cats. They’re known as “gentle giants” due to their large size and docile nature. These cats typically get along well with other pets and children, making them great family companions.
- Maine Coons have long, luxurious coat that requires regular grooming. While they’re not as high-maintenance as some long-haired breeds, you’ll need to brush your Maine Coon at least once a week to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy.
- Maine Coons can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). It’s crucial to find a reputable breeder who tests their breeding cats for these conditions.
How Much Does A Maine Coon Kitten Cost?
The cost of a Maine Coon kitten can vary depending on several factors, including the breeder’s location, the kitten’s pedigree, and the demand for the breed.
On average, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,500 for a kitten from a reputable breeder.
Keep in mind that this cost typically covers the kitten’s initial vaccinations, deworming, and any necessary health testing.
Some breeders may also include the cost of spaying or neutering in the purchase price.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a kitten or cat is a matter of the heart.
You might fall in love with a cute Maine Coon kitten that you see online, that is not from a registered breeder, and that you can get right away.
But before you do that, think twice!!
If you don’t spend enough time finding reliable registered Maine Coon breeders, you may end up with huge vet bills that you didn’t plan for.
You also have to be careful of the many Maine Coon cat scams happening nowadays.
Only buy from a trusted Maine Coon breeder that is registered with the relevant cat organizations to make sure you are getting the best Maine Coon breeders.
Buying a Maine Coon cat may take some time and effort, but it is worth it.
I hope you’ll be well on your way to welcoming a loving and majestic Maine Coon into your family.
