Not all Maine Coon breeders are created equal! It's not hard to find a great breeder, one who has passion for breeding and showing cats. One that has true love for animals. You just need to know what to look for.
If you are going through the trouble to research Maine Coon breeders (as you should be!) then you are a true animal lover. You'll recognize another.
You'll want to look for this term, "raised under foot." It means that the kittens were beloved members of the family, well socialized, spending time in the main areas of the home. They know how to accept and return human affection! They were not secluded to their own quarters.
The whole time the breeder has had them, he or she has been training them in the ways of being a happy, well-adjusted, friendly, social Maine Coon. This is exactly what you are looking for!
The practice of showing cats, and breeding to a standard is a unique subject, and it's what sets the real, or authentic, breeders apart. It's not sufficient for anyone who happens to have a Maine Coon to breed them and sell them. There is a name for that:
Backyard Breeders;
Not The Maine Coon Breeders You're Looking For
Heard of this term? "Backyard breeders" refers to people who have Maine Coon kittens for sale, but they are not the kind of breeders you want to support.
They have pet quality cats, often bought with a spay/neuter agreement, which they have clearly gone against. They don't understand all the intricacies of "breeding to a standard," much less what the Maine Coon cat breed standard even is.
They simply have come upon access to purebred cats, and are breeding them. Breeding isn't their passion, their life's work, it's just something they do "on the side."
They don't show their cats (biggest clue), don't screen for hereditary diseases, and don't belong to the Maine Coon Cat Clubs which reputable breeders do.
The genetics, and general health of their kittens may be questionable, as well as the physical traits, and personality characteristics.
In a nutshell, if a kitten is born who is a truly great example of the breed, worthy of passing on it's genetics to future generations, it will be marked for breeding by it's breeder, who may keep it for breeding and showing, or sell it to a trusted colleague, with "breeding rights".
Finding Reputable Maine Coon Breeders
How do you go about finding Maine Coon kittens for sale from breeders? There are a few ways. One is to go to a cat show in your area.
There won't be litters of Maine Coon kittens for sale there, but there will be top-notch Maine Coon breeders, and you'll get to see some of their gorgeous show cats. This is a great way to meet breeders, ask questions, and get to know the process.
Another way is to use our extensive Maine Coon Cat Breeders Directory.
Then visit our Maine Coon breeders page for lots more about choosing a breeder, things to look for at the cattery, and questions to ask. You'll be well prepared!
Related:
Maine Coon Cat Breeders, Your Visit to the Cattery
Maine Coon Cat Breeders Directory
Ready to Adopt a Maine Coon Cat?
Maine Coon Cat Rescue
Finding Low Cost or Free Maine Coon Kittens
Maine Coon Cat Adoption
Maine Coon Clubs
Finding Maine Cooon Cats For Sale: Breeders or Pet Shop?
Maine Coon Cat Breeders, Contact Us For The Directory
Springtime Brings Adopt A Cat Month
Press Release: Purebred Cat Rescue as an Option During Adopt-A-Cat Month
Texas Cat Rescue: Merlins's Hope
Ohio Maine Coon Cattery: Maine Delite
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