Finding a Maine Coon cat breeder is not difficult since Maine Coon cats are one of the most popular breeds in the United States. However, a perspective cat owner needs to find a reputable breeder from which to purchase a Maine Coon kitten.
Due to the popularity of the Maine Coon cat breed, some animal breeders who do not have significant knowledge of Maine Coons have chosen to breed Maine Coon cats in an attempt to cash in on the breeds popularity. Therefore, people interested in purchasing a Maine Coon kitten need to be careful to find a conscientious breeder who cares for the cat breed and is dedicated to producing kittens that are examples of the characteristics set forth by the Maine Coon cat breed standards.
Knowledge does not benefit the cat breed if it is not applied correctly. Breeders of Maine Coon cats need to be using their knowledge about the breed to produce healthy kittens that meet the standard for the breed.
The cat breeder can provide a Maine Coon kitten that is show quality or pet quality. The prospective Maine Coon kitten owner needs to purchase a show quality Maine Coon kitten if there is a chance that they may want to participate in cat shows in the future.
Cat shows can be a way to find a reputable breeder. When attending a cat show, a person looking to purchase a Maine Coon kitten may be able to ask the breeders questions about the availability of kittens. Breeders who participate in cat shows are generally members of the sponsoring cat organization.
Searching the breeder member registry of a reputable cat breeders association or an association like the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) can be a source of finding a reputable breeder. Someone looking to purchase a Maine Coon kitten should ask the breeder what associations they belong to.
The health and socialization of available maintaining kittens is a concern for the prospective cat owner. The kittens should be handled regularly to avoid socialization problems and have plenty of space to get exercise.
People should feel free to ask questions about cat diseases to a cat breeder. Someone looking to purchase a kittens should ask about any veterinary testing for diseases that affect Maine Coon cats.
The pedigree of available kittens should be checked by the prospective cat owner. Instances of inbreeding are red flags that the breeder may not have the best cat breeding practices. Accidental inbreeding does occur occasionally at reputable catteries, but inbreeding should not frequently occur.
