The only way to be 100% sure of getting a verified pure breed Maine Coon cat is to buy a pedigree kitten from a breeder. The breeder should be able to present a family tree of your cat’s pedigree and provide relevant certification.

A recommended place to start a search for a reputable breeder in your local area is the “Maine Coon Breed Fanciers Association” (www.mcbfa.org) Maine Coon kittens can be instantly recognizable by the long tufty ears and oversized paws, as seen in the classic longhaired American however there is a European strain of Maine Coon, (my own Maine Coon, King Henry comes from a German line) which has a shorter ruff around the neck, and often a fuller, squarer muzzle. The differences are not apparent until the cat is between 12 to 18 months.

In terms of identifying a “pure” pedigree Maine Coon, you’ll be relying quite heavily on information the breeder is presenting to you. If you have difficulty finding a reputable breeder, you could try and get a recommendation by talking to individuals at a Maine Coon event or an “all breeds” Cat show. It is essential you are happy with your breeder - if you are becoming a Maine Coon owner for the first time, you may need to rely on their expert advice.

You can expect to pay anywhere between $500 and $800 for a pure breed Maine Coon. With food, litter, vet bills and cat-sitters for holidays, Maine Coons can be a relatively expensive investment. All Maine Coon owners will agree that they are a truly wonderful breed and will repay you many times over.

IMPORTANT TIP: This could save a lot of heartache, trouble and expense later on; When buying an expensive pet, do not go for the kitten you feel sorry for and looks like it needs help. Any kittens with signs of withdrawal, low energy or general apathy, should really be avoided. Choose an independent, lively, energetic kitten. Pick out kittens that don’t necessarily come to you but are, however, interested in their surroundings.

It’s best to pick a local breeder and visit them in their home, when you’re first making your initial enquiries to check the kitten’s living conditions, health and welfare of all cats living in the same environment.

Although it sounds like common sense, have questions prepared that will help you to establish whether the breeder can be trusted.

Questions you’ll definitely want to ask:

1. How much experience does the breeder have? If you need assurance about the breeder’s ability/expertise ask to speak to someone who has recently purchased a Maine Coon from that breeder.

2. Who are the kittens’ parents and are they champions? Even if you don’t intend to show your cat, you’ll still want to find out about their pedigree. That’s what you are paying for. If this is just not important, you can sometimes find cheaper Maine Coons that are called “pet quality” meaning they do not meet the required physical standards for showing. This does not mean they are not perfectly healthy.

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