3. Does the stud live with the breeder? If not, can the breeder guarantee that the stud has not been subjected to any illnesses e.g. cat flu. Has the breeder bred the stud before?

4. Is there any known heredity illnesses in the ancestral line such as HCM (can cause heart failure) and hip problems?

5. Have any of the other cats suffered from any illnesses for e.g. have any recent litters suffered from any strain of cat flu?

6. If relevant to your situation, ask if the kitten is comfortable around other animals and children?

7. At what point, could the kittens leave their mother (I would be concerned if the breeder allowed the kitten to leave it’s mother if it is less than 12 weeks).

8. Will a vet check the kittens before leaving the breeder’s home? How many times? If the Maine Coon becomes ill after it has left the breeder, who is responsible for paying vet’s fees or could the kitten be returned to the breeder?

9. You’ll also want to find out how often the queen is impregnated; because a queen subjected to “too regular” pregnancies can be prone to producing weak or sickly kittens.

Other things you may want to check/do:

10. The living conditions of the stud and queens e.g. the cleanliness of the cages/rooms and the health/welfare of the cat etc.

11. Will the cats be litter trained before they move to their new homes?

12. Also, the environment where the mother and kittens are living. Are there toys, clean litter, warmth, food and water?

13. Check the eyes of the kitten to evaluate its health. Never purchase a kitten that has weeping eyes.

14. The breeder’s contract. Have a read of the written agreement before you commit yourself. Pay particular attention to areas of responsibility should the kitten become unwell soon after you’ve bought him/her.

15. You should book your new kitten in for an all round check with your own vet almost as soon as you’ve collected from the breeder. If there are any signs of problems, you’ll want to know within the first 24 hours.

On the whole, Maine Coon breeders are passionate about their cats and love what they do. There’s not a whole lot of money to be made in breeding Maine Coons, and it is very demanding work.

Unless, your gut feeling tells you otherwise, you can expect to be talking to breeders who are totally dedicated Maine Coon lovers.

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