As much as Maine Coons are known for being the Gentle Giants of the feline world, Maine Coon kittens are the preciously adorable miniature version. They’ll capture your heart with their rambunctious, playful personalities and intelligent, dog-like temperament. There are plenty of good reasons why the Maine Coon is one of the most popular cat breeds out there, and we’ll help guide you through getting one of your very own.
Where to Find Maine Coon Kittens
Most people end up purchasing a Maine Coon kitten from a reputable breeder, which you can find a complete list of below. Because the breed is so popular, almost every state in the United States has a list of breeders to choose from, so there’s a good chance you’ll find one very close to you!
Maine Coon Kitten Cost
The average cost of a Maine Coon kitten is between $800 and $2000, depending on quality, age, and whether they’re certified by a vet. This cost might seem high, but Maine Coons are not like any regular house cat, and for many owners they are well worth the price.
Also, compared to many other cat breeds, Maine Coons are relative cheap. Sphynx cats and Bengal cats, for example, can easily cost upwards of $5000.
How to Choose a Maine Coon Breeder
There’s a lot that goes into raising healthy, well-socialized Maine Coon kittens as a breeder, and there are several things you can look out for as a buyer to make sure you find the right one. Some of these include:
1) They’re a member of a cat association
Some recognizable cat associations include The International Cat Association (TICA), the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) and the Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe). Almost all breeders that have been approved by one of these cat associations are assured to be high quality catteries because they must pass certain requirements to do so. Being part of an association also ensures that the kitten you are getting is indeed a Maine Coon and not some mixed breed. Every breeder on our list of breeders is a member of a cat association.
2) Contracts & Guarantees
Any good cat breeder will provide a contract when they sell the kitten that includes a health guarantee that outlines what will happen if the kitten develops any sort of health issue and states the new owner’s responsibility to adequately care for the kitten.
3) Genetic Testing
Like most purebred cats, Maine Coons have certain health issues that are more prevalent than in most domestic house cats, and good breeders will do everything they can to ensure that litters are free of these genetic health disorders. This includes testing the parents and kittens to make sure they do not have the genetic markers for some of these conditions.
4) Health Records
One of the primary responsibilities of a breeder is to give the kittens regular health checkups at the vet and get certain vaccines administered. They should hand over these health records when the kitten is sold so you can provide them to your vet and have a starting place for your kitten care.
This is just a short list of how to identify a good breeder, for more information visit our article How To Choose a Maine Coon Breeder.
Why Buy A Maine Coon Kitten
Although kittens require more time, patience and care, they’re a great choice for some cat owners because you’ll get a lifelong companion. Raising a Maine Coon from a kitten to adulthood is rewarding and gives you plenty of time to form a strong bond with your Maine Coon that will last a lifetime.
Maine Coons are set apart from most other cats because they have incredible personalities and astounding physical characteristics. Many people love how affectionate, intelligent and social Maine Coons are, as well as their patient temperament that has given them the nickname of “gentle giants”.
Maine Coons are not like most cats you’ll meet; they generally don’t hide under the bed all day or scurry away from visitors. They love attention and are incredibly loyal, and many cat enthusiasts describe them as being “dog-like”.
What To Expect With a Maine Coon Kitten
Raising a Maine Coon kitten is an entirely different experience than having an adult Maine Coon; their high energy levels and propensity to get themselves into trouble will require a lot more of your attention and patience. You might even have to train your Maine Coon kitten to not chew on things or attack your hand, and socializing them to get along well with other people or pets will take time and concentration.
Remember, kittens aren’t toys meant to just look cute and conveniently ignore when you don’t have time for them, they’re a lifelong commitment that will require a lot of love and care to grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults.
Caring For Your Maine Coon Kitten
Kittens require a lot more care than their adult counterparts. You’ll probably need to buy more nutritious (and expensive) cat food as well as make more frequent vet visits for vaccines, spaying or neutering, and preventative treatment.
You’ll want to provide plenty of toys and places for your new kitten to sleep, after all, they will sleep a lot (16-20 hrs per day!). Before bringing home your Maine Coon kitten for the first time, you’ll want to buy at least the following items:
- Cat treats (also good for training)
- Litter box and cat Litter
- Cat bed
- Cat carrier
- Cat brush and nail clippers
- Scratching post
- Food and water dishes
- Toys
