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Maine Coon Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about adopting and caring for Maine Coon kittens

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Adoption Process
Kitten Care
Health & Genetics

Adoption Questions

Our adoption process ensures our kittens go to loving, prepared homes:

  1. Browse our available kittens or upcoming litters
  2. Complete our online adoption application (takes about 15 minutes)
  3. We'll contact you within 24 hours to discuss your application
  4. Place a $500 deposit to reserve your kitten (applied to total cost)
  5. We'll send weekly updates with photos/videos as your kitten grows
  6. Final payment is due at 10 weeks of age
  7. Pick up your kitten at 12 weeks or arrange for delivery

Adoption Requirements:

  • All family members must agree to the adoption
  • No declawing policy - we require signed agreement
  • Indoor-only environment for the kitten's safety
  • Veterinary reference if you have other pets

Our 2025 pricing reflects our commitment to breeding healthy, well-socialized kittens:

Kitten Type Price Range Includes
Pet Quality $2,500 - $3,000 Vaccinations, health guarantee, starter kit
Breeder Quality $3,000 - $3,500 All pet quality benefits + breeding rights
Show Quality $3,500 - $4,500 All benefits + show potential documentation

Note: Rare colors and patterns may have additional costs. All kittens come with:

  • Veterinary health examination records
  • Age-appropriate vaccinations and deworming
  • Microchipping with pre-registration
  • Comprehensive health guarantee
  • Starter kit with premium food and supplies
  • Lifetime breeder support

Classic Maine Coons

  • Originated in North America
  • More rugged, natural appearance
  • Broad head with high cheekbones
  • Medium-length, shaggy coat
  • Muscular, rectangular body shape
  • Average weight: 10-18 lbs

European Maine Coons

  • Developed through European breeding programs
  • More refined, elegant appearance
  • Wedge-shaped head with prominent muzzle
  • Longer, silkier coat
  • Slightly more slender body
  • Average weight: 8-15 lbs

Both varieties share the wonderful Maine Coon temperament - gentle, intelligent, and affectionate. The choice between them is largely a matter of personal preference regarding appearance and size.

Kitten Care

Maine Coons are large, active cats that need space to explore and climb. Here's our comprehensive home preparation guide:

Essential Supplies:

Basic Needs

  • Large litter box with high sides
  • Sturdy scratching posts (at least 3 feet tall)
  • High-quality kitten food
  • Stainless steel food and water bowls

Comfort & Play

  • Tall cat tree (at least 5 feet)
  • Interactive toys and puzzle feeders
  • Soft bed in a quiet area
  • Window perch for bird watching

Kitten-Proofing Your Home:

  • Secure loose wires and cords out of reach
  • Remove toxic plants (lilies, poinsettias, etc.)
  • Store household chemicals and medications safely
  • Check for small spaces where kittens might get stuck
  • Secure heavy items that could be knocked over
  • Provide hiding spots for when your kitten needs quiet time

Room-by-Room Preparation:

  • Living Room: Create vertical space with cat trees and wall shelves. Provide scratching posts near furniture.
  • Bedroom: Set up a cozy bed and consider a heated pad for colder months. Keep closet doors closed.
  • Kitchen: Store food securely and keep counters clear. Provide fresh water away from food bowls.
  • Bathroom: Keep toilet lids down and store cleaning supplies safely. Consider a drinking fountain.

Proper nutrition is crucial for Maine Coon kittens as they grow into large, healthy cats. We recommend:

Kitten Diet (0-12 months):

  • High-quality kitten food (wet and dry)
  • Minimum 30% protein content
  • Essential fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6)
  • Taurine supplementation
  • 4-5 small meals per day

Recommended brands: Royal Canin Maine Coon Kitten, Purina Pro Plan Kitten, Hill's Science Diet Kitten

Feeding Schedule:

Age Frequency Amount
8-12 weeks 4-5 times/day 1/4 to 1/2 cup per meal
3-6 months 3-4 times/day 1/2 to 3/4 cup per meal
6-12 months 2-3 times/day 3/4 to 1 cup per meal

Feeding Tips:

  • Always provide fresh, clean water
  • Transition to new foods gradually over 7-10 days
  • Monitor your kitten's weight and adjust portions as needed
  • Avoid feeding dog food or human food
  • Consult your veterinarian about supplements
  • Use puzzle feeders to slow down fast eaters

Maine Coons have beautiful, long coats that require regular grooming. Here's our recommended grooming schedule:

Professional Grooming

  • Every 8-12 weeks for a full groom
  • Includes bath, blowout, and sanitary trim
  • Nail trimming and ear cleaning
  • Cost: $70-$120 per session

At-Home Maintenance

  • Brush 3-4 times weekly with a slicker brush
  • Daily brushing during shedding seasons
  • Use a metal comb for tangles
  • Check ears weekly for debris
  • Trim nails every 2-3 weeks
  • Brush teeth 2-3 times weekly

Grooming Tips:

Brushing

Use a slicker brush for the body and a comb for the tail and belly. Always brush in the direction of hair growth.

Bathing

Use cat-specific shampoo and conditioner. Bathe every 4-6 weeks or as needed. Blow dry on low heat.

Nail Care

Trim nails every 2-3 weeks using cat nail clippers. Be careful not to cut the quick (pink part of the nail).

Recommended Grooming Tools:

  • Slicker brush (self-cleaning type)
  • Stainless steel comb with wide and narrow teeth
  • Cat-specific nail clippers
  • Styptic powder (in case of nail bleeding)
  • Cat-safe shampoo and conditioner
  • Pet wipes for quick cleanups

Health & Genetics

We perform comprehensive health testing on all our breeding cats to ensure the health of our kittens:

Genetic Testing:

  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
  • Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
  • Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
  • Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
  • Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Physical Health Screening:

  • Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP evaluation)
  • Annual cardiac ultrasound
  • Dental examination
  • Complete blood count and chemistry panel
  • Urinalysis

Our Health Guarantee:

All our kittens come with a comprehensive health guarantee that covers:

  • Genetic conditions for 2 years
  • Congential defects for 1 year
  • Vaccination-related issues for the first year
  • Replacement kitten or refund options
  • Lifetime breeder support for health questions

We provide all health records and test results to new owners and are always available to discuss any health concerns.

With proper care, Maine Coons typically live long, healthy lives:

Average Lifespan:

Factor Lifespan
Indoor Maine Coons 12-15 years
Outdoor Maine Coons 8-12 years
Well-cared-for Maine Coons 15-20 years

Factors That Influence Lifespan:

  • Genetics and breeding
  • Quality of nutrition
  • Regular veterinary care
  • Indoor vs. outdoor lifestyle
  • Exercise and mental stimulation
  • Dental care

Common Age-Related Issues:

  • Arthritis (common in older, large cats)
  • Kidney disease
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Dental disease
  • Heart conditions

How to Maximize Your Maine Coon's Lifespan:

  • Feed a high-quality, age-appropriate diet
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Provide regular exercise and mental stimulation
  • Schedule annual veterinary checkups
  • Keep up with vaccinations and parasite prevention
  • Provide a stress-free environment
  • Monitor for changes in behavior or appetite

Maine Coons come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Here are the most common:

Solid Colors:

Patterns:

Tabby Patterns

  • Classic tabby (swirling pattern)
  • Mackerel tabby (striped)
  • Spotted tabby
  • Ticked tabby

Other Patterns

  • Bicolor (white with another color)
  • Tortoiseshell (black with red/orange)
  • Calico (white with black and red/orange)
  • Smoke (solid color with white roots)
  • Shaded (tipped with color)

Color Changes:

Maine Coon kittens often change color as they mature:

  • Birth to 4 weeks: Kittens may appear darker or lighter than their adult color.
  • 4 to 8 weeks: Patterns become more defined, but colors may still change.
  • 3 to 6 months: Adult color begins to emerge, but full color may take up to 2 years.
  • 1 to 2 years: Final adult color is achieved, though some seasonal variation may occur.

Rare and Unique Colors:

Some Maine Coon colors are particularly sought after:

  • Silver tabby
  • Gold tabby
  • Blue smoke
  • Cream smoke
  • Chocolate tortoiseshell
  • Lilac (dilute chocolate)

These rare colors often come with a higher price tag due to their uniqueness and the selective breeding required to produce them.

Ready to Welcome a Maine Coon Kitten?

Our kittens are raised with love and care to become beloved family members.

Happy Kitten Owners

"Our Maine Coon from RoyalPaws is the most amazing cat! He's gentle with our children, playful, and has the most beautiful coat. The adoption process was smooth and we still get updates from the breeder!"

— The Johnson Family

Adopted Oliver, Classic Maine Coon

"As first-time cat owners, we were nervous, but RoyalPaws provided all the support we needed. Our kitten Luna is healthy, well-socialized, and has the sweetest personality. We couldn't be happier!"

— Sarah & Michael T.

Adopted Luna