Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Coons

The price of a Maine Coon kitten depends on its class (pet, breed or show), colour, pedigree and cattery. On average it ranges from 30,000 to 120,000 roubles. Show-class kittens with rare colours can cost more. Be wary of prices that are too low — that can be a sign of missing documents or health problems.

When choosing a cattery, pay attention to: registration with a felinological system (WCF, TICA, CFA), genetic testing of the breeding cats (HCM, SMA, PKDef), the conditions the animals are kept in, buyer reviews, and the breeder's willingness to answer your questions. A good breeder will always provide documents and stay in touch after the sale.

A kitten should have: a registration certificate (birth record) or a pedigree, a veterinary passport with vaccination and deworming records, and a sale contract. It is also advisable to have the results of the parents' genetic tests for HCM, SMA and PKDef.

Maine Coons can be fed quality super-premium or holistic dry food (Royal Canin Maine Coon, Monge, Grandorf) or a natural diet (meat, offal, vegetables). It is important not to mix the two types of feeding. Kittens under a year old need special food for large-breed kittens. Always provide access to fresh water.

A kitten needs vet visits for vaccination at 2-3 months, a booster 3-4 weeks later, and then an annual re-vaccination. An adult Maine Coon should have a preventive check-up once a year, including a heart ultrasound (echocardiogram) to monitor for HCM. After the age of 7 — a check-up every 6 months.

The main genetic diseases in Maine Coons are: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) — a heart disease, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) — a neuromuscular disease, polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKDef) — a blood disorder. Responsible breeders test their breeding cats for these diseases and provide the results to buyers.

A Maine Coon's coat is semi-long and silky and not prone to matting. Combing the cat 2-3 times a week with a metal comb is enough. During shedding season (spring and autumn) — daily. It is recommended to bathe a Maine Coon once every 1-2 months with a special shampoo for long-haired cats. Pay particular attention to the "breeches" and the ruff.

Maine Coons have a friendly and even temperament. They get on wonderfully with other cats, dogs and even small animals. Maine Coons are not aggressive and adapt easily to new family members. It is best to introduce them to other pets gradually, giving the newcomer its own space for the first few days.

Yes, most catteries arrange delivery of kittens throughout Russia and abroad. Delivery is possible by ground transport (train, car) or by air. The cost of delivery is paid separately by the buyer. The kitten is sent with a full set of documents, in a comfortable carrier, after all the necessary vaccinations.

Maine Coons live very well in an apartment despite their large size. They need: a sturdy play complex (ideally floor-to-ceiling), several scratching posts, a spacious litter tray (60x40 cm minimum), and bowls for water and food. It is recommended to install cat-proof screens on the windows. Maine Coons are not prone to hyperactivity and adapt well to apartment living.

An adult male Maine Coon weighs 7-12 kg, a female 5-8 kg. Some males can reach 13-15 kg, but that is rather the exception. The body length including the tail can reach 1 metre or more. Maine Coons keep growing until they are 3-4 years old, unlike ordinary cats, which are fully grown by 1-1.5 years. Do not overfeed your cat — excess weight is dangerous for the joints and heart.

Responsible breeders rehome kittens no earlier than 3-3.5 months. By this age the kitten is fully vaccinated, socialised, litter- and scratching-post-trained, and able to eat on its own. Early weaning (before 2 months) is harmful to a kitten's health and psyche. Some catteries rehome kittens at 4 months after full vaccination and neutering.

The Maine Coon is one of the largest breeds of domestic cat. Distinctive features include: a large muscular body, tufted ears, a long bushy tail, a "ruff" on the chest, and a semi-long water-repellent coat. In character Maine Coons are very sociable and intelligent, love water, and often "talk" with a characteristic chirping voice. They are often called the "dogs of the cat world" for their devotion to their owner.

If you do not plan to breed, neutering/spaying is essential. The optimal age is 6-10 months (on your vet's recommendation). Neutered animals live longer, do not mark territory, and do not yowl during heat. Many catteries sell pet-class kittens on condition that they be neutered, and some neuter the kittens before handing them over to the new owner.

Before the kitten arrives, prepare: a spacious litter tray with high sides and quality litter, bowls for water and food (preferably ceramic or stainless steel), a scratching post (a single post or a complex), a carrier, and toys. Remove poisonous plants and block access to wires and small objects. Install cat-proof window screens. Set aside a quiet place for the kitten to settle in during the first few days.