We’ve covered the topic of Bad Breeders and previously given Tips for Avoiding and Reporting Online Pet Scams, but one question we still get asked often from those who have contacted us in their search for a Maine Coon kitten is this:
“With all the scams out there, how do I know I’ve found a good breeder?”
No two breeders are created equal
The best advice we can give pedigree kitten buyers is this:
“Don’t rush the process in your excitement!”
and…
“Research. Research. Research!”
Unfortunately, with the growing popularity of the breed, new catteries are popping up every day. Some of these new catteries are absolutely amazing. Others, sadly, are doing the bare minimum.
So what makes a good breeder?
A good breeder can speak intelligently about the origin and evolution of the breed, the written standard, their personal breeding goals, the strengths and weaknesses of the pedigree lines they are working with, and provide references when asked.
A good breeder has an understanding of feline genetics and husbandry.
A good breeder understands that breeding practices are always evolving, and are willing to continue researching and learning.
A good breeder breeds with the intent of promoting the breed standard (and often times will be active in the show hall).
A good breeder will have a primary source of income that is separate from the cattery.
A good breeder will perform all the necessary proactive health screening for their breeding cats. With Maine Coons this means DNA analysis for HCM/SMA gene mutations at the very least (results should be N/N - not at risk and not a carrier). More importantly, it also means routine heart echo screening, and hip X-ray screening to rule out hip dysplasia and HCM too. These tests should be done for both the mom and the dad of the kitten you are inquiring about.
A good breeder will quarantine all new incoming cats and will proactively send full fecal and upper respiratory PCR lab work out for analysis. They will not release said cat(s) from quarantine until they have received clean results for any concerning viral, bacterial, or parasitic conditions.
A good breeder does not overbreed their animals and always keeps their physical and mental health as a priority.
A good breeder will be transparent about the health of their animals.
A good breeder will ensure their kittens and cats are regularly seen by a licensed vet and that all animals in their care have received their age appropriate vaccinations.
A good breeder would never release a sick cat to its new home. Kittens and cats are living breathing animals that can and will occasionally get sick, BUT a good breeder will seek diagnosis and treatment of a sick animal before releasing it to a new family.
A good breeder would never falsify vet records, registration documents, DNA / echo / xray / PCR lab results.
A good breeder will be registered and in good standing with a cat association and all kittens sold from their cattery will come with registration papers (Note: Regardless of which cat association they are registered with, it is a very nominal fee for breeders to obtain litter registration and breeder slip paperwork for each and every kitten they produce, although in some applicable cases, breeders may hold back this paperwork until proof of spay or neuter is provided).
A good breeder will have a written contract which clearly outlines all genetic and/or health guarantees.
A good breeder won’t change any part of the contract without mutual and written consent.
A good breeder won’t break a written and signed contract.
A good breeder will abide by all laws, including animal welfare laws, cat association registry rules, and pet lemon laws. The written contract will reflect these rules and laws accordingly (Note: Some states require breeders to offer a full or partial refund in the event a kitten becomes fatally ill, and in some instances, full or partial reimbursement of vet bills too).
A good breeder will spay or neuter all pet only kittens before leaving their cattery OR will have a spay neuter agreement clearly outlined in their contract.
A good breeder would never allow their kittens to be sold with breeding rights to those without proper knowledge and support, or to other breeders who are not also considered to be a “good breeder”.
A good breeder will clearly outline if there are any fees to reserving a kitten and under what terms those fees may or may not be refundable or transferable.
A good breeder would never charge extra for something not already clearly communicated in advance (ex: shipping, paperwork, spay or neuter cost).
A good breeder does not release their kittens until they are fully weaned, litter box trained, and properly socialized (this will be sometime after 12 weeks of age).
A good breeder will be interested in and ask questions of you, your family, your living situation etc. to ensure you are also a good fit.
A good breeder will either allow you to visit their cattery to meet their cats in person, or they will be willing to show you plenty of picture and videos with identifying details in them like your name and the date (to verify the cats are in their possession and the photos and videos are truly theirs), or video call with you to do a virtual visit.
A good breeder would never pose as selling a kitten or cat from their own cattery when it indeed comes from or was bred somewhere else.
In Summary
Be sure to do your due diligence when researching and interviewing breeders. Be patient with the process. Ask lots of questions. Listen to your gut. If something seems off, or sounds too good to be true, it probably is! There are lots of good breeders out there who are breeding the right way and for all the right reasons, but unfortunately there are just as many (or more) who are not. Don’t make the mistake that so many have and rush the kitten buying process. When you prioritize buying from a breeder that has a kitten or cat available as soon as possible, or at the lowest cost, you are bound to run into backyard breeders, kitten mills, and scammers.
