Do you have kittens available?
This is the question we get asked the most. Here are a few statuses that you may see referenced on our “KITTENS” page during the adoption process:
AVAILABLE: Adoption applications are being accepted for this kitten.
HOLD: Kitten is on hold for someone - It is unlikely the kitten will become available again.
RESERVED: Contract signed, reservation fee paid - It is unlikely the kitten will become available again.
SOLD: Contract signed, paid in full - Kitten is now spoken for.
EVALUATION: Under breeder observation - Kitten is NOT available at this time.
STAYS: Kitten will stay in the cattery for future showing and/or breeding work.
PLEASE NOTE: Unless we have kittens available, the ADOPTION tab of our website will be hidden, and we may be slow to respond to inquiries via email, website contact form, social media messages etc. We receive dozens of kitten inquiries each month, despite the fact that we are a small in-home cattery that only produces a small handful of litters each year. For this reason, social media and/or email messages with questions that are already answered on this FAQ page will go unanswered. We appreciate your understanding and patience!
Can I be added to a waitlist?
Our goal is to find the very best homes for our kittens where they will be forever loved and spoiled. Sometimes that’s the first person that expresses an interest and sometimes that could be one of the very last. In short, we do not keep waitlists, and we do not accept reservation fees for kittens that are not yet born; however, once a successful mating takes place, we will announce as much on social media and to our webpage.
Be sure to check back here OR you can like/follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to stay up to date on our future breeding plans and litter announcements (links for these social media platforms can be found at the bottom of this page).
How do I reserve a kitten?
The first step to reserving a kitten is to fill out an adoption application.
This electronic form can be found under the ADOPTION tab of our website.
To reiterate, the ADOPTION tab and corresponding form will be hidden from the public until kittens become available.
Kittens are typically released from breeder EVALUATION and listed to our KITTENS page as AVAILABLE somewhere between 12-16 weeks of age.
Just as every pet lover should do their due diligence with researching and interviewing potential breeders, Lake View Coons Cattery also screens each potential pet guardian and approves or denies applicants at our discretion.
When an approved candidate expresses interest in a specific kitten, we will send a copy of our contract for review. After we receive the signed contract back, the kitten will get put on HOLD. We then give 1 week for the non-refundable reservation fees to be paid. Once the reservation fee is received, this moves the kitten to a RESERVED status.
NOTE: Lake View Coons holds the right to have first pick of the litter for our future breeding work, and reserves the right to refuse any person at any point in the adoption process up to and including pick up day (if remainder due has been paid in advance, it will be reimbursed accordingly).
Additionally, submitting an adoption application and/or returning your signed contract does not guarantee you a kitten. A reservation fee is what’s required to RESERVE your kitten. If the reservation fee is not received within one week of returning your signed contract, the kitten in question will be moved from HOLD back to AVAILABLE status.
What is the average price for a Maine Coon kitten?
According to an article published in 2017 by CBS News, “Meet the most expensive cat breeds in America”: In the United States, prices can range anywhere between $1500-$4000, with a total yearly maintenance cost (including food, a few toys, and excluding grooming services) of approximately $980.
BEWARE of catteries that claim they have pedigree kittens available below the national average price range! Most times these listings are scams, for mix-breed domestic house cats, or for kittens produced by backyard breeders and kitten mills with cats that are not registered for breeding, have not undergone proper health screening, and/or have been raised in less than ideal living conditions.
It’s just as important to also BEWARE of catteries that charge higher prices without actually doing very important and costly health tests, including hip x-ray screening for moderate or severe Hip Dysplasia and advanced cardiac screening by a board certified cardiologist who performs routine heart echocardiograms.
During our reservation process, our goal is to help point you in the right direction, matching you with just the right kitten for you. Wether you opt to work with our cattery or go elsewhere, we’d be happy to help connect you with like-minded breeders who also prioritize heart echo and hip x-ray screening of their breeding cats (in the states or abroad).
UPDATE: With the cost of living increase since COVID19 (and along with it the price for cat food, routine and emergency veterinary care, pet supplies etc.), the price for a well bred Maine Coon cat in the United States has risen drastically over the last few years. You can now expect to pay anywhere from $2500 to $5000 or more for a well bred, properly health screened pedigree Maine Coon
What is the cost of a Lake View Coons kitten?
Neither parent of the kitten has earned a championship title:
Total price $3500 → Reservation fee = $700 - Remainder due = $2800
Kitten is born to a parent that has earned a championship title:
Total price $4000 → Reservation fee = $800 - Remainder due = $3200
NOTE: With the rising cost of pet supplies and veterinary care, prices are subject to change at the cattery’s discretion.
What is the cost of a retired Lake View Coons breeding cat?
The price for a retired breeding or show cat will range somewhere between $750-$1500.
What is a reservation fee?
Reservation fees show a buyer’s commitment to purchasing a kitten. The reservation fee is non-refundable and required to move a kitten from a HOLD to RESERVED status. The current reservation fee is 20% of the total price of the kitten and is due within one week of signing a contract.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We currently accept the following forms of payment:
PayPal Business: We will email you an invoice with a clickable link where you will have the option to pay using a debit card, credit card, ApplePay, Venmo, or your PalPal linked bank account
Domestic Wire Transfer: Bank to bank transfers ONLY - Please, no requests to use 3rd party apps
Certified Bank Check: Made payable to Lake View Coons LLC - Hand delivered or snail mailed
Please note: PalPal Business is the only method of payment we currently accept. We do not accept cash or personal checks. Thank you for your understanding!
Does your cattery perform any type of health screening?
YES! All of our breeding cats have been DNA tested for Hypertrophic CardioMyopathy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and over four dozen other gene mutations commonly found in feline breeds, including Polycystic Kidney Disease and Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency. Results of this health screening, in addition to OFA Advanced Cardiac and Hip Grading results, can be viewed for our active breeding cats by clicking the corresponding links found under each of our king’s and queen’s profile page.
In addition to the Genetic, Cardiac, and Orthopedic screening, we also proactively do full panel fecal and upper respiratory PCR labs with Idexx any time a new kitten or cat enters the cattery.
Do kittens go home with pet medical insurance?
Yes. Lake View Coons has partnered with Trupanion to provide 30 days of coverage with no obligation (be sure to visit Trupaion’s website for more details - some restrictions may apply).
What type of veterinary care will my kitten receive?
All of our fur family members are seen by a licensed veterinarian at an AAHA-accredited, full service veterinary hospital.
With each wellness visit, kittens will receive a physical exam, age appropriate vaccines, fecal test, and dewormer (as needed).
Before leaving the cattery, each kitten will be microchipped and spay or neutered. One kitten in each litter will also be Idexx SNAP tested for FIV/FeLV.
Because we always want to keep the best interest of the kitten in mind, if there is a reaction to a vaccination, a kitten becomes unwell, or complications with the spay/neuter surgery, the scheduled pick up date may be adjusted accordingly.
At what age can I bring my kitten home?
Each kitten will be evaluated to determine proper health and socialization prior to leaving for it’s new home. This timeframe may vary from kitten to kitten, but the approximate age of departure will be between 13-16 weeks of age.
Do you offer delivery options?
No. Not at this time. All kittens must be picked up in person, from the cattery, and on their scheduled pickup date.
Do you offer in-home cattery visits?
For the health and safety of our family, cats, and kittens we only allow in-home cattery visits for approved applicants and by appointment only.
For those approved applicants who are not local to us and interested, we are more than happy to schedule a time in advance for a FaceTime virtual visit.
Once a kitten is reserved, we’ll be sure to continue to provide photo updates so that you don’t miss out on seeing your kitten mature and grow. We try to do photo sessions weekly, but this could vary from litter to litter.
For those interested, we will also send you an invite to a private Facebook group where you can share photos, videos, and updates with others who have previously purchased a kitten from our cattery.
What is the average size of a Maine Coon Cat?
I get a lot of requests asking for an XXL sized cat. Although Maine Coons are known to be the largest breed of domesticated cats, they don’t all grow to be 20+ pounds.
Genetics play a role but just like humans there are recessive traits that can crop up that were not planned for. In other words, there is no way to accurately predict the future size of your Maine Coon cat. Even if the parents are of a certain size it does not mean that the kitten will become that size, or that the kitten won’t exceed that size.
On average, a male Maine Coon is larger than a female. Because Maine Coons mature slower than your average domestic house cat, it can take anywhere from 3-5 years to reach full maturity. As per TICA, the world’s largest genetic cat registry, the size of a full grown male is typically 13-18 pounds, while the female averages between 9-13 pounds. The height of the male cat is 10-16 inches and about 40 inches long. The female can stand at about 8-14 inches tall and be the same length as the male (these averages can vary greatly).
With a growing number of Maine Coon cats being diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia each year, not to mention orthopedic issues related to obesity, I would be extremely leery of a cattery that touts producing cats of greater than average size. Especially if they cannot provide a history of hip grading results for their breeding cats (ideally, OFA Certification or hip rating scores performed through a Health Program like PawPeds).
What do you feed your kittens & cats?
We currently feed a well balanced prey model ground raw diet with Alnutrin meat completer and omega oil mix from Hare-Today, supplemented with an evening meal of high protein, quality ingredient wet food and freeze dried raw.
In addition to eating raw, and to make the transition process to their new homes as easy as possible, we also introduce kittens to several types of high quality, commercially obtained foods as they are growing up. Here are some examples:
Merrick’s Backcountry Real Meat Grain Free Wet Food Variety Pack
Purina One Grain-Free Premium Pate Variety Pack
Purina ONE True Instinct Protein-Rich Gravy Variety Pack
Nulo Freestyle Cat & Kitten Turkey & Chicken Pate
Nulo Freestyle Cat & Kitten Duck & Tuna Pate
Nulo Freestyle Cat & Kitten Salmon & Mackerel Pate
Stella & Chewy's Freeze Dried Raw Duck, Duck Goose Dinner Morsels
Stella & Chewy's Freeze Dried Raw Yummy Lickin' Salmon & Chicken Dinner Morsels
Orijen Original Cat, Grain Free Dry Cat Food for all Life Stages (fed only in small quantities)
The raw/vitamin/oil mix is given for breakfast and for dinner. The wet food (or if you absolutely must, kibble) is put out overnight, and the freeze dried raw is used as a food topper and treat.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Felines are obligate carnivores and for long term kidney health they need a high protein, high moisture diet to thrive. If you are able, feeding a well balanced raw diet is the best way to go; however, we understand that feeding raw is not for everyone.
For more information on feeding raw, in addition to the Hare-Today website, this is a fantastic resource: Raw Feeding Advice and Support. We have also found the Facebook group Feline Nutrition: Feeding Cats Like Cats to be a wonderful community for those interested in learning how to “feed cats like cats” using the prey model raw diet, a raw/wet food combo diet, or a completely wet food diet that is commercially obtained.
Is there a specific type of water fountain or bowl that you use?
We prefer regular water bowls made of stainless steel, ceramic, or porcelain. We have tried several different pet water fountains and found that over time they do not last and are very difficult to keep properly cleaned.
Is there a specific type of food bowl that you use?
We’ve found that our kittens and cats do not have a preference. As long as you keep the food coming, they do not complain. :)
One suggestion we will offer is to avoid bowls made of plastic as this can cause chin acne in some pets.
What type of litter do you use?
We use pine pellet stall bedding from Tractor Supply. This type of litter is cost effective, compostable, and ensures that small granules of clumping litter are not ingested by kittens.
NOTE: It is recommended that you have one litter box available for every cat in your household PLUS one additional box. These boxes should be located in a quiet area in different locations of the house to provide ease of access and prevent feline elimination issues.
Where can I find an XL litter pan that fits an adult Maine Coon?
We use the Ohm Earth's OhmBox which is a larger sized stainless steel litter box that can be purchased through Amazon. We personally prefer stainless steel litter boxes to those made of plastic. It has been our experience that they are easier to keep clean and do not retain odor or bacteria like those made of plastic.
In the past, we have used a large (2 feet x 3 feet x 8 inch) plastic mixing tub commonly found in the drywall mud isle of the big box stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot. This is an inexpensive alternative to the stainless steel box.
For self cleaning litter boxes, we use CatGenie, the world’s only self-flushing, self-washing litter box. CatGenie acts like a litter box, cleans like an appliance, and flushes like a toilet. We have been using CatGenie since 2019 and it has been a complete game changer for us!
NOTE: We did try but quickly retired not one, but two of the Litter Robot Wifi Connects (and despite them both still being under an 18 month extended warranty we paid extra for!). The Litter Robot design is a great idea in theory, but it was our personal experience that they are not only impossible to keep properly disinfected, but they are also not suitably sized for the extra long bodied Maine Coon cat.
What type of products do you use for grooming?
It’s very important to prioritize a grooming routine with your Maine Coon kitten or cat.
Depending on the fur texture and type, some may need just a weekly combing while others may need to be brushed on a daily basis.
Our new, and absolute favorite comb for daily grooming was introduced to us by the Charleston Cat Groomer. It’s called the Detangling Pet Comb for Dogs & Cats with Long & Short Stainless Steel Metal Teeth and it’s used for removing tangles, knots, and routine grooming.
For the occasional bath, we use Nature's Specialties Plum Silky Shampoo.
When blow drying we use The Original Happy Hoodie for Dogs & Cats.
If your cat is prone to a greasy coat, pre-washing with Groomer’s Goop or a bit of Dawn dish soap before bathing will help.
For maintenance of greasy prone coats between baths, you can lightly dust the problem spots with a scent-free, cornstarch (NOT talcum) based powder. Think dry shampoo: Gently rub in and then brush out the coat.
What type of cat tree do you recommend for Maine Coon Cats?
Our number one go to used to be RHRQuality cat trees and scratching posts from Cat Tree King (we have three different models); however, we’ve found that in the last couple years prices have nearly doubled.
We recently discovered some less expensive, but equally sturdy alternatives that are incredibly stylish and have quickly become one of our favorite modern cat brands: MAU PETS.
For wall mounted scratching posts, hammocks, and condos, we absolutely LOVE Catastrophic Creations.
Amazon also has some affordable and sturdy options for extra large size cats made by the manufacturer “PETSITE.” We have purchased three different models and give them two big thumbs up. The detachable and washable plush cushions and hammocks are a HUGE plus!
PETSITE Tall Cat Tree, 67 Inches Wooden Multi-Level Cat Tower with 3-Story Cat Condo, 2 Perches, Scratching Posts, Platforms, Sleeping Bed, Spring Ball, Hanging Rope
Whichever product you choose, it’s important to ensure it’s heavy duty enough to withstand the size of the Maine Coon at adult age when jumping, scratching, and climbing.
What type of carrier do you use?
We prefer soft sided carriers with the option to front or top load the kitten or cat. This is the carrier that we are currently using, and have one in every color: Henkelion Collapsible Carrier
What are the best types of toys, treats, tunnels, and beds for my cat?
Our cats really enjoy some of the following:
NOTE: Toys with feathers, stuffing, or strings etc. should only be given for play under watchful supervision.
Do you offer breeding rights?
No. Not at this time.
If and when we do decide to offer breeding rights, it will only be females (we will NOT offer any males) and only to a select few breeders we are currently networked with. These are breeders who share our ethics and breeding practices, specifically, breeders who do the same extensive health screening our cattery performs (I.E.: Not just genetic testing, but hip X-ray screening for Hip Dysplasia, and advanced cardiac screening for HCM too). And, ideally, these same breeders are working towards reducing Clones% and COI% in their pedigree lines as well.
Does my kitten have to be spayed or neutered before leaving the cattery?
In short, YES! All kittens will be spayed or neutered prior to their scheduled pick up date.
Spay/Neuter guidelines as per the EveryCat Health Foundation (formerly called the WINN Feline Foundation):
Current recommendations for the age to sterilize (spay/neuter) cats are arbitrary and inconsistent. Adoption of evidence-based guidelines is expected to limit confusion among cat owners, reduce the risk of unwanted litters, and maximize health and welfare benefits.
A task force of veterinarians and experts selected from private and corporate veterinary practice, feline specialty practice, shelter practice, organized veterinary medicine, feline health research, behavior, and academia was convened to review the currently available evidence for the ‘optimum age for spaying or neutering cats.’ The Veterinary Task Force on Feline Sterilization task provide the following key findings and proposals emerged from a review of the currently available scientific literature and group discussion:
Recommendations for the optimal age to sterilize cats may differ from the age to sterilize dogs.
Current scientific evidence documents benefits of spaying kittens before the first estrous cycle, including the following:
- Decreased risk for mammary carcinoma1
- Elimination of reproductive emergencies such as pyometra and dystocia
- Avoidance of unintended pregnancies that may occur as early as 4 months of age
- Potential decrease in behavioral problems linked with cat relinquishment
More controlled prospective research specifically examining different ages in sterilization in cats is needed. As new information becomes available, the recommended age for sterilization of cats should be revisited.
There is potential to increase the number of sterilized cats and reduce the unplanned/unwanted litters of kittens if veterinarians routinely schedule this surgery for client-owned cats at the end of the kitten vaccination series.
Given the known benefits of sterilization and the lack of evidence for harm related to age at which the procedure is performed, the Veterinary Taskforce on Feline Sterilization calls for veterinary practitioners and professional associations to recommend sterilization of cats by five months of age. This provides veterinary practitioners with a consistent message that may increase veterinary visits and spay/neuter compliance while reducing the risk of pet relinquishment and unwanted offspring.
Spay/Neuter guidelines as per the Cat Fancier Association (CFA):
The existence of homeless/unwanted cats is one of the major problems involving companion animals in the United States. The Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc. (CFA), has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing the number of cats euthanized in this country. Breeders of pedigreed cats have encouraged the neutering and spaying of pet cats for many years as part of responsible animal care.
Surgical altering is currently the only foolproof and permanent method of birth control for cats. A spay is the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries of a female animal. A female cat’s risk of getting mammary cancer is reduced when she is spayed before her first heat cycle, which can occur as young as 4 to 5 months. Neutering is the surgical removal of the testicles of a male animal. Neutering a male kitten before 5 months generally prevents the development of mating behavior such as spraying urine to mark territory.
Policies regarding spay/neuter of young kittens are endorsed by the American Humane Association, American Veterinary Medical Association, SPAY/ USA, American Animal Hospital Association, the Winn Feline Foundation, CFA and many other animal organizations. CFA and others encourage spaying and neutering of owned kittens by five months and the use of early age spay/neuter by shelters. This will ensure that all kittens adopted from shelters are altered prior to leaving the facility, thus eliminating the need for contracts and follow up.
We must continue to insist that local shelters and animal control agencies alter all cats prior to adoption or require a written sterilization agreement. (The agreement should contain a deposit requirement and language requiring the owner to alter cats/kittens within 30 days of adoption or by their 4th-5th month estimated birth date.) There must be provisions for strict follow through and/or penalties with the above. Currently, compliance by people adopting pets from animal agencies is estimated to be only 60%. Improvement in this area will have a great impact on reducing a major source of the shelter population. These requirements should be vigorously enforced before any coercive legislation is even considered. The state of Texas adopted this policy through legislation passed in 1992 and a majority of other states have followed. According to the Michigan State University Animal Legal Center, 32 states now require shelters and agencies to sterilize dogs and cats prior to transfer or adoption, with some exceptions.
Neuter/spay programs must be directed toward the main sources of unwanted animals; unowned/feral cats; unaltered cats allowed to roam and randomly mate; and, cats who are mated indiscriminately but purposefully (i.e. not a part of a recognized breeding program).
We also consider it the responsibility of conscientious breeders of pedigreed cats to take all appropriate steps to ensure that animals placed by them, not specifically intended to be used in a recognized breeding program, be altered before any opportunity to mate. Pet stores, rescue groups and any others who place cats should also ensure similar sterilization compliance.
Pedigreed cat breeders have used sterilization contracts and follow up for over 30 years, with a high rate of success.