Maine Coon Cat & Kitten Care

Health-

In addition to regular veterinarian checkups, our breeding cats are tested for over 45 genetic diseases via the Optimum Selection Feline DNA testing. Our breeding cats and pets received echocardiograms as another way of checking for HCM or Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Our goal is to produce healthy, good temperament cats and work with breeders who hold the same values.

A bit about HCM….
What is HCM? Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a disorder where the heart muscle wall increases in thickness, eventually leading to heart failure. We have experienced death from this disease personally.
Our first generation of cats, known as the “Fabulous 5”, included our sweet boy Mackie. Mackie was not a pedigreed cat and received regular veterinarian care across the United States with multiple renowned veterinarians. None of the veterinarians heard a heart murmur which can be a symptom of HCM. He had a stroke and threw a clot into his mezzanine area. HCM or any heart condition was never mentioned amongst his medical team. While Jim was away from home, Mackie climbed into Kathy’s lap and breathed his last breath at age 11. When a necropsy was performed, the diagnosis of HCM came to light. This experience is what led Jim and Kathy to read more about HCM and led us to the pedigreed cat world of our beloved Maine Coons.

Water-

It is important that your Maine Coon Cat and/or Kitten is hydrated. We utilize several different types of water fountains throughout our home to ensure our cats receive an adequate supply of fresh clean water at all times. Some Maine Coon’s also like to play in their water fountain; you may need to work with a couple different types of water sources to find which will work for you.

Food-

It is important to read labels for nutritional ingredients. Kathy constantly reads labels for the nutritional content. We use grain free, high protein based products with probiotics, vitamins and minerals (the $5+ per can variety). We steer away from fish flavored products due to the mercury content in fish linked to a wide range of diseases to include cancer.

Your Maine Coon kitten will go home with a food packet (along with other goodies) to start their lifelong journey with you.

Vaccinations-

Our kittens will receive 2 sets of vaccinations prior to leaving to your home.

Registration-

Kittens are registered with TICA or CFA and will be placed in loving homes at 12 weeks old.

Grooming-

We recommend that you should have both combs and brushes on hand to care for your Maine Coon. Your Maine Coon kitten will have received regular combing, brushing and a bath prior to heading to your home that we also utilize as a socialization method.

We are always available to consult with you on products to use with the grooming care of your cat. We steer clear of products with strong fragrances and chemicals.

Play Time-

I could spend a bit of time here! Maine Coons love to play and are very curious. Our cats have multiple different types of toys available to them at all times. Fishing rod toys, particularly the hand made types found at cat shows, are very appealing to Maine Coons. Jingle balls, springs and our cat’s beloved “bones” are other favorites in this home. We also have a few play stations set up throughout our home for self play.

Scratching Pads/Poles-

We have several cat scratching posts, cat trees and scratching mats placed about our home for our cats enjoyment and to help train to NOT use the furniture.