Choose with care. Prepare with confidence.
A Maine Coon can become a deeply social, affectionate and impressive family companion. Their size, intelligence, coat and people-focused nature also mean that choosing responsibly and preparing properly matters.
This guide explains what to check before contacting an advertiser, what to look for during a viewing, which records to request, and how to prepare your home for the first weeks together.
Seven essentials to confirm first
Do not let a beautiful photograph replace careful checks. A responsible decision should be based on the kitten, the parents, the home environment and the original records.
See the kitten in person
Visit the place where the kitten has been raised. Observe cleanliness, confidence, breathing, eyes, ears, coat and movement.
Meet the mother
The kitten should normally be seen interacting with its mother. Ask to see both parents where possible and compare their temperament and condition.
Review health testing
Ask for original parent test results relevant to Maine Coons, including HCM1, SMA and PK-Def. DNA results do not replace veterinary heart screening.
Verify pedigree registration
Check the registration organisation, registered names, registration numbers and pedigree. Ask how ownership transfer will be completed.
Check veterinary records
Review vaccination dates, worming, health examinations and any treatment history. The paperwork should identify the kitten clearly.
Confirm microchip details
Confirm the microchip number and how the database record will be transferred. In England, owned cats must be microchipped before 20 weeks of age.
Read the contract
Make sure the price, deposit, collection date, health terms, registration status, support and any restrictions are written clearly.
Understand what the tests can — and cannot — tell you.
Maine Coons are generally robust cats, but responsible breeding programmes pay close attention to inherited conditions seen in the breed. Ask for clear, original evidence rather than relying only on an advert badge or verbal assurance.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affects the heart muscle. A DNA test can identify a known Maine Coon mutation, while echocardiography assesses the heart itself. One does not replace the other.
Spinal muscular atrophy is an inherited neuromuscular condition. Ask for the parents’ DNA status and confirm that the mating has been planned responsibly.
Pyruvate kinase deficiency can cause haemolytic anaemia. Parent DNA results help establish whether a kitten is clear, a carrier or at risk.
Some breeders also use hip screening, blood grouping, FIV/FeLV testing and repeat cardiac examinations. Ask what was tested, when, by whom and for which cat.
Look beyond appearance.
Healthy signs to look for
- Bright, clear eyes without persistent discharge
- Clean nose and quiet, comfortable breathing
- Clean ears without strong odour or heavy debris
- Clean coat and skin, with no obvious bald or sore areas
- Confident movement without obvious lameness
- Curiosity, play and age-appropriate interaction
Questions worth asking
- What food and litter is the kitten currently using?
- How has the kitten been socialised and handled?
- Has the kitten lived with children, dogs or other cats?
- Has the kitten ever been unwell or received medication?
- What ongoing support is available after collection?
- What happens if a veterinary concern appears soon after purchase?
Warning signs should never be ignored.
A pressured or confusing transaction is a reason to step back. A genuine seller should be willing to answer sensible questions and allow you time to verify important information.
- The seller refuses an in-person viewing or offers delivery only
- The kitten cannot be seen with its mother
- Payment is demanded urgently before records are shown
- Names, dates, microchip details or photographs do not match
- The seller avoids questions about health, registration or licence status
- The kitten appears unwell, fearful, unusually quiet or poorly socialised
Make space for a large, intelligent and active cat.
Maine Coons often enjoy climbing, observing family life and taking part in daily routines. Their adult size makes sturdy equipment particularly important.
Plan for more than the purchase price.
A responsible budget considers the costs that continue throughout the cat’s life. Exact costs vary, so compare local veterinary, insurance and food prices before committing.
Routine care
Vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental checks, neutering where appropriate and regular veterinary examinations.
Insurance or emergency savings
Large or specialist veterinary bills can arise unexpectedly. Review exclusions, excesses and lifetime limits carefully.
Nutrition and equipment
Complete food, litter, grooming products, replacement scratching furniture, carriers and enrichment all form part of ownership.
Time and companionship
Maine Coons often value interaction and enrichment. Consider holidays, pet care, working hours and changes to your household.
Leave with the kitten and the complete record pack.
Maine Coon buying questions answered
At what age should a pedigree Maine Coon kitten leave?
Many reputable pedigree breeders keep kittens until at least 12–13 weeks so that socialisation, vaccination and development can progress before the move. Review the actual vaccination dates and the breeder’s registration rules rather than relying only on an advertised age.
Does TICA or GCCF registration guarantee health?
No. Registration establishes pedigree and identity within the registering organisation, but buyers should separately verify health testing, veterinary records, living conditions and the terms of sale.
Should I pay a deposit before viewing?
The safest approach is to verify the seller, kitten, mother, location and records before paying. Never allow urgency or fear of missing out to replace your checks. Read the written deposit terms carefully.
Why should I ask about both DNA tests and heart scans?
A DNA test checks for specific known variants; it does not assess every possible cause of heart disease. Cardiac imaging evaluates the heart at the time of examination. Responsible programmes may use both as complementary tools.
What if information in a listing appears incorrect?
Ask the advertiser for clarification and original evidence. You can also use the Report listing link on the listing page so MCOON can review the concern.
Browse carefully presented Maine Coon listings.
Compare the information, arrange a viewing and verify original records directly with the advertiser.