St. Louis and the surrounding metro area — Ballwin, Chesterfield, Wildwood, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Clayton, and across the river into Metro East Illinois — is home to one of the few TICA-registered Maine Coon catteries in the region. If you are a local buyer, you have an advantage most people do not: you can visit in person, meet the parents, and pick up your kitten without a long drive or shipping fees.

Why local buyers have an edge

Most reputable Maine Coon breeders are not local to any given buyer. Families in Dallas, Denver, or Boston often have to choose between a long drive, a flight, or cargo shipping. St. Louis buyers can schedule a visit, see the cattery environment firsthand, and drive home with their kitten the same day.

In-person visits also let you observe the kittens' temperaments, see how they interact with people, and ask questions in a way that a video call cannot fully replicate. We encourage local buyers to visit before committing if they would like to.

How the process works for St. Louis buyers

The process is the same whether you are local or out of state. You reach out, we have a conversation about what you are looking for, and you join the waitlist with a $1,000 deposit when you are ready to commit. The deposit is non-refundable, applied toward the total price, and gives you a position in the pick order for the next available litter.

When a litter is born and kittens are old enough to be evaluated — typically around four to six weeks — we share photos and updates. At eight weeks, we schedule pick selections based on deposit order. Kittens go home between 12 and 16 weeks.

Can I visit the cattery before placing a deposit?

We accommodate pre-deposit visits for local buyers on a case-by-case basis. Contact us to discuss timing. We do ask that visits be scheduled in advance and that visitors understand the biosecurity considerations of a working cattery — we limit exposure to protect the health of our breeding cats and kittens.

What to bring to pickup

Bring a secure carrier — hard-sided or soft-sided, appropriately sized for a kitten. The carrier should be lined with a clean blanket or pad. You do not need to bring food or water for a local pickup; the drive home is short enough that the kitten will be fine.

We provide all health documentation, vaccination records, a care packet, and the signed contract at pickup. Plan for 30 to 60 minutes at the cattery.

Finding a veterinarian in St. Louis

Schedule the first veterinary appointment within the first week of bringing the kitten home. The St. Louis metro area has several excellent feline-focused and general small animal practices. Ask your veterinarian about completing the vaccine series, scheduling the spay or neuter per your contract, and any breed-specific health monitoring they recommend for Maine Coons.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dashing Coons open to the public?

We are a private home cattery, not a retail storefront. Visits are by appointment only. This is standard for responsible catteries and is part of how we maintain biosecurity and a low-stress environment for our cats.

Can I meet the parents of the kitten?

Yes. Both parents are on-site and you will have the opportunity to meet them at pickup. Seeing the parents is one of the best ways to understand the temperament and size your kitten is likely to develop.

Do local buyers pay less since there is no shipping?

Kitten pricing is the same regardless of location. Delivery fees apply only to buyers who request ground transport. Local pickup has no additional fee.

A practical next step

View our currently available kittens to see who is ready now, or join the waitlist to reserve your spot in the next litter. Local St. Louis buyers are always welcome to reach out with questions — we love connecting with families in our own community.