If you have been researching Maine Coon kittens, you have probably noticed that prices vary quite a bit from one breeder to the next — sometimes by thousands of dollars. That range is not arbitrary. It reflects real differences in what goes into producing a kitten, and understanding those differences helps you evaluate what you are actually paying for.

What makes European Maine Coon kittens more expensive than average?

The "European" designation refers to bloodlines developed in Scandinavia and continental Europe, where breeders have spent decades selecting for larger bone structure, more dramatic facial features, and longer, denser coats. Importing or working with those lines costs significantly more than sourcing domestically — stud fees, import paperwork, and international health certifications all add up before a single kitten is born. Buyers are paying for that foundation, not just the kitten in front of them.

What are the main pricing tiers?

Most reputable catteries price kittens across a few distinct categories:

• Pet quality — kittens placed on a spay/neuter agreement with no breeding rights. These are typically the most accessible price point within a program, though "pet quality" from a serious European cattery still means a well-bred, healthy, beautifully structured cat.
• Polydactyl — kittens carrying the naturally occurring extra-toe trait. Polydactyls are TICA-registerable and fully healthy; they are simply a different structural expression of the breed. Because they are rarer and in high demand, they often carry a premium over standard-paw siblings from the same litter.
• Show or breeding quality — kittens placed with breeding rights or intended for the show hall. These carry the highest price point and are typically reserved for buyers with an established or developing cattery program.

How does health testing affect price?

Responsible breeders test their breeding cats for heritable conditions — HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) screening and genetic panels are the most common in Maine Coons. These tests are not cheap, and they need to be repeated periodically. A breeder who invests in ongoing health testing is absorbing a real cost that shows up in kitten pricing. When a cattery does not test, that cost disappears from the price — but the risk transfers to the buyer.

Does breeder size affect what you pay?

Yes, in both directions. Very large operations may price lower per kitten because of volume, but that scale often comes at the cost of individual attention during the critical early weeks. Small programs — those with two or three breeding females — typically charge more because each litter represents a larger share of the breeder's time and investment. The tradeoff is usually a kitten that has been handled daily, raised in a home environment, and placed with genuine personal care.

What about coat type — does that change the price?

It can. Smoke coats — black smoke and blue smoke in particular — are among the most visually striking patterns in the breed, and demand for them is high. Because smoke development is not fully visible in young kittens (the contrast deepens significantly over the first year or two), breeders who specialize in smoke lines are often working with a longer feedback loop and more selective pairing decisions. That specialization tends to be reflected in pricing.

What does Dashing Coons charge for kittens?

We share our current pricing directly by phone or inquiry — not on a public price list, because availability and litter composition change and we want every conversation to be accurate. If you are curious about what a kitten from our program costs, the best thing to do is call or text Samuel at 618-973-6926 or use our contact and waitlist form. There is no pressure — he is happy to answer questions about the program, the lines we work with, and what to expect from the process before you make any decisions.

Is a higher price always a sign of a better breeder?

Not automatically. Price is one signal among several. A well-priced kitten from a transparent, TICA-registered program that health-tests, raises kittens in the home, and stays available after placement is worth more than a cheaper kitten from a program that cuts corners on any of those things. Ask questions, ask to see the parents, and pay attention to how the breeder communicates — that tells you more than the price tag alone.

Further reading: Maine Coon Health Issues Buyers Should Know · All About Polydactyl Maine Coons · Black Smoke Maine Coon Guide · FAQ