Maine Coon scams are everywhere. Facebook groups, Craigslist, random websites with professional-looking photos — the market for Maine Coon kittens is full of people selling cats that are not Maine Coons, cats that are sick, or cats that do not exist at all. Buyers lose thousands of dollars every year to scammers who have gotten very good at looking legitimate.

This guide is about how to protect yourself — and how to find a breeder who is genuinely doing things right.

Start With TICA Registration

The most important filter you can apply is TICA registration. The International Cat Association maintains a registry of registered catteries, and any legitimate Maine Coon breeder should be registered with TICA (or CFA, though TICA is more common for Maine Coons).

TICA registration is not just a badge — it means the breeder has agreed to follow TICA's code of ethics, which includes standards around health testing, breeding practices, and how kittens are sold. You can verify any cattery's registration directly on the TICA website.

If a breeder cannot provide a TICA registration number, or if the number does not check out on the TICA website, walk away. This is a non-negotiable starting point.

Our post on why TICA registration matters goes into more detail on what the registration actually means and how to verify it.

Demand Health Testing Documentation

Every responsible Maine Coon breeder tests their breeding cats for HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), SMA (spinal muscular atrophy), and PKD. These are genetic conditions that can be screened for through DNA testing, and there is no excuse for a serious breeder not to have this documentation.

The gold standard is UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory testing. Ask for the actual test results — not just a verbal assurance that the cats have been tested. Legitimate breeders will have no problem sharing this documentation.

If a breeder says their cats are "healthy" but cannot produce test results, that is a red flag. If they say health testing is unnecessary or too expensive, that is a bigger red flag.

Insist on a Video Call

Before you put down any money, insist on a live video call where you can see the kitten and the environment it is being raised in. A legitimate breeder will welcome this. A scammer will make excuses.

On the video call, look for: a clean, home environment (not a cage or a barn), kittens that are alert and curious, a breeder who can answer your questions knowledgeably, and visible evidence of the parent cats.

If the breeder refuses a video call, offers only photos, or says the kitten is "at the vet" every time you ask to see it live — these are serious warning signs.

Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away

Price that seems too good: Legitimate Maine Coon kittens from health-tested, TICA-registered breeders start at $2,500 to $3,500 and go up from there. A "Maine Coon" kitten for $500 or $800 is either not a Maine Coon, not healthy, or both.

Pressure to pay immediately: Scammers create urgency. "Another family is interested, you need to decide today." A legitimate breeder will give you time to make a thoughtful decision.

Payment by wire transfer or gift card: These are untraceable and non-refundable. Legitimate breeders accept deposits by check, Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal — methods that leave a paper trail.

No contract or health guarantee: Every legitimate breeder provides a written contract and a health guarantee. If there is no paperwork, there is no accountability.

Kittens available immediately with no waitlist: Good breeders have waitlists. If a breeder always has kittens immediately available in multiple colors and ages, ask yourself why.

What a Good Breeder Looks Like

A reputable Maine Coon breeder will ask you as many questions as you ask them. They want to know about your home, your lifestyle, whether you have other pets, and what you are looking for in a cat. They are not just selling a product — they are placing a living animal with a family, and they care about where that animal ends up.

They will have a website with real photos of their actual cats, documented pedigrees, health testing results, and a clear process for how kittens are placed. They will be reachable, responsive, and willing to stay in touch after the kitten goes home.

They will also have a waitlist, because demand for quality Maine Coon kittens from responsible breeders is high and supply is limited.

If you are looking for a breeder that meets all of these standards, we would love to introduce you to what we do at Dashing Coons. Learn about our cattery, meet our breeding cats, or reach out directly — we are always happy to answer questions.