Illinois families make up a meaningful portion of Dashing Coons buyers every year. Ballwin, Missouri sits just across the river from the Metro East area, and Chicago-area buyers regularly make the drive for a kitten they cannot find locally. This guide covers what to expect from the process, the drive, and the trip home with a new Maine Coon.

How far is the drive from Illinois?

From the Metro East area — Belleville, O'Fallon, Edwardsville, Collinsville — Ballwin is roughly 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and which bridge you cross. From Springfield, Illinois, the drive is approximately two hours. From Chicago, plan for four to five hours depending on traffic and your route through or around St. Louis.

Most buyers from the Chicago area find the drive entirely manageable for a kitten of this quality. Many make a day trip of it, combining the pickup with lunch in St. Louis or a stop along the way.

What the pickup process looks like

Pickup appointments are scheduled in advance. When you arrive at the cattery, you will meet the kitten you have reserved, see the environment the kitten was raised in, and have time to ask any remaining questions. We go over the health documentation, vaccination records, and care instructions together before you leave.

Plan for 30 to 60 minutes at the cattery. This is not a quick handoff — we want you to feel confident and prepared before you head home.

Preparing for the drive home

Bring a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier that is appropriately sized for a kitten. Line it with a familiar-smelling item if possible — we can provide a small piece of bedding with the litter's scent. Keep the carrier secured and level in the back seat or cargo area. Do not allow the kitten to roam the car during transit.

Keep the car temperature comfortable — Maine Coon kittens are not tolerant of extreme heat. Avoid loud music and sudden movements. Most kittens settle within 20 to 30 minutes of the drive, especially if the carrier is covered with a light blanket.

For longer drives from Chicago, a brief stop to offer water is fine, but do not open the carrier in a parking lot. Use a secure, enclosed space if the kitten needs to be removed from the carrier during the trip.

Illinois-specific considerations

Illinois does not require a health certificate for cats transported within the United States for personal ownership. However, having the kitten's vaccination records and health documentation with you is good practice and may be requested by a veterinarian at the first appointment.

Schedule the first veterinary appointment in Illinois within the first week of arrival. Bring all documentation provided at pickup.

Can Dashing Coons deliver to Illinois?

Yes. We offer ground delivery to Illinois buyers who prefer not to make the drive. A Dashing Coons team member personally transports the kitten to your home or a convenient meeting point. This is not cargo shipping — it is a personal delivery by someone the kitten knows. Read more about our delivery process or ask about delivery availability for your area.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to visit in person to reserve a kitten?

No. Many buyers reserve a kitten after a video call and then pick up in person when the kitten is ready. A $1,000 deposit holds your spot in the pick order.

Can I bring my children to the pickup?

Yes, and many families do. We ask that children be supervised and calm during the visit. Meeting the cattery environment is a great experience for kids who will be growing up with the kitten.

What if I am not ready to pick up on the scheduled date?

Contact us as early as possible if your schedule changes. We work with buyers on timing when we can, though kittens cannot stay beyond a certain age without additional boarding arrangements.

A practical next step

View our currently available kittens or join the waitlist to be notified when the next litter is ready. Illinois buyers are always welcome at Dashing Coons.