Finding a reputable Maine Coon breeder is not as simple as Googling "Maine Coon kittens near me" and picking the first result. The difference between a responsible breeder and a backyard breeder — or worse, a kitten mill — can mean the difference between a healthy, well-socialized companion and years of heartbreak and vet bills.

The good news: responsible breeders love these questions. They have nothing to hide and everything to be proud of. If a breeder gets defensive, evasive, or annoyed when you ask about health testing or their practices, that tells you everything you need to know.

Here are the 20 questions we recommend asking every Maine Coon breeder — and what the answers should sound like.

Health Testing Questions

1. Are both parents tested for HCM annually by a board-certified cardiologist?

This is the most important question you can ask. HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) is the leading cause of sudden cardiac death in cats and has a genetic component in Maine Coons. Annual echocardiograms by a cardiologist (not a general practice vet) are the gold standard. A responsible breeder will have current echo results — within the past 12 months — for all breeding cats and will share them without hesitation.

2. Are both parents DNA-tested for the HCM MYBPC3 mutation?

DNA testing identifies cats carrying the known HCM mutation. Note: a DNA-negative result does not guarantee a cat will never develop HCM (there are other variants not yet identified), which is why annual echos are still essential. But DNA testing is an important additional layer of screening.

3. Are both parents tested for SMA, PKD, and other genetic conditions?

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and polycystic kidney disease (PKD) are both preventable through DNA testing. A responsible breeder runs a full genetic panel on all breeding cats. Ask to see the results.

4. Have both parents been evaluated for hip dysplasia?

Maine Coons are prone to hip dysplasia due to their large size. OFA or PennHIP evaluations identify cats with poor hip conformation before they are used for breeding. Ask for the evaluation results.

5. Can I see the health testing documentation for both parents?

Do not just take their word for it. Ask to see the actual reports — echo results, DNA panel results, hip evaluations. A responsible breeder will have these on file and will share them readily. If they cannot produce documentation, the testing may not have happened.

Registration and Pedigree Questions

6. Are your cats TICA or CFA registered?

Registration with TICA (The International Cat Association) or CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association) means the cattery is accountable to an organization with a code of ethics. It also means the pedigree is documented and verifiable. Ask for the registration number and verify it on the TICA or CFA website.

7. Can I see the pedigree for both parents?

A pedigree shows the kitten's ancestry going back several generations. For European Maine Coons, you should see European import names in the pedigree. This is also how you verify that the cats are purebred Maine Coons and not mixed.

8. Are your breeding cats imported from Europe, or are they American lines?

European Maine Coons are bred to a more extreme standard — larger frames, more dramatic features, longer coats. If you want the "lion" look, you want European bloodlines. American lines tend to be slightly smaller and less extreme in type. Neither is better — it depends on what you are looking for.

Kitten Care and Socialization Questions

9. Where are the kittens raised?

Kittens raised in the home — underfoot, with children, dogs, and daily human interaction — are dramatically better socialized than kittens raised in a separate cattery building or in cages. Ask specifically where the kittens spend their time. "In our home" is the right answer.

10. At what age do you release kittens?

Kittens should not leave their mother and littermates before 12 weeks of age. The 8–12 week window is critical for social development — kittens removed too early are more likely to develop behavioral issues, anxiety, and aggression. Many responsible breeders hold kittens until 14–16 weeks. If a breeder releases kittens at 6 or 8 weeks, walk away.

11. What vaccinations will the kitten have received?

At minimum, kittens should have their first FVRCP (feline distemper) vaccination before going home. Ask for the vaccination schedule and records. Some breeders also vaccinate for FeLV (feline leukemia) — ask about their protocol.

12. Has the kitten been dewormed and treated for parasites?

All kittens should be dewormed before going home. Ask about their deworming protocol and whether the kitten has been tested for common parasites like coccidia and giardia.

13. Has the kitten been seen by a licensed veterinarian?

A responsible breeder has a vet examine each kitten before placement and provides a health certificate. This is not optional — it is basic due diligence.

Contract and Support Questions

14. Do you provide a written health guarantee?

A written contract protects both you and the kitten. It should specify what is covered (genetic conditions, congenital defects), for how long (typically 1–2 years for genetic issues), and what the remedy is (replacement kitten, partial refund, or contribution to vet costs). No contract means no accountability.

15. What is your spay/neuter policy?

Responsible breeders require pet-placement kittens to be spayed or neutered. This is typically specified in the contract, with a timeline (usually by 6 months of age). Some breeders require proof of the procedure. This is a sign of a responsible breeder who cares about where their kittens end up.

16. What happens if I can no longer keep the kitten?

A responsible breeder takes their kittens back — no questions asked, at any age. This is a hallmark of ethical breeding. If a breeder has no take-back policy, their kittens are more likely to end up in shelters.

17. Do you offer ongoing support after the kitten goes home?

The relationship with a good breeder does not end at pickup. Ask if they are available for questions about health, behavior, diet, and development. A breeder who disappears after the sale is a red flag.

Practical Questions

18. Can I visit and meet the parents?

Seeing the parents in person tells you a lot — their temperament, their size, their coat quality, and the conditions they are kept in. A breeder who refuses in-person visits (beyond reasonable biosecurity precautions) is hiding something. Video calls are an acceptable alternative for long-distance buyers, but ask to see both parents on camera.

19. What food are the kittens eating?

Ask specifically what brand and type of food the kittens are on so you can continue the same diet for the first few weeks. Sudden food changes cause digestive upset in kittens. A responsible breeder will send the kitten home with a supply of their current food.

20. What makes your cattery different from others?

This open-ended question gives the breeder a chance to tell you what they are proud of. Listen for specifics: health testing protocols, socialization practices, bloodline quality, show results, or community involvement. Vague answers ("we just love cats") are less reassuring than specific, detailed responses.

How Dashing Coons Answers These Questions

We welcome every one of these questions — and we have clear, documented answers for all of them. Our breeding cats are annually HCM-screened by a cardiologist, DNA-tested for the full genetic panel, and hip-evaluated. Our kittens are raised in our home in Southern Illinois, handled daily from birth, and go home with full health documentation, a written guarantee, and our personal cell number.

We are TICA-registered, we take our kittens back at any age, and we are available for questions for the lifetime of your cat. That is the standard we hold ourselves to — and the standard you should expect from any breeder you consider.

Ready to ask us these questions directly? Reach out anytime — we love talking about our cats.